Welding Tips and Tricks

I just ordered a 30xp, haven't received it yet, but trying to work ahead so I can finish a job. I need to make some template/patterns and need to compensate for the diameter of the drag tip shield/deflector. I've found that the diameter of the standard shield is 0.380" but have not found any dimensions for the Fine Cut deflector. I'm cutting 18ga and 16ga cold rolled so I think the Fine Cut is what's called for.

Does anyone know offhand or could measure the diameter of their Fine cut deflector?

thanks.

steve

I'm new at using my 30xp also, but I thought they used the same drag deflector. Run a test. Using a long straight edge as your guide, drag one tip a few inches. Then, change tips and drag that a few inches along the same straight edge. The test will tell you if the tips are the same distance. The larger cut will be a little wider then the fine cut. Good luck

The brown Santa drove up in his big brown sleigh and dropped off my cutter. I made some rough measurements and here's what I found:

Drag tip (kerf approximately 0.062")
Diameter of tip/shield is .380" for patterns less than .112" thick
Or for patterns slightly thicker,
the diameter is .560" when 0.225" < pattern < 0.325"

Fine cut (kerf 0.030")
the diameter is .485" for pattern thickness range of 0.1<pattern<0.2”

hope this info helps someone in the future.


steve

Steve nice to see someone report back with there findings after getting there machine and giving back.

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier...I could have helped with an answer.....though it looks like sru_tx has the correct info now. Keep us posted regarding how the 30 XP works for your template cutting! Jim Colt Hypertherm

No problem Jim. I know you are quite responsive on the forum.

I really like the machine! I've had a couple small hiccups so far as I have found that the Fine Cut is a bit sensitive to template thickness, using 1/4" (actual = 0.205"). I sometimes slip off of the deflector's edge and gouge my piece. I didn't have this problem with my old Hobart as it had a longer flat (cylindrical) surface exposed on the nozzle. Even though I'm cutting thin 18ga, I may make another set of templates and switch to the std drag tip with a more defined flat. Can't justify a HyAccess at this time.

I'd also like to give a big shout out to Hypertherm and Harris Welding supply. My first unit came in late last week and it had a small internal air leak. Unit was functional but annoying hearing that hiss. Talked to tech support to determine that it truly was a defect (seemed to be leaking near the pressure sensor threads). Called Harris and customer support advocated for me and got a replacement red labeled to me so I could get a job finished. Incredible customer service on both counts. That's why I saved up and bought Hyperthem. (maybe I should put this in a different thread so other people can read it?)