newbie c.n.c.er

[Kmanco]

hello,I would like to introduce my self to this t-mate forum,the names Keith,I just purchased a bolt together 4x4 table with a t-dynamic 101 with machine torch,I purchased this machine for a new hand tool product i have developed and plan to produce.I have never touched a c.n.c. machine before or used a plasma cutter,been messing with it for 3 weeks now and i'm learning alot.My question is i am primarily cutting 1/4 hot rolled plate for my parts,what tip shoud i use ?the parts have inside and out side corners.what speed or amp will produce the best edge?i I have been about 30 i.p.m. at 80 amp 75-80 psi with a 40a tip,the cuts don't seem to be consistent?what would you pro's recommend for a base line?Thanks in advace for any advice..kman

[Mike@Torchmate]

We usually run 70-80 amps at 90 inches per minute on our 1/4" plate. You seem to have the right process of adjusting your cut quality based on speed, and amperage. Have you played with your height setting at all?

[Kmanco]

Mike,I set it around 1/8 inch or a little less.Should i use the 40a tip or 80a tip?I squared up the torch like the book says but sometimes the cut comes out beveled alot like the torch is leaning to the side but it's not and then the next part comes out straight.Is it too much amperage with slow feed rate undermining the kerf?

[Kmanco]

Mike,I set it around 1/8 inch or a little less.Should i use the 40a tip or 80a tip?I squared up the torch like the book says but sometimes the cut comes out beveled alot like the torch is leaning to the side but it's not and then the next part comes out straight.Is it too much amperage with slow feed rate undermining the kerf?

[jddurham]

Hello I have T-dynamic 151 on 1/4 hr I use a 40a tip with 40amp power at 45lpi U will have to play with the rampe speed to get clean corners I use 30lpi for that
Belvel on a stright line means you are going to fast. The key is that i learned was fast speed did not help anything a good clean burn with little or no clean up was the ticket
also over powering the tip only blowes the tip size out EXP: if U use a 40a tip w/80amp power after about 4 cuts your tip will be 80-100 amp size.
Also I learned that with T-Dynamics tourches If you are running at 80amps you need a good 100amp services to you tourch
I use 40a for 3/16 and lower
60amp for 1/2
and 80 for above
Feel free to email me at jdurham@collinsteel.com

[Kmanco]

JD,Thanks for the info ,what do you think the life span on a 40a tip at 40 amps on 1/4 inch steel?

[jddurham]

OK If no water in the air and the tip does not hit bottom you should get at least 1or2 4x8 sheets also I get 2-3 tips to 1 electrode.
I try to do as much as possable with 40amp tips, You get a finer line and a cleaner cut
in the long run the the job works better than try to up the amps and go faster
JD