If you've landed on this page, you've probably done what most of us have done at some point.
You've gone online to buy consumables, found fifty different options, and thought:
"What the hell torch have I actually got?"
The problem is most of these generic plasma cutters are sold under dozens of different brand names. The sticker on the front of the machine isn't much help because the torch fitted to it is often exactly the same as hundreds of other machines being sold around the world.
This guide is aimed at the common Chinese plasma cutters most of us are using in the shed.
If you've got a CUT40, CUT50, CUT60 or similar machine, there's a good chance you've got one of these four torches:
- PT31
- SG51
- AG60
- P80
The easiest way to identify your torch is not by looking at the machine.
Pull the front of the torch apart and look at how the consumables fit together.
That's where the answer usually is.
PT31 Plasma Torch
The PT31 is probably the most common torch you'll find on smaller CUT40 and CUT50 machines.
Typical machine size: Around 35–50 amps.
Starting system: Scratch start. Not pilot arc.
How To Identify A PT31
The PT31 is the only torch in this guide that uses a reversible electrode.
That's usually the dead giveaway.
- ✓ Reversible double-ended electrode
- ✓ Push-in electrode
- ✓ Push-in cutting tip
- ✓ Ceramic cup screws over the front
- ✓ No threaded consumables
If you've pulled the torch apart and found an electrode that can be flipped around and used from either end, there's a very good chance you've got a PT31.
Neither the tip nor the electrode screws into the torch body. Everything simply pushes into place.
The PT31 is the only torch in this guide that uses a reversible electrode
Both Cutting Tip & Electrode Just Push In Then The Ceramic Cup Holds it all Together
This Is a PT31 torch?
View PT31 Consumables →PT31 scratch-start torch with push-in consumables and reversible electrode.
SG51 Plasma Torch
The SG51 catches a lot of people out because it looks similar to an AG60 from the outside.
Typical machine size: Around 45 amps.
Starting system: Scratch start. Not pilot arc.
How To Identify An SG51
The easiest way to identify an SG51 is by looking at how the tip fits.
- ✓ Electrode screws into the torch
- ✓ Separate swirl ring
- ✓ Tip sits on top of the swirl ring
- ✓ Retaining cup holds everything together
- ✓ Tip does not screw into the torch
The electrode screws in.
The tip does not.
The tip simply sits on top of the swirl ring and the retaining cup holds the whole lot together.
That's what separates an SG51 from an AG60.
This Is A SG51 torch?
View SG51 Consumables →SG51 scratch-start torch with screw-in electrode and non-screw-in tip.
SG-51, Scratch start. Not pilot arc , means You Need to Touch The Metal To Start it cutting
SG-51, Only Electrode screws into the torch Head & Tip sits on top of the swirl ring Retaining cup holds everything together
AG60 Plasma Torch
The AG60 is one of the most common pilot-arc torches fitted to generic imported plasma cutters.
Typical machine size: Around 45–60 amps.
Starting system: Pilot arc.
How To Identify An AG60
- ✓ Electrode screws into the torch
- ✓ Cutting tip screws into the torch
- ✓ Pilot arc torch
- ✓ Straight cylindrical electrode
Both the electrode and the cutting tip screw directly into the torch body.
The electrode is normally smooth and straight. The best description is it looks a bit like a small metal sausage with threads on one end.
If both consumables screw in, you're probably looking at an AG60.
AG60 Plasma Torch / Pilot arc torch
Common on 45–60A plasma cutters
Uses screw-in consumables
AG60 Consumables / Screw-in electrode
Screw-in cutting tip
Straight cylindrical electrode
This Is AG60 torch?
View AG60 Consumables →AG60 pilot-arc torch with screw-in electrode and screw-in cutting tip.
P80 Plasma Torch
The P80 is the big boy of the group.
Everything about it is larger.
Typical machine size: Around 80–100 amps.
Starting system: Pilot arc.
How To Identify A P80
- ✓ Electrode screws into the torch
- ✓ Cutting tip screws into the torch
- ✓ Large consumables
- ✓ Large ceramic cup
- ✓ Hex-shaped electrode
- ✓ Larger torch body
At first glance a P80 can look similar to an AG60 because both use screw-in consumables.
The difference is size.
Most AG60 electrodes are smooth and cylindrical.
Most P80 electrodes have a hex section machined into them.
If the consumables look massive compared to an AG60 and the electrode has a hex shape, you're probably looking at a P80.
P80 Plasma Torch / Pilot arc torch
Common on 80–100A plasma cutters
Heavy-duty torch designed for higher power machines
P80 Consumables / Screw-in electrode
Screw-in cutting tip
Hex-shaped electrode
This Is a P80 torch?
View P80 Consumables →P80 pilot-arc torch with large consumables and hex-style electrode.