Starting a new cut mid way

If I have a templit that I'm useing on sheetmetal as my guide for a design should I predrill my hole to start or is there a good way to start my hole with my PP50 without hurting my tip or metal spatering to start my cutout design. Thanks

I think alot would depend on the thickness and type of metal you are using. On 1/8" mild steel, my plasma cutter will punch a 1/8" hole thru directly from above, and I can begin a cut. More info?

I have always thought it to be better to drill a pilot hole to start on detailed stuff. But as Smith said, it's not really necessary on stuff less than, I want to say, less than 3/16 of an inch thick. Since you have a S45 torch with pilot arc I would recommend boosting the power to 10-12amps above the amperage you will be using to cut, use an old tip, and do all your pilot holes that way. Then put a nice tip in and zoom, get blasting away. :)

I have heard some people say to pre drill and others say to angle the torch when you go to start a hole. I have blown a hole through thin material and some of the other thicker stuff I angled the torch and cut.

I asked that question on a different forum and one of the gurus said it takes about a tenth of a second to pierce (I think 1/4"). Still want to make sure it's not gonna go down your collar, I suppose, but I was picturing it taking much longer.