Thread: Cutting #18 sheet steel

Just wondering, I've never used a plasma cutter . If I was to cut #18 gauge sheet steel with a plasma would the edge finish be nice and clean/sharp ? Would the coating on the steel effect the cut edge finish ie zinc or whatever ? The other option is a electric nibbler but expensive to buy

Thanks

Originally Posted by morrisman

Just wondering, I've never used a plasma cutter . If I was to cut #18 gauge sheet steel with a plasma would the edge finish be nice and clean/sharp ? Would the coating on the steel effect the cut edge finish ie zinc or whatever ? The other option is a electric nibbler but expensive to buy

Thanks

I've cut 1.2mm steel with a plasma cutter on many occasions with really good results. You really want a straight edge guide to do the best job as it is quite difficult to track accurately at high travel speeds without guides of some description, the good news being that plasma cutting guides can be very simple and even MDF can be used for templates.
Mill finish and Zincseal/Zincanneal suffer no ill effects from the plasma cutting and even Galvanised is minimally affected provided you don't slow down too much and burn the Galvanising. The cut produced has minimal dross on the back edge and a quick lick with a sharp cold chisel will knock off most of the dross, leaving a sharp, weldable edge.
Hope this answers your questions.

I’ve found nice dry compressed air can make a difference in the cleanliness of the cut.

Originally Posted by BobL

I’ve found nice dry compressed air can make a difference in the cleanliness of the cut.

Definitely does and it also aids consumable life immensely.