PM65 - which finecut consumables?

[tikka308]

Finally up and running (Powermax 65, 4x4 Growth w/ AVHC). Focus is on 3/16 and 1/4" for now - so all the talk on Pirate says FineCut consumables are the way to go. Page 3-16 of the Powermax manual shows Shielded and Unshielded consumables (with the only difference between the two being the shield/deflector and the retaining cap). Which do I want?

[North Shore Fab]

i dont have a 65 but a powermax1000 i dont think my cut chart goes to .25'' with fine cuts. do the newer machines capable of that with fine cut?

[jdh239]

I have the duramax torch upgrade, so I don't know if it varies, but if you are looking for better definition, you will be going with the unshielded I believe. I think Jim Colt always uses the shielded.

If your avhc drags your torch with the unshielded you are just about guaranteed to ruin the nozzle. With the shielded there is a chance it might survive.

[nulbmanager]

My powermax 65 book only goes to 10 ga. If you run the finecut I recommend the ohmic shield, the deflector will allow the consumable to touch the material and short out...there was a thread recently on finecut cutting 3/16 which basically said you'll have to slow way down.

[BESRK]

I've cut quite a bit of small stuff from 3/16" with Finecut Consumables on my PM1250.. 40 amps. I just dropped the feerate about 10ipm (from 1/8" settings) and bumped the voltage up about 5 volts (from 83 to around 88 or so). Does nice cuts but the consumables don't last nearly as long as shielded 40amp stuff.

Unless I need fine detail, I prefer 40amp shielded for everyday cutting of 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4" material.

[jimcolt]

FineCut consumables are designed for use on materials that are 10 ga and thinner. Many use them for thicker materials.....I prefer to use the 45 amp shielded parts on materials thicker than 10 ga.

I suggest always using the 220948 shield with the FineCut consumables....it protects the nozzle from touching the plate....which shortens life and affects cut quality. Use the 220854 retaining cap (the other one is for machines that have ohmic contact for sensing the surface of the plate).

If the speeds in your manual are too high for your machine...then contact me and I will send you a revised set of cut charts for the use with FineCut consumables at speeds under 150 inches per minute.

Jim Colt

Here are the FineCut consumables from the Powermax65/85 manual:

Originally Posted by tikka308

Finally up and running (Powermax 65, 4x4 Growth w/ AVHC). Focus is on 3/16 and 1/4" for now - so all the talk on Pirate says FineCut consumables are the way to go. Page 3-16 of the Powermax manual shows Shielded and Unshielded consumables (with the only difference between the two being the shield/deflector and the retaining cap). Which do I want?

[tikka308]

Thanks, Jim.

The retaining cap and swirl ring are much longer lasting, right? In other words, to stock up for a new-guy to learn, I'll buy multiple:

1) 220817 Shield's (for regular [e.g. NOT FineCut])
2) 220941 45A and 220819 65A Nozzles
3) 220842 electrode
4) 220948 FineCut Shield
5) 220930 FineCut Nozzle

But I won't need to keep, say, more than one extra retaining cap or swirl ring on hand?

[jimcolt]

The parts that you need multiples on are the electrode and nozzle....depending on what you are cutting.....you may use 2 to 3 nozzles per electrode.

The retaining cap, shield and swirl ring will last for maybe 100 to 200 nozzle changes.

Its good to have a spare cap and a spare swirl ring....perhaps a couple of shields.

Jim Colt

Originally Posted by tikka308

Thanks, Jim.

The retaining cap and swirl ring are much longer lasting, right? In other words, to stock up for a new-guy to learn, I'll buy multiple:

1) 220817 Shield's (for regular [e.g. NOT FineCut])
2) 220941 45A and 220819 65A Nozzles
3) 220842 electrode
4) 220948 FineCut Shield
5) 220930 FineCut Nozzle

But I won't need to keep, say, more than one extra retaining cap or swirl ring on hand?

[Brake Shoe]

So I can use the shield # 220948 with the retaing cap # 220854? With my PM65 if I use the retaing cap # 220953 is there something (a wire) that has to be connected to it?

[jimcolt]

Both retaining cap part numbers fit all of the Powermax65/85 consumables and cut the same. The difference in caps is that the 953 has a wire connection for use with cnc cutting machines that are equipped with a height control that uses "Ohmic Sensing".....which is a method of finding the surface of the plate. The Torchmate AVHC does not have this function....so this retaining cap is not necessary.


Jim Colt

Originally Posted by Brake Shoe

So I can use the shield # 220948 with the retaing cap # 220854? With my PM65 if I use the retaing cap # 220953 is there something (a wire) that has to be connected to it?

[Brake Shoe]

Thanks Jim