The modern problem needs a modern solution, and that’s why you need to use the best plasma cutter for solving your welding issues. However, using the best plasma cutter offer you a very convenient and fairly useful.

Though, it can provide you with so many benefits where the best one is that “freeform” of cuts and as well as, these cutters are also made to give you the right amount of metal base cutting on guiding the cutter.

Furthermore, this machine actually works by leading plasma within the creation of a circuit, whereas, a ground clamp is also very necessary, much like welding. Also, if you are new into this field, and don’t know how to use a plasma cutter, then here you are at the right place.

In this article, we will show you the proper use of a plasma cutter so that you can probably do your best on your first day of work. So, let’s find out the proper working of plasma cutter with our step by step guideline below.

What is a Plasma Cutter?

A plasma cutter is a new way of a that normally use to cut down all types of metal. While using the machine, welders can be able to further cut down the metal in any way they please.

Moreover, this machine works on the input power of (110v or 220v) and as well as processes it via a machine in a way to cut virtually any or different types of metal while taking help with the torch of the machine.

Although, the torch of the plasma cutter offers you precise cuts every time. This simple and easy to use plasma cutter machine is really helpful and absolutely useful that so many people equate it to having a good welder, once you start using the plasma cutter, you won’t need to buy another one for sure.

Thus, plasma cutters simply provide you with the ability to quickly look at any piece of metal and then cut them down in a very safe manner. There are so many professionals out there who prefer to use the plasma cutter to perform their metalworking.

Also, you can use some other tools as well to perform your welding issues, but if you are looking to get something that costs you much lesser and ended you up with faster results, then you need to choose the best plasma cutter.

Simple Steps To Use A Plasma Cutter

1. Select your work location where you need to perform easily:

So, when you are planning to cut off the metal, you need to make sure to have a secure place where you can perform your work without any distractions. However, you have to place the metal on a kind of flat surface that would be safe enough to give you a kind of freedom so that you can move easily.

Furthermore, a “grate” or even though a similar surface or you can choose a flat table as well to perform your work over to it. Also, the surface should be secure and stand with proper security (careful enough that the surface won’t move during the time of performance).

2. Now your next step would be to plug in the unit simply:

Here, you need to make sure to perform this step very carefully, although, you have to confirm that the unit is switched off so that you can easily plug it in. The switch actually needs to be switched off before you are up to perform your metal cutting with a plasma cutter.

Sometimes it happens that welders forget to switch off the unit and directly plug it in (that is extremely dangerous). Kindly switch off the unit first, then you can plug it in to start up your working time.

3. Simply begin with the next step and connect the Air:

In this step, you need to further connect the external air compressor directly towards to the plasma cutter. Although, this also needs to make sure that the actual stream of plasma keeps under high pressure (it is actually very crucial for you to make sure about this).

However, to attach the fittings, you need to start with this while recede the outer flange of that female connection and then simply insert the male connection. And you will get the results while connecting the Air of the plasma cutter. Make sure to connect them properly and tightly.

4. Turn on the Air now to begin the further process:

Now in that step, you just need to turn on the overall airflow. However, make sure to turn the lever towards its ninety degrees from the perpendicular towards the airline to inline.

Carefully complete the process above and then you can go with the other step to use a plasma cutter for the first time. Although, when you are done with all the processes, you can enjoy getting the experience of using a plasma cutter on your own without taking any help from others.

5. Make sure to attach the ground clamp:

So, now you are very close to performing your first task of using the best plasma cutter. Although, here you need to set the metal which is actually placing on the table (that you already prepared earlier). Now, simply attach the ground clamp near to the metal area where you need to cut it.

Closely attach the ground clamp near to the cutting area so that you can perform with a professional touch without any issue or distraction. This clamp is really helpful to keep the metal stay on its position and prevent it from too much movement.

6. You are almost done, simply turn on the machine:

Of course, you are too close now to operate the plasma cutter for the first time and experience the best cutting quality and performance ever. However, now you can turn on the machine, and you can do it just by flipping the switch behind the area of the unit within the ON position.

