Q&A topic

Plasma cutting: 9 questions answered

• How does plasma cutting work?

  Plasma cutting (plasma arc cutting): a superheated, constricted arc blows molten metal through the cut — clean cuts on any conduct…

• What is plasma cutting used for?

  Plasma cutting is used for cutting steel and stainless, sheet and plate, curved/precise cuts and scrapping and demolition. In Aust…

• How hard is plasma cutting to learn?

  Plasma cutting is easy to learn — drag-the-tip cutting works in minutes. Expect same-day usable beads.…

• What gas does plasma cutting use?

  Plasma cutting uses compressed air (most units).…

• How thick can a plasma cutter cut?

  A 40 A unit cleanly cuts 10 mm steel (severs 14 mm); 60 A handles 16 mm clean; 80–100 A machines reach 28 mm+.…

• Common plasma cutting mistakes and how to fix them

  The most common plasma cutting mistakes: piercing too close to the plate; dragging the tip on thick plate when it's rated for stan…

• Can you do plasma cutting outdoors?

  Yes, plasma cutting handles outdoor use well — the arc is confined and air-shielded. Rain and cutting don't mix electrically, but …

• What angle should the torch be for plasma cutting?

  Stay square to the plate, travel perpendicular along your line; dragging the tip sideways widens the kerf and snags the nozzle.…

• What settings for 3 mm steel on Plasma cutting?

  For 3 mm mild steel on Plasma cutting: 40 A at a steady 60–70% of max travel speed — slow enough to sever clean, fast enough to av…