powermax 45, machine cut with drag tip

[tmbg]

I'm finishing up my table, and I hope to be able to make test cuts in the next couple days. Problem is, it's the weekend and all I have for my Powermax 45 are shielded consumables, the kind with the standoff drag shield.

What's the standoff distance? I'm sure I can run it without THC with the drag shield, but can I enable the THC, or will it want to try to lower the torch more than the tip will allow?


Finally, what are the finecut consumables that I keep hearing about? Are they the T30v consumables that are listed on this page?

[jimcolt]

The problem with using the shield that is designed for drag cutting when you are machine cutting...is that to get the ideal arc length, the torch must drag on the plate. You can increase your arc voltage on your height control so that it will rise off the plate slightly, however expect an effect on cut quality. You should be able to find a a mechanized shield at a Hypertherm distributor, it is part number 220673, or, if you have an extra hand shield you can file about .060" off the face...and it should work similarly to the machine shield. For most steel cutting the machine shield should operate at .060" from the plate, for hand cutting the drag shield should be on the plate.

Piercing should always be done at a higher distance per the cut charts in the manual.

There are no FineCut parts for the Powermax45.....fine cut parts were developed for the Powermax600, 1000, 1250 and 1650 before the new "conical flow" technology (that your Powermax45 uses) was developed. The conical flow allows for the same cut quality on thin materials as FineCut, but with the same consumables that you cut the thicker materials with. Just turn the power down to 30-45 amps, adjust speed to minimize dross, and adjust torch height to .060 and the standard consumables will cut as good, yet last dramatically longer as compared to FineCut. The 30 Amp parts that are available for the Powermax30 will work in the Powermax45....however in my experience I see no advantage.

The newest Hypertherm units, the Powermax65 and Powermax85 will have 45 amp conical flow (as well as 65 and 85) and will be offered with Fine Cut consumables as well....while our process engineers don't think the FineCuts are as good as the 45 amp conical flow....we are making them available due to demand from our customers.

Jim Colt

[tmbg]

220673, huh? Now I see the mechanized torch parts page. I was looking at the hand torch page, and I assumed the parts that I wanted were the unshielded deflector and nozzle, parts 220717 and 220718.

That's good news, as i have a bunch of the 220671 nozzles, and the fact that the mechanized shield works with the same nozzles will save me some money. I'll call around and see if I can get a mechanized shield locally.

Under what conditions would one want to use the unshielded parts?

[tmbg]

Nobody stocks that shield locally either! Drat.

[jimcolt]

A lot of people use the hand torch in a machine application....and the Powermax manual is not real clear about it, but regardless of the torch (hand or machine) you use the machine torch cut chart and consumable list for mechanized cutting. There is information about pierce height, pierce delay time, torch standoff, as well as a column of "recommended" or optimal speeds for mechanized cutting.

The non shielded parts for hand cutting make the torch a little more pointed, allowing it to get into some tighter spots. With non shielded consumables you cannot drag cut (if you do you will experience short nozzle life), and you can expect worse cut quality. We produce non shielded parts because some of our customers like them.

Jim

[jimcolt]

As I said in my earlier post....you can sand or file .060" (1/16") off the nose of a hand shield and voila!, a machine shield.

Jim Colt

[tmbg]

yeah, that's my plan. I bought a spare 220674 today and I'll machine it down on the mill. Next week I'll order the proper shield.


Thanks for all your help, Jim!

[sdubfid]

Wow I was just going to post this exact same thread tonight but it's already been done. I just started wondering about it the other day.

I've been using the drag tip on my torchmate 2x2 since january. I was happy with the results. Can't wait to see how it will be with the right tip on there.

[rodder]

So if using a 220674 with a torch height of .060, would setting torch height to .000 and get the same effect of the 220673?

[jimcolt]

Yes.....if you drag the drag shield (there is no part on a Hypertherm torch called a tip!)....the the arc voltage or arc length is the same as with .060" standoff on the machine shield.

Jim

[rodder]

Wow, thanks for the quick reply. Incredible support!!!!!!

I love my new PM45. I was lucky to realize I could build my own table to go with it. My two boys are loving the possibilities and do well with a torch and welder in their hands. Now both working on design software and making stupid little throwing knifes and ninja stars.

I am having problems locating the mechanized shield 220673. Can anyone list a good source?

Thanks!

Jerry
Boise

[jimcolt]

For any Hypertherm part: Hypertherm | Plasma Cutters | Plasma Cutting Equipment | Metal Cutting Equipment click on "where to buy" and every Hypertherm distributor is listed by region.

Jim Colt