[will_eng]

I have been trying to cut some 1/2" holes in 1/2"SS. I am finding that the blow back form piercing to be quite a problem. I have tried changing the height, using anti splatter with little improvement. Changing the cut height to 0.08" helped from crashing into the top slag, but I have burnt through a couple of shields in the process. I have similar issues with Aluminum since it doest oxidize either. Is unshielded consumables the best for non-ferrous? Any other Tips?

Thanks
Will

[WSS]

I have been trying to cut some 1/2" holes in 1/2"SS. I am finding that the blow back form piercing to be quite a problem. I have tried changing the height, using anti splatter with little improvement. Changing the cut height to 0.08" helped from crashing into the top slag, but I have burnt through a couple of shields in the process. I have similar issues with Aluminum since it doest oxidize either. Is unshielded consumables the best for non-ferrous? Any other Tips?

Thanks
Will

Try and get further back for the pierce, bad pierces are worse on wear than being too far away, especially when working with hi $$ SS

I did some 1/2" AR500 today (using 60amp stuff) at .24 pierce height, 1.5sec delay, and down to .11 for cut height, froze Z, and went 55% speed of 24ipm. Leads were dead center and no lead out. Holes were .53" on top and .49" on bottom, a little nip with a die grinder and they were .52" (spec).

WSS