Do we still have a handheld plasma cutter?
I need to cut a 16" diameter circle out of 3/16" steel plate, setting up a jig to hold a plasma cutter while I spin the plate would probably be easier than using bandsaw or jigsaw
Yes it is in the metal shop
2 Likes
FYI
As of Wednesday, it was on the welder rack under the fume hood. Follow the green compressed air hose to find it if it’s hidden. It’s on 115V, so if I’m reading the manual correctly, maximum performance is about 10"/minute on 1/4" stock. Again, if I’m doing my math right (which is highly suspect), that’s about 50" along the circumference, so that should be 5 minutes of work. I’m sure your mileage will vary. 
Anyway, links to “tips” from the manufacturer, and the owner’s manual:
https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Metal_shop_tools#Miller_Spectrum_300
PS using the device with the output cranked into the yellow zone on 115V causes frequent interruptions due to overheat, as stated in the manual.
Supplying your own torch tip and electrode wouldn’t be the worst plan, as those in place tend to get…iffy.
2 Likes
Any reason it was configured for 115V versus 220V? Lack of a plug on the end?
1 Like
No idea.
I’ve never asked, but that’s my best guess.
Being an “on loan” piece of equipment, I reckon we don’t want to go 'round cutting off the existing and replacing with new and such, could also be a part of it…
1 Like
Gotcha. We could make an adapter cord, which should be clearly marked to avoid fires. 
1 Like
do-ocracy
Not my call…
You might have seen this and it might help you cut circles even if you don’t automate it.
4 Likes
Was able to cut a circle with just a plywood guide, it worked but was tricky to go at a slow even pace, so it took a lot of cleanup around the edges after to make it smooth
4 Likes
Hey, guys - it’s my loaner. I plan on putting a 220 plug on it but haven’t had time I have a circle cutter attachment - will try and remember to bring it!
10 Likes
When you cut this, did you touch the tip to the workpiece (drag it) or did you try to set a gap on it (standoff)?
If standoff, how much gap did you try to leave?
I assumed it had a drag shield/tip, and wasn’t trying to hold a gap
1 Like
A drag shield has a a specific look to it:
https://www.millerwelds.com/resources/article-library/ten-tips-for-improving-plasma-cutting-quality
I’ll check the next time I’m out there, as I didn’t look too closely at it the last time.
You’ll quickly wear out the tip if you drag it w/o a shield. It also won’t keep a stable arc. I suspect, if you didn’t have any problems, that the torch head has a drag shield.
1 Like
Late to the party as usual - the Spectrum 300 torch does not have drag tips - I do have the circle cutter (found all the parts) but not willing just to leave it “out” at the space. Anybody need it, let me know and I’ll hook you up. Pretty nice and simple actually - not great for small circles, though would have been perfect for the big disk…
1 Like
Thank you!
Can compatible drag tips be purchased for the Spectrum 300? I keep striking out on making that determinition.
I just was going to add it’s on my list to get DMS a hand held plasma cutter (hypertherm 45) also planning to use drag tips as it appears to be the easiest method to get the most people trained on.
I am waiting primarily to see how the CNC plasma turns out.
Which we should know a lot more by the end of the month.
Robert
4 Likes
Converting to 220v is pretty easy per the manual: http://www.manualslib.com/manual/807505/Miller-Spectrum-300.html?page=19#manual
All you need to do is swap out the 120v cord/plug with a 220v cord/plug. The 220v (actually 208v) circuits in the metal shop are all NEMA 6-30 or 6-50 connections so you would need this plug: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-30-50-Amp-2-Pole-3-Way-Grounded-Angle-Straight-Blade-Plug-Black-R50-00931-000/202077682 $14.75
I’ll be happy to help convert it if Metal Shop will reimburse me.
I attempted to use the Spectrum 300 last week and was unable to get it to fire. No “clacking” which would indicate that the electrode and nozzle weren’t trying to ignite the pilot arc. The nozzle looks pretty worn, and it does not have a drag shield, so we may need new consumables.
If we do go for a new hand-held plasma cutter, I recommend going with something that has the same consumables as the PlasmaCAM. Ideally, we’d get a 2nd Powermax 65 so that the knowledge gained from one could be used on the other. This would allow any member to buy one kit of consumables for ~$120 and use them on either machine.
5 Likes
http://www.airgas.com/p/HYP083270?agcert=Certona:Airgas+Recommends:HYP083270:1:HYP083234:sale
Hypertherm 65 is currently on sale for 2,700.
Edited as the first one did not have a handle.