New to Plasma cutters.... Questions?

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12-08-2011, 04:48 PM
CGCINC

New to Plasma cutters.... Questions?

I'm looking at the Everlast PowerPlasma 50 but it is the only one that has the Blowback start instead of HF. Why?

I had a blue TIG machine that was a lift arc start, hated it. I now have a 250EX and Love the HF start. This is my only experience with HF start but I like it and wouldn't want it any other way. Why wouldn't I want HF start for my Plasma? Seems it would be easier to start and maybe better on the cutting tips?
12-08-2011, 04:58 PM
performance

Blowback is the industry standard. HF causes a lot of EM issues. Having HF is like holding a tiger by the tail, electronically speaking. Its not easier on the tips...HF is older technology, Blowback is reliable, no maintenance either. 20 years ago, the industry started transistioning from HF to blowback because they wrestled with the issues that we wrestle with in the HF cutters...HF can be unpredictable...though we have got it mostly under control, every once in a while it has a habit of jumping a circuit or two...and POW!!! right in the kisser. That's why we encourage the use of the additional HF ground on the rear...IF you take a look at Miller's manuals on their TIGs, with HF, they suggest everything metal in a radius of 25ft (or more?) radius be individually grounded as well.
12-08-2011, 05:12 PM
CGCINC

Thanks, just wondering. I will probably go with the PP50 for that reason. I was just confused when it was the only one that was blowback.
I'm sure this question comes up a bunch.

Is this a good candidate for a Plasma cutting table? I plan on making a DIY table next year...
12-08-2011, 06:47 PM
performance

Yes, for materials 1/4" and under.
12-08-2011, 06:55 PM
todmorg

Quote:

Originally Posted by CGCINC

Thanks, just wondering. I will probably go with the PP50 for that reason. I was just confused when it was the only one that was blowback.
I'm sure this question comes up a bunch.

Is this a good candidate for a Plasma cutting table? I plan on making a DIY table next year...

I would recommend whatever cutter you get has a voltage divider and ready for movement contacts. These can be built ( been there ), but it lots easier if they are included.
12-08-2011, 07:35 PM
CGCINC

Quote:

Originally Posted by todmorg

I would recommend whatever cutter you get has a voltage divider and ready for movement contacts. These can be built ( been there ), but it lots easier if they are included.

This is the stuff I need to research before I buy/build.
I just got my info I requested on the "PlasmaCAM" plasma cutting table. About $7000 for the table so I'm sure I can build cheaper than that...
12-09-2011, 01:43 AM
parkour

Plenty of reading here about the topic. -> http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_pl...rjet_machines/

A couple of prolific posters are jimcolt; he works for hypertherm, and has a lot of good info. Torchhead/TOM Caudle is another prolific poster who has a lot of good info about cnc plasma cutting in general, but is particularly knowledgeable about torch height control. He produces and sells electronic hardware to accomplish the task.
12-09-2011, 06:40 PM
CGCINC

Quote:

Originally Posted by parkour

Plenty of reading here about the topic. -> http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_pl...rjet_machines/

A couple of prolific posters are jimcolt; he works for hypertherm, and has a lot of good info. Torchhead/TOM Caudle is another prolific poster who has a lot of good info about cnc plasma cutting in general, but is particularly knowledgeable about torch height control. He produces and sells electronic hardware to accomplish the task.

Thanks for the info! Your very helpful, which is a good thing!! :D