Cutting Aluminum on water table?

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KingoWelds
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Cutting Aluminum on water table?

Post by KingoWelds »

Just wondering if there was any different suggestions out there, I'm looking at doing some production cuts on 3/32 aluminum, on my 5x10 watertable.

I was thinking of setting up a bubbler system in the water, with an air mover fan placed under the plate that goes outside.

Just seeing if anybody out there does this type of cutting frequently and what you do to reduce/remove the hydrogen hazard, I would be greatful for any insight for cutting with water.

last resort I will just drain the table.
CyriousMetalWorks
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Re: Cutting Aluminum on water table?

Post by CyriousMetalWorks »

In my experience if there is a breeze or fans that circulate air under the plate you will be fine.
I would not submerge plate in the water, I’d leave a couple Inches or so under it. This has never gave us any issues.
KingoWelds
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Re: Cutting Aluminum on water table?

Post by KingoWelds »

Thanks for the info just dont want any accidents
CyriousMetalWorks
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Re: Cutting Aluminum on water table?

Post by CyriousMetalWorks »

Your Welcome
sawdust1
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Re: Cutting Aluminum on water table?

Post by sawdust1 »

There is so much air turbulence and flow caused by the torch I never worry about hydrogen accumulation while I am cutting. The melted pellets of aluminum that sink to the bottom cause bubbles to rise days later and they are combustable at that point.

Fun to pop with a a BBQ lighter.
robertspark
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Re: Cutting Aluminum on water table?

Post by robertspark »

this gets discussed a lot:

https://www.plasmaspider.com/search.php ... mit=Search


one of the best posts you will find for this red herring is this one from a well respected authority in plasma cutting

https://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic. ... le#p116370
Metalmedic
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Re: Cutting Aluminum on water table?

Post by Metalmedic »

I only cut aluminum on my table and use a water table. I never fill my water higher then leaving about 3/8” between water and sheet. I also never leave the material on the table over night to catch trapped hydrogen for the initial Pierce in the morning. With this I’ve never had any issues with the hydrogen. But when you tap the table it releases like a soda just poured lol.
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