Plasma Cutting 101: Getting started with CNC and Handheld Plasma Cutting

Plasma cutting is a powerful and empowering technique that will allow you to dream up nearly any 2D shape in steel and cut it out in a short amount of time. CNC plasma can be an ideal tool for making repeat or complex cuts out of sheet steel or steel plate. Handheld plasma cutting can be used to make organic, improvised, or precisely traced shapes in a variety of situations, such as cutting decorative air holes in fire barrels, auto repair, or sculpture.

This class is an introduction to using our handheld and CNC plasma cutters. We will cover the basic principles behind plasma cutting and the safe operation of the machines.

Please bring something to take notes with. Plasma cutting involves lots of complex information.

Course outline:

Introductions, safety, cutting demo (15 min)

Overview of the anatomy of the machine and how plasma cutting works (30 min)

Consumables exercise: students are guided through assembling torch consumables. (15 min)

Students break into groups. Group 1 makes a cut from a pre-made DXF (digital drawing) and is given time to explore and get used to Torchmate control software while following a checklist with help from the instructor.

Group 2 is given time to explore handheld plasma cutting on a variety of materials and situations.

Groups rotate (1 hr)

• Safely operate the CNC and handheld plasma cutters.
• Students will be able to pass a tool test in order to operate the machines on their own upon completion of this course.

It is suggested that students bring a N95 mask or similar if you own one. The shop has them available for sale (around $10) if not.

Students must be 16 years old or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

• Machine consumables
• Sheet steel for cutting and bending.
• Access to A2's Metal Shop and tools for the duration of the session.

Eden Attar is an installation artist, art conservation technician, and the former Artisans Asylum Metal Shop Lead. Her work has been supported by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Harvard ArtLab, the Harvard Ed Portal, and the Luminary St. Louis. Eden sees education as part of her artistic practice and is interested in anti-colonial, de-schooled, and non-hierarchical forms of teaching and learning.