Best Marker for Freehand Plasma Cutting

[gnaws628]

I am wanting to do some freehand cutting with my plasma and would like to know the best marker to use so I can follow the outline for my cuts. I know soapstone is an option but I have that "way over 40 eyesight" so need all the help I can get so would like something brighter and more of a solid line. I assume paint markers will burn off ahead of the cut so would not be a great option. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[motoman3b]

I've used the liquid paper white out pens they work good and are brighter then soapstone

 

[ovrszd]

I'm interested in an answer to this question as well.

Secondly, my hands are barely steady enough to do freehand torch cutting let alone freehand plasma cutting. As one guy said on here a few years ago, a Plasma Cutter is so sensitive your cut will jiggle in time with your heart beats!!!

 

[CNC Dan]

Red-riter or silver-streak pencil.

 

[ovrszd]

Dan, can I get one of those at an auto parts store or do I need to go to a Welding Supply shop?? Thanks for the tip!!!

 

[Industrial Toys]

I was going to also suggest a silver streak marker. What I hate about them is that they are so prone to breaking.

I too, can't cut well free hand to save my life. If I am wrecking something, the cuts are perfect! Also, when I try and use a straight edge, the torch always seems to stick to the work, and when it breaks loose, by cut quality is compromised.

 

[ovrszd]

I was going to also suggest a silver streak marker. What I hate about them is that they are so prone to breaking.

I too, can't cut well free hand to save my life. If I am wrecking something, the cuts are perfect! Also, when I try and use a straight edge, the torch always seems to stick to the work, and when it breaks loose, by cut quality is compromised.

I hear ya. I have a 2"x1/8"x16" flat piece of stainless that I use for a straight edge most times. I keep the edge of it polished smooth. I also clean the metal to a smooth surface if possible. Under those perfect conditions I can make a pretty nice cut. Let those conditions deteriorate and the cut quality deteriorates in a like fashion.

 

[Big Barn]

I was going to also suggest a silver streak marker. What I hate about them is that they are so prone to breaking. I too, can't cut well free hand to save my life. If I am wrecking something, the cuts are perfect! Also, when I try and use a straight edge, the torch always seems to stick to the work, and when it breaks loose, by cut quality is compromised.

I have the same problem with the silver streak markers breaking. Thought it was just me, but they probably design them like that deliberately....

Terry

 

[Industrial Toys]

Quite often I mark the area with a black marker and then use a scribe or even an Olfa knife. Then clean the marker off with acetone or liquor thinner.

I have a friend who can use a plasma torch like you wouldn't believe. He would not hesitate to cut holes in a brand new trailer for all those rubber mounted flush lights! I would probably try one, screw it up royally, shut everything off, close the door and walk away in disgust for what I have done!

 

[ovrszd]

Quite often I mark the area with a black marker and then use a scribe or even an Olfa knife. Then clean the marker off with acetone or liquor thinner.

I have a friend who can use a plasma torch like you wouldn't believe. He would not hesitate to cut holes in a brand new trailer for all those rubber mounted flush lights! I would probably try one, screw it up royally, shut everything off, close the door and walk away in disgust for what I have done!

Me too. Not that I've ever done anything like that.... Then you spend an hour trying to fix what you screwed up in 5 seconds.