Shielded or Unshielded??

[Kentuckyfarmer]

JIM my machine torch on my 65 came set up with a shield retainer, I use floating Z setup for thc from CandCnc.
My question is should i be using unshielded retainers, this just came to mind for me today, I am slow sometime.
Thanks
Mike

[jimcolt]

Shielded parts provide longer consumable life, better cut quality, as well as the ability to pierce thicker. The only reason to use unshielded is when you are cutting parts that require close access of the torch....the unshielded consumables are pointier.

Unshielded is old plasma technology, shielded is newer tech.

Jim