Make sure to turn on the machine in a proper way. If you find any issue or misunderstanding, then you can simply comment on us to find out more about this step.

7. Then, set the current of the machine:

In this case, you can now set the current of the machine. However, it’s up to which amount of current you need to choose. Here we select 25 for 18 ga sheet metal. You can set the current according to your needs.

Choosing the current is the major step that gives you a smooth and clean-cut, even though, on your first attempt, you will get the fast and secure results for sure to easily cut the thickest metals.

8. Start to cut your metal now:

Now, here you can go with the step by using the gun’s trigger so that you can activate the plasma cutter quickly. However, you need to make sure to use the trigger’s safety, whereas, the trigger must be lifted at the moment before you can reduce the trigger.

Now, make sure to keep your cutter (nozzle end) very close to the end of the metal and as well as, don’t forget to use the guide circling the nozzle so that you can easily trace templates if you have them, so.

9. Turn off the machine:

So, now when you are done finishing your cutting job, don’t forget to switch off or turn off the machine. The best plasma cutter needs to be turned on just at the time of needs, and immediately turn off, when the work has been done completely.

So, that’s why you have to turn off the machine at the moment just when you are done with the machine.

10. Disconnect to those ground clamp:

All steps need to be repeated now at the time of turning off the machine. So, now, you have to disconnect the ground clamp after turning off the plasma cutter from the metal that you are working on.

This needs to be followed up carefully. Don’t just pull out the clamp roughly; make sure to disconnect the clamp very carefully and gently.

11. Turn off the air:

So, now, you can easily turn off the air just by rotating the lever towards the 90 degrees, straight from inline to line perpendicular. Turning off the air is very easy, but of course, the step also needs to be done carefully and not roughly.

12. Now, simply wind up all of those hoses:

Now, in this case, you need to just wrap up the plasma gun line, as well as its airline, and also the ground line.

That’s it. You are done operating the plasma cutter for the first time without any issue or distraction. You need to make sure to follow up all these steps above to use a plasma cutter without taking any help.

The plasma cutters are the best option to cut down any type of metal easily. However, this would be a new modern way in the category of welding to easily go through different types of metal cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to invest in the plasma cutter?

Well, it actually depends on the quality of the machine. There are so many plasma cutters available in the market right now that offer you a limited amount of money (that would surely come under your budget). As the market of the plasma cutters increasing day by day, all because of various brands and models.

To be honest, there is no objection in investing a huge amount on something that has built with durability and reliability, and of course, plasma cutters are such machines that absolutely need to be durable and more reliable.

So, if you want to get the experience with some top brands names, then you can choose the one like Miller, Lincoln, and Hypertherm, these will surely provide you with 100% results.

These brands are good enough to deliver such high-quality plasma cutters that are capable enough even to cut down the thickest metal ever.

A plasma cutter with a built-in air compressor is good enough?

Some plasma cutters already have made with the quality of built-in air compressors so that they can supply the machine along with air meanwhile when you are busy with the cutting.

However, these types of plasma cutter machines are specially made for such users who are just looking to get a mobile machine to perform well without any issue or distractions.

Although, this is also true that these types of machines which have built-in air compressor comes in a lot more expensive way. But of course, we suggest you choose such a machine in that case when you need a mobility feature only.

How often do I need to replace consumables?

Consumables are actually the most important part of the plasma cutter’s torch that needs to wear out above time after you have done with the performance of numerous cuts. However, you can replace the consumables after 8 to 14 months, it actually depends on the time of using the machine.

Do I need any safety precautions at the time of using the machine?

Yes, you do need some of these important precautions below:

• Plasma helmet to cover your eyes and face
• Welding beanie
• Welding gloves
• Welding jacket
• Hard material of jeans
• Laced and tied boots
• Fire extinguisher.

Final verdict:

How to use a plasma cutter is definitely not that easy, you have to learn the proper uses of this machine. So, that’s why we showed you the step by step guide of using the best plasma cutter on your own. However, don’t forget to use all the safety precautions before you are going to use the machine.

So, why are you waiting for? Let’s pick up the best plasma cutter now and start cutting down all those metals just like a hot knife.