Can you use wood/mdf templates with a plasma cutter?

[LewisCobb]

Now don't laugh me off the forum here for asking this because I have never used a plasma cutter before (but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night).

I was wondering how I was going to cut some nifty clamp slots in my upcoming welding table top and know a guy locally that uses a plasma cutter at his place of work. I'm out of town at the moment, otherwise I'd wander over and pester him, but I thought I'd toss the question up here for the experts.

I'm thinking I could make a "slot template" up out of 3/4" mdf and clamp it to the steel top, then just use it to guide the plasma torch around by hand. If the cutting action is far enough away from the edge of the mdf and one does not "loiter" too long in the opteration, perhaps it's possible?

Thanks,
Lewis

[Tryagn5]

Yup....

I use hard board all the time to make my patterns, then follow it with the plasma torch using a drag tip, does not burn it at all. If MDF if under the edge of the cut it will smolder, and over time would likely burn.
Kevin

[LewisCobb]

I use hard board all the time to make my patterns, then follow it with the plasma torch using a drag tip, does not burn it at all. If MDF if under the edge of the cut it will smolder, and over time would likely burn.
Kevin

Thanks Kevin -
I'll be off to badger my friend as soon as I am back in town !
Cheers,
Lewis

[kevin]

on lighter stuff i use card board, some times 2-3 times before it burns

[cat]

I've used plywood for a template-works fine. Can't remember how much I used it before it started to burn (I was cutting holes in the back of lighting fixtures for the sockets).

[HawkerMetalworks]

I've used Hardi-backer tile underlayment. it's 1/4", which is perfect for setting the tip against, and is heat and flame resistant, pretty much fire proof. I think a 3'x5' sheet at HD is like $9.00. It's a bit of a pain to cut, but the templates will never burn through.

[Scott Hightower]

Plasma is COOOOL

Oddly enough plasma cutting is pretty cool. In most cases you can handle the plate immediately after it is cut. Better wear gloves to be on the safe side though.
That said MDF and Phenolic make good templates. MDF is OK for multiple use. If you are in a production environment use Phenolic or Aluminum.

Scott
http://www.welders360.com/

[willy]

Like the others have said - I use 1/4" plywood all the time for templates. The edges sometimes turn a little black but have yet to have a fire

[mrgraffix]

I tried usin paper...that didn't work for **** LOL

[Tweekster]

1/4" masonite templates, bolted or clamped on with washers for a slight space above the metal to save the template.