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Managing the Plasma Mess
I love my plasma cutter,but I hate the mess it leaves.
Also, all the little balls of fire rolling around on the floor doesn't
get me too excited (or maybe it does). Consequently, I started to avoid
using it. A light bulb went off when I had to cut the legs off of 20
brackets. I used the on/off magnet to hold the part while the molten
hot material from the cut was deposited in a bucket with a few inches
of water. Worked great. A clean floor and a lot less of a fire hazard.
What do you do with bigger parts???? I haven't had the need yet, but
I'm looking for a big baking type pan. WARNING: using a
plasma torch to cut metal above water can result in a potentially
explosive situation. Never cut aluminum with a plasma torch while the
aluminum is in contact with water, and always use adequate ventilation
whenever you use your plasma torch. For your safety, read and follow
the instructions in the operating and safety manuals that came with
your torch. Refer to AWS
C5.2:2001, RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR PLASMA ARC CUTTING AND GOUGING,
for safety best practices.
Don't Skip It
I'm sure everyone has heard the instructions of using "anti-seize" when
assembling stainless hardware. This is good advice. What I didn't
realize was, a nut and bolt can seize-up even when you are just mocking
up an assembly. I recently was building an exhaust system and threaded
the hanger assembly together to check the fit. My final assembly
hardware was stainless, so that's what I used for the check fit. I
tightened up the bolt to see the final fit. (not a good idea) I
didn't use anti-seize and the bolt and nut immediately tried to become
one. In the photo, it doesn't look like it would be impossible to
disassemble the nut and bolt. IT WAS. The little fusion you see at the
pen tip was all it took to make it stick. I was lucky because I could
drill the head off of the bolt. As messy as anti-seize it, (and I hate
it) don't skip the process (use steel nuts and bolts for mock-ups)
Bump Stop
Stick a rubber bumper at the end of your drill chuck
when drilling thru a finished piece. If the drill suddenly
decides to take off and run thru the hole, the bumper will save the
finish. This headlight rim wasn't finished yet so I didn't tape the
hole I was drilling. The tape will stop the bumper from marking
the piece also.
Double Duty
I picked up one of these ratchets at the parts store
and it has become a favorite. No need to explain how this works.
Leave a Little Room
When I cut thru a piece of expensive material, I scribe another line to
stay outside the finish line. This was a 1" 6061 plate and had no room
for error. Takes an extra minute to bring it down to size, but it's
worth it. Also, I use a wax lube made by DoAll when cutting heavy
plate. Cuts better without a mess. The blade for this was a 4-6 tooth.
Do not try to cut thru thick materials without changing to the proper
blade. Remember that the proper speed and feed will give you more
mileage for your money.
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-- Dick
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