Tips & Tricks with Jim Colt

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Jim Colt, Hypertherm Applications Technology Manager and all-around CNC plasma cutting guru shares his 30+ years of knowledge in this Tips & Tricks video series. Along with our Tips & Tricks, we also offer a Software Training video series under our Expert Zone.

Be sure to check back frequently to watch the latest episodes, or subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Tips & Tricks Series

How to choose the right table size

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about different table sizes and which one is right for you.

What you need in a shop if you are going to do plasma cutting

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about all of his farm shop’s attributes.

What Maintenance is Needed for your Plasma Cutting Table

In this episode, learn simple tips that should be done daily or weekly, depending on how frequently you use your machine, to keep your table running at its top performance.

What size compressor do you need for a plasma cutter

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about the size of compressor you would need to run your CNC plasma cutter.

How to treat air moisture from the compressor

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about how to treat air moisture from the compressor so it doesn’t affects cut quality.

What kind of jobs can I do with my cutting table

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about what kind of small parts he can do with his plasma cutting table.

Why I decided to upgrade my plasma cutting table

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about the reasons why he upgraded his plasma cutting table to a MaverickCNC MV55.

How to make a Downdraft Fume Control System

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about how to make a fume control system for your MaverickCNC Plasma Cutting Table. Jim takes you step by step on how to build a downdraft fume control system by yourself, on a good budget.

How to Choose Between Downdraft or Water Table for Fume Control

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about the differences between water table or downdraft fume control systems. MaverickCNC offers both water table or downdraft fume control systems.

Consumables Starter Kit for a CNC Plasma Table

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about consumables and breaks down the torch components. A consumables starter kit or the spare parts that go inside of a plasma torch is necessary as these parts will wear out with use. And you will use different consumables depending on the material you will be cutting.

Arc Voltage Height Control (AVHC) for a CNC Plasma Table

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about AVHC automatic height control. Arc Voltage Height Control (AVHC) is one of the single most important cut quality and consumable life aspects of a CNC plasma table. On all of the MaverickCNC plasma cutting tables come with automatic height control.

Air and Filters Requirements

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about the air and filter requirements for a cutting machine. While its important to keep the air that flows through your air plasma dry and clean, it isn’t necessary for everyone to purchase a big compressor and expensive air drying equipment. It will mainly pend on where you live. Jim explains this in greater detail, along with the filtration system built into the Hypertherm air plasma.

Hypertherm Powermax Plasma Cutter

In this episode, Jim Colt goes into detail about the Hypertherm Powermax Plasma Cutter.

Best Cut Processes for a CNC Plasma Table

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about the different cut processes you might use on your CNC plasma cutting machine. There is no one process that is going to be perfect for every application. You have to determine what is most important to as the user. Is it cut quality, speed, cutting different materials? That is going to determine what the best process is going to be.

CNC Plasma Table Features

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about the different features of a CNC plasma cutting machine. Fume control, air quality different types of metals and the technical aspects of making the best of the cutting process are just a few of the features Jim goes over.

Cuting Corrugated Metal with Plasma

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about cutting corrugated metal with plasma. The MaverickCNC plasma cutting table with fully integrated Arc Voltage Height Control makes cutting corrugated metal a breeze. Height control samples the plate to torch tip distance over 10,000 times per second to cut corrugated metal.

Different Metals That Can Be Cut With Air Plasma

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about the different metals that can be cut with Air Plasma. Bronze, galvanized, stainless steel, copper…you can plasma cut any conductive metal with plasma. Powermax air plasma cuts aluminum, brass and more!

Cutting Expanded Metal with a CNC Plasma Cutter

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about how to cut expanded metal with a CNC plasma cutter. The Hypertherm Powermax plasma is fully capable of cutting expanded metal. The power supply has an expanded metal mode.

CNC Plasma Table Consumables

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about CNC plasma table consumables. How to get the most of your consumables? How many starts are possible with the Hypertherm patent Powermax consumables? One user’s acceptable cut quality is not necessarily equal to the next users. Fully integrated Arc Voltage Height Control saves money and maximizes consumable life.

Air Pressure and Quality

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about air pressure and quality for a cutting machine. To get the best performance form your plasma cutting system is to have clean, dry and compressed air. The best way to do this is to put filters and water separators between the compressor and the plasma cutting machine.

CNC Plasma Air Pressure Flow Inconsistency

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about CNC plasma air pressure flow inconsistency. Air pressure flow inconsistency is a common problem that people run into, but it has little to do with the size of the compressor you have. Most likely the issues with the airflow have to do with the size of the hose going from the compressor to the plasma.

Air Plasma Error Codes on Hypertherm Powermax

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about air plasma error codes on Hypertherm Powermax. He goes through the common error codes when starting up your plasma cutting torch. These codes are published in your Hypertherm manual as well as your operator control station on the MaverickCNC plasma cutting table.

Cut the Best Holes with an Air Plasma

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about how to cut the best holes with an Air Plasma. Lower your material handling costs by cutting holes with plasma. Height, speed, and amperage automatically set with the MaverickCNC CAD/CAM/CNC software ensuring the best plasma cut holes on a light industrial CNC table.

Controlling Operating Costs: Downdraft or Water?

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about controlling operating cost; downdraft or water. Fume control while plasma cutting is extremely important. Jim runs through the operating costs and benefits of both downdraft and water plasma cutting beds. Should you aluminum over water and cut thin gauge HVAC duct over downdraft?

Daily Machine Start-up

In this episode, Jim Colt walks you through the daily start-up of the MaverickCNC cutting table. When doing the daily start-up of your plasma table, you will most likely see a few error codes. Check your operator’s manual or the placard behind the CNC control to determine what those codes are and how to troubleshoot them.

CNC Plasma Table Torch Height Control

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about Torch Height Control on a CNC plasma table. The fully integrated torch height control is critical to excellent high-quality plasma cuts. Maximizing consumables life with Arc Voltage Height Control equals saving money! How to work within the budget when running a light industrial CNC plasma cutting table.

CNC Plasma Table Daily Maintenance

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about the daily maintenance of a CNC plasma cutting table. What is the daily maintenance of a plasma cutting table? MaverickCNC and Hypertherm have some basic guidelines for keeping your equipment running in excellent condition.

Cutting Diamond Plate with CNC Plasma Table

In this episode, Jim Colt talks about cutting diamond plate with plasma. MaverickCNC plasma cutting tables cut vehicle custom parts, signs, artwork and logos from Diamond plate with Powermax plasma. Using the Powermax plasma with a mechanized torch and Arc Voltage Height Control, Jim walks you through cutting anti-skid plate, diamond plate, traction plate with CNC plasma machines.