Need Help!- Different between hand torch& machine torch

[ltran2000]

I plan to setup a plasma cnc but can not decide which plasma, hand torch
or machine torch ( what the different) to use with THC, Thanks for your help.
Ltran2000

[Weldtutor]

Originally Posted by ltran2000 hand torch or machine torch ( what the different) to use with THC,

Machine torch is straight, has no switch only wiring to connect to CNC controls, is mounted vertically & not used for manual cutting.

Hand torch has a 70 to 90 degree angled front end at the nozzle, has a switch for the user to start the arc or can have the CNC controls start the arc by adding wiring to the plasma power source, can be adapted for machine use by mounting as shown in picture (Thermal Dynamics Torch), or hand held for manual use.

[jimcolt]

With Hypertherm Powermax plasma systems...the hand torch and the machine torch are internally identical......the hand torch is ergonomically designed to fit in a human hand.....and the machine torch is in a 1-3/8" diameter barrel with a rack gear...which is designed to fit in an oxy-fuel machine torch holder.

The torches have different ratings as far as pierce and maximum thickness go....but that is only because with a torch in your hand you can tip the torch to pierce thicker material...and with most machine torch applications the torch has to pierce perpendicular to the plate...which allows molten metal to blow back on the consumables.

Jim Colt

[ltran2000]

Thanks a lot for the info.

[Pure-Powder]

So if buying which would be better, will a Machine torch give a nicer cut, than a Hand torch... When reading stats on hypertherm the Machine torch has about half the cutting depth... so whats the advantage of using a Machine torch over a Hand Torch...

[Normsthename]

When reading stats on hypertherm the Machine torch has about half the cutting depth... so whats the advantage of using a Machine torch over a Hand Torch...

The reason for this is that when using a hand torch on thick material you angle the torch to pierce thru' the thick material.
With a machine torch it is mounted vertically and it cannot angle the pierce.
So it limits its pierce capacity.

Hope this helps.

Andy

[Pure-Powder]

So when mounted on a plasma table they would have the same capacity, is this right. Do to the fact that they are both mounted at 90 degrees to the working surface!

[jimcolt]

That is correct....the Hypertherm hand torch and machine torch...when mounted on a machine...perpendicular to the plate....will cut identically. Same thickness, same speed, same quality, same consumable life. I cannot speak for other manufacturers...but this is true with the Hypertherm Powermax series torches.

Jim Colt