How to Use a Plasma Cutter on 20-Gauge Steel

Plasma cutters use air and electricity to convert an air stream to a plasma arc. When the plasma arc contacts the surface of a metal, it makes ground and creates a stream of plasma capable of blowing through steel. The thickness of steel a plasma cutter can cut through varies depending on the capacity of the cutter. Thinner-gauge metals require less power to cut than thicker metals. Thin 20-gauge steel cuts readily with a properly set plasma cutter.

• 1

  Set a piece of 20-gauge steel on a non-combustible work surface. Place a fire extinguisher close to the work surface.

• 2

  Connect the ground clamp from a plasma cutter to one corner of the 20-gauge steel. Plug in and turn on the plasma cutter.

• 3

  Turn the amperage knob located on the front face of the plasma cutter to 50 amps, or the middle setting if your plasma has a click-style knob with no numerical values. Set the air knob at its highest pressure setting.

• 4

  Put on a pair of burning goggles.

• 5

  Hold the end of the copper electrode located at the end of the plasma gun 1/8 inch from the surface of the 20-gauge steel. Pull one edge of the steel over the end of the work surface. Depress the plasma gun trigger. Pull the gun across the steel when the arc lights and sparks fire below the steel. Stop cutting after moving approximately three inches.

• 6

  Inspect the cut. Turn the amperage higher if the cut does not go through the steel or turn the amperage down if the cut is not 1/16 inch wide with even sides.

• 7

  Perform an additional cut with the adjusted plasma cutter. Adjust the settings as needed to produce a clean cut on the 20-gauge steel.