Parkside plasma cutter

[graduate_owner]

Hi all,
I have bought a Parkside plasma cutter, the type that needs a separate compressor. The compressor tube has a brass connector which does not match my compressor (PCL type). Does anyone know what the parkside type i called, and whether adapters are available to connect to a PCL socket?

Thanks.

K

 

[Jamesc]

You should be able to unscew the connector and replace it with a PCL type. If you have one nearby I have found Machine Mart very good for this kind of thing. If not you should find a PCL connector readily enough on the net. They are all standard sized threads. The only gotcha is that pipe threads are on the bore of the pipe rather than the outside diameter. So 1/4" BSP is a little over 1/2" round. That why I suggest you take it into somewhere like Machin Mart and ask for what you need.

 

[ChaiLatte]

I am wondering if the connector is shy, such that you cannot photograph it.

The pool of people who could offer an answer to what you have asked in its current form is limited to a very small set of the human race: those who own said plasma cutter and of that small number those who know what the fitting is called.

Take a guess at those numbers. Do you feel lucky?

 

[Chris152]

I am wondering if the connector is shy, such that you cannot photograph it.

The pool of people who could offer an answer to what you have asked in its current form is limited to a very small set of the human race: those who own said plasma cutter and of that small number those who know what the fitting is called.

Take a guess at those numbers. Do you feel lucky?

We did the same, mainly to learn to use one but it looks like it'll be good for various jobs. Here's a pic of the brass connector:

As to what it's called, we've no idea.

 

[Fergie 307]

You just need either a male or female PCL with a hosetail end, which depends on what you have on the end of your existing hose. Looks like the hose clip is the removable type, so pop it off carefully with a flat screwdriver and swap connectors, then put the clip back on. Any local motor factor should keep the fittings. Maybe worth taking the original one with you as the tails come in different sizes. You might need to warm the pipe up a bit to get the original out. Or just cut it off, looks like you have plenty to play with.

 

[Fergie 307]

I am wondering if the connector is shy, such that you cannot photograph it.

The pool of people who could offer an answer to what you have asked in its current form is limited to a very small set of the human race: those who own said plasma cutter and of that small number those who know what the fitting is called.

Take a guess at those numbers. Do you feel lucky?

Not for the first time you can't help but be patronising can you?
"A photograph would help" was all that was necessary.
You make some very good contributions to the forum, no need to come across in this way.
Try and be nice.

 

[graduate_owner]

I just managed to get the airline connector sorted, so I thought I would give it a try. Well, what a disappointment. Despite trying different settings, I failed to cut cleanly through some bed iron. The surface fas gouged part way through, and eventually I cut through it but what a mess - lumps of molten steel, ragged edge, and it took a ling time. My angle grinder would have cut it in a fraction of a time with a much cleaner cut.

Has anyone had success with these and could suggest what I am doing wrong? (Never tried plasma cutting before so don't know what to expect).

Thanks guys,

K

 

[Fergie 307]

I bought one a while ago, and found it quite good. I think there are two versions, the one I have was about £150 if I recall correctly. I have noticed since that they seemed to have changed it and were selling a different one at just over £100. Not in a position to check now but can see what the model number is on mine.
Only used it on stuff about 1-2mm. But worked pretty well, including on stainless.
Anything thicker I use a disc.
Common problem with anything like this is poor connection you need to make sure the metal where you are connecting is cleaned back to bare and free of rust etc.

 

[Fergie 307]

If you search for parkside plasma cutter reviews you will find a good one on the Mig Welding Forum for the PPS 40 A1 model.
He rates it and has no great issues cutting up to 12mm plate.

 

[Fergie 307]

Ok had a look and mine is the PPS 40 A1. The other model is the PPS 30 B2. Difference is in the Amps, 40 versus 30. So the more powerful one should be better for thick plate.
I had forgotten but had actually tried mine on some 5mm mild steel, found the bit on my scrap drawer. It cut that pretty well too.
For thin stuff I found it works well with the stand off spacer in place. For thicker stuff you need to take it off.
Personally I think the stand off is a bit too much with the wire spacer. But takes practice to use it accurately without it.
There are quite a few reviews of the smaller one too, most seem to find it struggles a bit on steel more than 5 or 6mm, but works well on thin stuff.
Worth bearing in mind that speed is important. If you cut too fast it you won't clear the cut, and you will get sections where it will effectively weld it back together again. You need to experiment to get the speed right.