My customer has a plasma cutting table. It has water in the bed. It's an older ESAB Sabre 2000 100A unit with a PT-20AM torch.

I have a few questions.

1) They are typically cutting 1/4" to 1/2" steel. What should the water level be?
2) They have - I'm not kidding - 2" of slag buildup on the slats. The operator claims it sticks and cannot be removed and they have to replace slats very frequently to avoid it. I'm sure something can be done to reduce it, clean it, etc. but do not know what. Anyone have any ideas about that?
3) Are there any other settings on this machine we should be checking to make sure it's cutting properly? Anyone know of a plasma for dummies reference that I can look up to get a quick education on it?

Thanks in advance. We will very soon be cutting parts for a new unit I'm designing for them and I don't want to see the results of cutting with the equipment in the shape it's in now.

My customer has a plasma cutting table. It has water in the bed. It's an older ESAB Sabre 2000 100A unit with a PT-20AM torch.

I have a few questions.

1) They are typically cutting 1/4" to 1/2" steel. What should the water level be?
2) They have - I'm not kidding - 2" of slag buildup on the slats. The operator claims it sticks and cannot be removed and they have to replace slats very frequently to avoid it. I'm sure something can be done to reduce it, clean it, etc. but do not know what. Anyone have any ideas about that?
3) Are there any other settings on this machine we should be checking to make sure it's cutting properly? Anyone know of a plasma for dummies reference that I can look up to get a quick education on it?

Thanks in advance. We will very soon be cutting parts for a new unit I'm designing for them and I don't want to see the results of cutting with the equipment in the shape it's in now.

I work for a shop that had a Esab would cut 1" plate The water level was always above the plate would boil while cutting I'm thinking about 1/4 to 1/2 above the plate. Watch it work a few times but never ran it. Union shop only allow plasma cutters to run it and I was in layout. Are table was 12' x 24' yes feet not inch. Very large machine was making rollercoaster parts. among other things.
Vernon:)

We frequently cut at 100 amps on our table, and I prefer to keep the water level just below the bottom of the plate. This allows for the fastest cutting speeds and lets you visually inspect your kerf while cutting ( with proper eye protection of course! ). You get enough splashing that the pieces are relatively cool upon removal. On heavier pieces, if the water level is closer to the top, you will get better quenching, but the slag seems to freeze to the bottom of the plate more. Our Theramal Dynamics torch calls for special consumables if we submerge the plate. This also limits the thickness that you will be able to cut, and you must slow your travel speed as well. All three methods work very well for capturing the smoke. Your esab dealer will be able to supply you with charts showing speeds, standoff, etc. for the torch and consumables that you are using. Do a few rip cuts to trim the edge of a plate, make speed and height adjustments on the fly, then record your results for future use.