The potential uses of plasma cutters are vast. The cutting technology is well-known and widely used in industrial plants processing flat metallic materials, such as sheet steel of various thicknesses. However, plasma cutters will also find use in smaller companies that focus on cutting, bending or otherwise shaping thin metal sheets. A typical example of such use is tinsmithing. Here the small yet powerful plasma cutter becomes an invaluable assistant.

Tinsmithing has become a traditional craft that is indispensable to construction of new buildings or renovation of older houses, apartments and other buildings. It is the last step of the construction process, ensuring that the structure is leak-proof and that the roof fulfills its protective function. Tinsmithing does not involve just the construction of eaves as many might imagine, but also includes metal plating the chimney, valley, and windowsills, and installing drainpipes, gable trim etc.

It is often necessary to make cut outs in metal or saw a hole into it, sometimes repeatedly — for example, when connecting or anchoring eaves. Thermacut’s EX-TRAFIRE®30H plasma cutter is ideal for these purposes due to its favorable price-to-power ratio.

Let’s take a look at what to do step by step. Keep safety in mind.

Cutting Small Holes Step By Step

1. Step

First, we prepare the table for cutting (the table differs from the classic workshop table). Place the template and draw the openings onto the metal sheet. You can also use a pair of compasses to achieve perfectly round circles. Secure the template with clamps.

2. Step

To cut the holes, we will use handheld plasma cutter EX-TRAFIRE®30H. Set the power supply to the appropriate cutting parameters according to the instruction manual. In our example, we cut a 1 mm thick sheet using consumables from the 30 A series.

3. Step

And done! Quick and simple!
 

Sometimes an inspiring video can say more than a thousand words. And we made one for you!  

We can use the same process to cut circular holes to create a drip edge. You can see the end result in the pictures below. 

The EX-TRAFIRE®30H single-phase plasma cutter, which we are presenting here, is a handheld cutting system with non-detachable FHT-EX®30H torch with a 4 meter length and a non-detachable work conductor with a 6 meter length. It also features an ergonomic torch handle which reduces fatigue during long-term use. The system is compact and highly flexible for cutting in hard-to-reach places. It is particularly suitable for cutting sheet metal up to a thickness of 10 mm while providing sufficient power reserve.

Ready to take your tinsmithing to the next level? Don’t hesitate to reach out for expert guidance and support. Whether you have questions or need further advice, our team is here to help. Drop us a line at ex-trafire@thermacut.cz and let’s elevate your craft together!

Text: Thermacut®
Photos: Thermacut, k. s. archive