Plasma cutting advice - actual cutting

[woodlandfarms]

I have an everlast 50. Nice machine. I am very novice but getting it. I need to cut up some 16 guage to make a protective cover for my stump grinder.

I have been cutting everything at 45 amps (none of it thin, mostly 1/4 to 1/2 based on a neighbors advice of set it and forget it.

So two things. Should I turn down the amperage for 16 guage? Reduce air pressure? If so, what am I looking for?

Second. I need 2pieces identical. Can I stack 2 plates(16 guage. 36" by 10" ) together and cut? If so any tricks? Or should I just cut a template?

 

[Shield Arc]

Oh you have to adjust the amps for different thicknesses. Also have to adjust your travel speed. One thing that will really help on thin material is a straight edge. With a straight edge you can angle the torch just like an O/A torch to cut thin material.
I've never stack cut, but it sure seems like I seen a video of it somewhere. I would think you have to start on the edge. Can't imagine having much luck plunge cutting on stacked material.

 

[Buckgnarly]

You don't HAVE to adjust your amps, you are just going to wear out tips and electrodes faster by running at a higher amp than you need for your material. Air pressure never gets adjusted for any thickness. If you cut stacked material you will probably have to up the amps though, I know my Hobart cuts stacked fine but I have to crank it up. I have actually found one downside to my plasma is it will blow through anything in it's way, unlike oxy where if you have unheated metal behind preheated it will not cut it.....but would not trade anything for either!

 

[gwdixon]

I've not had much luck stack cutting with my Everlast PP70. It can be done but...

The two plates or surfaces must be completely flush. Meaning there is not the slightest air gap between them. Clamp them hard.

Travel must be slow and even then the lower piece will be chewed up more than the top piece (in my experience).

The best way to do it, if possible, is to cut the two pieces a bit oversized and then grind them down to be identical while still clamped.

Be sure to try the technique on a few scrap pieces first to develop the skill.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Two pieces of 16 gauge should not cause an issue stack cutting if the metal is conductive between the layers and not completely rusted or painted. Make sure you keep a heavy weight where it's clamped to minimize warpage and separation. Stack cutting plate is easier with a plasma than with a oxy/acet torch as small air gaps aren't impossible to cut through.