Water Table

[Big John T]

What is the practical minimum depth of a water table? Will it be effective if it is below the slats (2" below the material)?

Thanks
John

[Fiero Addiction]

Mine helps greatly to remove sparks and smoke even with the water 2" below the sheet/plate, but I normally run it about .5 to .75" below.

[Big John T]

How deep would you say the water needs to be?

Thanks
John

[Fiero Addiction]

I think any amount of water would be helpful, but you don't want it so shallow that it just gets pushed out of the way by the plasma air stream. Also, the more volume you have, the longer it will be between cleanings. I'd guess that as little as .5" or 1" deep water 2" below the sheet would be enough to be useful, but not optimal. You wouldn't get much cooling effect from the water splashing up on the sheet, but it should contain the sparks and a good bit of the smoke. If it's not too late I'd design it so you can bring the water level up as high as possible.

[Big John T]

It's never too late to change your mind about something. I think that I'll get a baking tin or something similar to try out some different ideas on some smaller parts. I don't cut parts often but when I do I think a water table would be a benefit after seeing the effects of not using one. I've actually cut enough to make the Hypertherm cooling fan come on. That's never happened during hand cutting...

Thanks
John