So I recently got my 40D and started to play with it after looking up some info on the web on how to use plasma cutters. I'd like to eventually cut 1/4" plate with it but I have been practicing on some 3/16" pieces I have around, they are clean and rust free. I only have one 220 outlet in the garage and my air compressor uses it so I had to wire the 40D to a 110 volt. Its harder then heck to keep a steady hand to keep the arc going. So since there are no instructions how how to actually use this machine I thought i'd ask here. Just like the pdf file from the longevity website says, touch the tip to the metal and start the arc. Do you have to leave it on the metal to make your cut or raise it up? Seems like the only way I could get it to work is to raise up. It just seems like there is no way that I can hold this thing steady enough to actually cut anything. And I have the amps turned all the way up to max, readout says 37, and it just cuts the 3/6" (when I can hold my damn hand steady enough) I'm running 60psi right now, the instructions say 50-75. I take it the higher psi blows the slag out better?

Will I have to use 220v to cut 1/4"?? I have a 60 gal air tank so I could probably unplug it and plug the plasma into that outlet to make my cuts then air up the tank again...

Any advice would be great!

Mark

My first cuts...
http://i36.tinypic.com/2afjqit.jpg

It takes some practice to cut steady freehand. You can use a straight piece on metal to drag the torch along as a gide for long straight cuts.

I have a similar machine, different brand. Never tried it on 110, but it cuts 1/4" like butter about as fast as I can move the torch on 220. I can cut for about 10 min before my compressor cuts on.

I put on a 220v plug, and higher psi on the air and it slices through 3/8" like fucking butter. You can even knock the little slag left over off with a welding hammer.

http://i38.tinypic.com/2wf5u38.jpg

You should be close to the metal, but not dragging on the metal to save the tips.

One tip we have is get a steel brush and brush off the burn parts from your tip in between a few cuts. We do that while testing and that improves the tip life!

Thanks for the pics! 70PSI is the recommended setting.

Here is the link to the newest manual:

http://longevity-inc.com/manuals/16_1.pdf

Simon