Tomahawk 45 LC45 Consumables FAQs
Plain answers on choosing, fitting and looking after the wearing parts of a hand-held plasma cutting torch.
How do I work out which consumables fit my torch?
Start with the torch itself, not the cutter. Check the torch model and the parts diagram or consumable chart in the manual, then match the part numbers on your old parts to the chart. This matters most on a second-hand machine, where the torch may not be the one the machine originally left the factory with.
Parts are normally rated for a particular cutting current, and a part rated lower than the current you cut at will burn out quickly. Do not mix parts from different torch types because they look similar. If you are unsure, our team can help you match a part number.
When should I replace the electrode, and should the nozzle go with it?
The electrode has a small insert in its tip that wears into a pit. Makers publish a pit-depth limit for their electrodes, and the limit depends on the current the torch is rated for, so use the figure in your manual. Replace it sooner if the pit is off-centre, has rough edges or reaches past the insert.
When you replace an electrode because of that wear, replace the nozzle at the same time. A new electrode in a worn nozzle often gives an unstable arc and poor cuts. Before checking or changing parts, switch off and isolate the machine as the manual instructs.
Can I clean and reuse a shield cap?
Often, yes. A shield cap that is undamaged can usually be cleaned of molten metal spatter and reused. Check the hole in the middle: if it is still round and the cap has no cracks, erosion or melted areas, it can go back on. If it is damaged, replace it.
Use the cleaning tools the maker recommends, because the wrong tool can scratch or enlarge the parts. Clean the retaining cap and the seating faces too, so that the parts sit squarely and the gas cannot escape around them.
What does the swirl ring do, and what should I check on it and the O-rings?
The swirl ring spins the gas around the arc so that it is stable and cools the parts. Clogged or cracked gas holes make the cut worse and can shorten the life of the electrode and nozzle. A swirl ring that has been dropped can chip or crack, so check it by eye every time you change the electrode.
Check O-rings for cuts, flattening and dryness. Use only a very light coat of the lubricant the maker recommends, never general grease, because too much lubricant can clog holes and cause arcing. The right replacement interval depends on the torch and how it is used.