Plasma cutting holes?

[GalaticDan]

Hi,

Just been reading lots of threads on plasma cuting and I'm getting the impression that small holes maybe a problem. I want to know whats the smallest diameter holes that can DIY plasma could cut? Now I know this depends upon so many factors like Touch band, head type etc. I have no experience of any yet.

Thanks

Dan

[Redline]

I have been cutting 3/8 holes with my setup.I just cut them undersize then i ream them out with a 3/8 drill bit.

[edwardpic]

I have cut all the way down to 1/4" holes in 1/4" plate with great results and a uni-bit on the holes to clean them up. I use the uni because I ship these parts, if I was installing them here no clean up would be needed.

[Scratch]

I have alot of orders for parts with 3/8" holes and for me, it's the same as Redline. I cut them undersize and drill them out. I can get the holes to be nice on the front of the piece but the backside gets ugly sometimes. I offer pricing for me to drill them, or for my customers to drill them. Most of the time, my customers want to save the money and drill 'em themselves.

[BallisticFab]

We peirce the holes with a 1 second blast then come back with the ironworker and punch the holes with a piloted punch.

[alliance_metal]

with my PlasmaCAM table I've cut holes as small as 1/8th inch cleanly. I have to admit I prefer to cut undersized as well and drill the rest.

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by alliance_metal with my PlasmaCAM table I've cut holes as small as 1/8th inch cleanly. I have to admit I prefer to cut undersized as well and drill the rest.

What thickness of steel are you cutting and what torch are you using?

[alliance_metal]

the thickest I've cut small holes like that was 3/16ths (so far) and I'm using the Hypertherm Powermax 380. For the most part though I'm cutting 1/8th inch and 16 gauge ..I like cutting the thicker stuff, I just haven't had a call for it recently.

[Dale Heart]

I usually cut with oxy-fuel and I've done 3/8” diameter holes - it's brilliant. High definition plasma is like a laser, you can cut as small a hole as you like. But the thing to watch for with oxy or plasma is the lead in path so as not to get a nasty edge gouge.

[Craig3010]

The rule of thumb I use is the diameter=plate thickness, with the lead in starting at the center of the hole.