The nozzle comes first
Replace the nozzle as soon as the centre of the hole is damaged. A worn nozzle has a big effect on cut quality, thickness and speed. As a general rule, a nozzle needs changing after several hours of continuous cutting.
Then the electrode and shield
For every two nozzles changed, change the electrode. Swap the shield after every second electrode. That is why MetalWise nozzles come in packs of 20, electrodes in packs of 10 and shields in packs of 5. An electrode run past its life can burn out the torch, which costs far more than the part.
Spares worth keeping
Other consumables, such as the centre tube, swirl ring and cap, rarely need changing. Keep one or two extras anyway, so a dropped part does not stop the machine.
- Nozzles: one full pack per torch in use
- Electrodes: one pack
- Shields: one pack
- Swirl ring and cap: one or two each