If you thought the benefits of a plasma cutter ended at the torch’s cutting tip, you’re in for a bit of a surprise. In this final installment of our yearlong Cliff’s Notes fabrication tips collaboration with Miller Electric Mfg. Co., we’ll examine a variety of above-and-beyond options only a Spectrum X-Treme machine(s) can offer.
For those semi-familiar with plasma cutters, you’ll definitely appreciate anything that can not only extend cutting tip life, but also aid in cutting straight lines and circles (and any other patterned/template shape for the most part). As you’re about to see, Miller accommodates both wide-range performance and consumable longevity with its line of plasma torch accessories. For starters, their standoff roller guide (PN 194 883) is perfect for doing exactly as its name suggests: providing a proper—and sustained—standoff distance between tip and cutting surface. The circle-cutting guide (PN 195 981) offers the same benefits as well as fine-tuned straight line and hole cutting (up to 12-inch diameter). Both guide attachments are multi-adjustable. Though not shown here, Miller also has a suction/magnetic pivot base (PN 195 979) for improved torch stability when used with the above-mentioned cutting guides.
Now we come to the part that many of you may not be familiar with: gouging. Miller’s Spectrum 625 X-Treme offers users the additional feature of metal gouging, something that many of us would greatly appreciate—though we’d be hard-pressed to admit it. (Who ever fesses up to poor welding? We just grind down the ugly beads, right?!) By using the appropriate gouge tip, the 625 has the ability of removing existing welds without seriously compromising the metal being held together. Try that with an acetylene torch or a grinder! As the accompanying photos will most definitely attest to, gouging is the only way to go for partial material removal.
On behalf of the folks at Miller, we hope you enjoyed Metal Shop, and if nothing else, learned a thing or two about metal fabrication and the advantages of Miller welders and plasma cutters.
