How clean can thin 304 stainless be cut? I was cutting some thin 16 gauge (I switched to another 16 gauge that was slightly thicker afterwards) using 33 amps, 62 psi, 88 ipm, 0.06 tip distance (or whatever it is called), and so on. It seemed to be cutting very clean for what i expected, except when switching the metal. That is a 1/16th inch welding rod in the picture.
This probably would be clean enough for me for now, but the problem is when i go to grind the backside, the dross ends up being flattened out and like sticking out from the edge that was cut making the edge look jagged. Am I just letting it get too hot while grinding it? I have some ceramic sanding disks on the way and i can put them on a variable speed grinder maybe this will help.
I don’t know if my cuts need to be cleaner or if my grinding is the problem. I assume you guys are making clean intricate designs (like the typical circular saw blade with a deer and the mountains in it) by just grinding the back side flat and not taking a dremel to the inside edge. That would be ridiculous.
The only way to get a better cut edge is to convert to F5 gas instead of dry air. The black hard slag is the stainless steel exposed to air while cutting. The F5 gas shields the cut area while cutting. The upgrade would be significant if you plan to cut SS a lot. If not, that cut is perfect, in my opinion.
Ok, thank you! Do you think I should be able to grind that slag off without it getting pushed down into the face of the edge that was cut? It isnt there to begin with. Before i grind it, it is entirely on the back side of the metal.
I would not grind it. I would sand the edges with a slight chamfer on the back edge. No, no grinders. I have a 100" x 6 belt sander and a BA Shredder that takes care of the edges. Now, I cut SS several times a week. I use the F5 gas setup. I don’t get the black hard slag. But I have done it.
If you’re not building polished SS parts, save money for an excellent belt sander.
I recommend a BA Shredder. Plus he is a regular on this Forum. @Richarddbeck83
Use surface conditioning discs (scotch brite), they’re the best way to remove the dross/slag off stainless from plasma cutting that won’t harm the surface finish TOO much.
