Watch the quick video below to check if your torch is a PT31 before ordering consumables.
Buy PT31 Consumables
- Reversible electrode
- Push-in tip & electrode
- Ceramic cup screws over front
Not sure if you've actually got a PT31 torch? Before ordering consumables, have a look at our torch identification guide. It covers the four most common Chinese plasma torch types (PT31, SG51, AG60 and P80) and shows you exactly how to tell them apart.
You pull your torch apart… Go to swap the electrode… …and stop.
Both ends look the same.
Now you’re standing there thinking:
“What the hell is this… which way does it go in?”
If your torch has:
● Push-in parts
● No screws holding the tip in ● And you’ve gotta touch the metal to start 👉 You’re running a PT31 / LG40 style torch.
And this is exactly how those electrodes are meant to look.
What You’re Looking At
That electrode isn’t faulty.
It’s not used.
And it’s not some weird cheap version.
👉 It’s designed to be used both ways.
Why It Has Two Ends
Simple.
You use one end…
It wears out…
👉 Then you flip it and use the other end.
That’s it.
What Most People Think
First time you see it, you assume:
● One side is already used
● Something’s wrong
● Or it’s been made wrong
So what happens?
👉 People throw them away early.
What You’re Supposed to Do
Run it like normal.
When one end starts to go off:
● Harder to start
● Rougher cut
● Arc feels unstable
👉 Pull it out
👉 Flip it 👉 Put it back in
And keep going.
Why This Is Actually Good
This is one of the reasons PT31 / LG40 consumables are so cheap to run.
You’re basically getting:
👉 Two electrodes in one
The Part No One Tells You
Sounds great in theory…
But here’s the catch.
You’ve got:
● One electrode (two ends)
● But only one cutting tip
And that’s where people mess it up.
What Happens When You Flip It
You flip the electrode…
Stick it back in…
👉 And try to run it with the same old tip.
That’s where everything goes downhill.
Real World Truth
If you’re putting a fresh electrode end in… 👉 You need a fresh cutting tip to match it.
Otherwise:
● Arc gets unstable
● Cut gets messy
● Tip burns out faster
Simple Math
If you buy:
👉 10 double-ended electrodes
You’ve actually got:
👉 20 usable ends
Which means:
👉 You should have about 20 tips to match
What Happens If You Don’t
I’ve tried it.
Trying to stretch an old tip…
Running a fresh electrode with it… 👉 It turns to crap real quick.
You end up:
● Fighting the cut
● Getting frustrated
● Wondering what’s wrong
Nothing’s wrong.
👉 Your consumables are just out of sync.
The Frustration Bit
You’re trying to cut…
Arc’s playing up… Cut looks rough…
And you’re thinking:
“Why is this thing being such a bastard?”
Next minute…
You feel like throwing the torch across the garage.
What You Should Actually Do
Don’t try to squeeze every last bit out of it.
👉 When the cut starts going off:
● Flip the electrode
● Put a new tip in
Done.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Tips are cheap.
Trying to save a few cents…
Just creates more problems.
👉 It’s not worth the hassle.
What Actually Matters While Cutting
When your arc starts getting unstable like that, especially on thinner material, it makes a mess of the cut straight away — something you’ll notice even more if you’re working on lighter stuff (see: plasma cutting aluminium).
How to Tell When It’s Done
You don’t need anything fancy.
You’ll feel it.
● Harder to start
● Arc feels weak or jumpy
● Cut gets wider
● More slag
👉 That’s your sign.
When to Flip (And When Not To)
Use the first end properly.
Don’t flip it too early.
👉 When it starts going off — flip it
👉 And change the tip at the same time
Don’t Overthink It
It’s simple.
● Two ends on the electrode
● Tip wears out faster
● They work together
That’s it.
Quick Torch Filter
● PT31 / LG40 → push-in parts, double-ended electrode
● AG60 → screws together
● SG51 → tip sits loose
● P80 → bigger setup
If yours is push-in…
👉 You’re PT31 / LG40.
FAQ
Why does the electrode have two ends?
So you can flip it and get double life.
Do I need a new tip when I flip it?
Yes — otherwise it runs badly.
Can I reuse the same tip?
You can… but it’ll cut like rubbish.
Are PT31 consumables cheaper to run?
Yes — because of the double-ended electrode.
How often should I change them?
When the cut starts going off — don’t wait too long.
Final Word
If your electrode has two ends… 👉 That’s normal.
You’re not looking at a faulty part.
Just a simple design that lets you get more life out of it.
Just remember:
👉 Flip the electrode
👉 Change the tip
👉 Keep them matched
And you’ll save yourself a heap of grief 👍