Plasma cutting
What angle should the torch be for plasma cutting?
Quick answer
Stay square to the plate, travel perpendicular along your line; dragging the tip sideways widens the kerf and snags the nozzle.
Why the angle matters
Angle directs the arc force and the shield. Pushing pre-heats the path and gives a wider, flatter bead; dragging focuses heat into the metal for penetration but risks slag trapping on fluxed processes. Pick per process and stay consistent — wandering angles make wandering beads.
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