Simple DIY plasma cutting hack, save time and money

[@jondavidmcnabb]

I watch for the maker tips and skills development. I stay for the hilarious picture in picture humor that Mike inserts into his videos. No other channel has this!!!!!

[@soundman6645]

Those of us that have worked in production woodworking, know all about templates to use with our routers. This whole plasma cutter, being affordable thing, brings the whole template thing into the metal working world. Pretty much all the template techniques from the woodworking world now swing across into metal. A couple of tips. #1 You can cut your plasma templates with your router, this will make realy clean edges ........ you could even make a template for making templates. #2 harden up the cut edges of your templates with, shelac, or high temp paint, before you sand all the rough edges, this will make the templates much more durable. #3 most of my router templates are painted with thin white paint, which makes them easier to see and write upon, I'd reccommend high temp paint, like exhaust pipe paint spray for plasma templates. If you are going to make a lot of templates, tempererd masonite or masonite sign board, is denser and harder than normal board.

[@Marckusmtrmth]

Always love the way you look at things for the Starter guy who doesn't have a lot of Tools and needs to do things on the Cheap and show them how it can be done.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video Mark! Yes I like to keep a lot of these projects simple and affordable 🙂

[@designandbuild3953]

Mike, people that don't love themselves can't love others, please take those comments for what they are worth, nothing at all. We love you here in Indiana, thanks for sharing your great projects, reviews and advice and motivating us to get out in the shop and create.

[@Mikefestiva]

thank you!!!!

[@andyb4071]

This is definitely one of those "why didn't i think of that" moments!!! Awesome idea. Thanks Mike.

[@python3574]

I can tell you one thing that would be helpful to have, is a template for cutting out steel end caps for square, rectangular and round tubing in various sizes. EVERYTHING I build gets tube ends welded closed....or else wasps will DEFINITELY nest where you don't want them to. You can make templates for ones that sit on the end of the tube, or ones that fit flush inside the tubes.

[@michaelelliott2026]

Don’t sweat the trolls. Unfortunately, the Internet sometimes brings the bad along with the good. I have been watching your channel for a while now and the series you did on the mini articulating dump truck was one of the best I have viewed on KZbin-ever. The new tool tests/comparisons are outstanding as well. You have an outstanding channel and if a few vocal viewers have issues with it, then so be it. They are likely just miserable people just trying to validate themselves. Eventually they will get tired and go back to the cot in their mom’s s basement where they reside….

[@Zombiereaper1]

Ignore the Trolls Mike! You make great video's and show all us DIYers what you can do with some time and ingenuity. I saw those templates on one of your last videos and was interested in them, glad you made a video about them.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Jeremy 👍 I had a few people asking about the templates in the past videos so I thought I probably should make a video on the subject. Have a great weekend 😊

[@911Motorsports]

We make Plasma Stencils similar those, along with other common sizes and shapes too. The torch sizes do vary quite a bit depending on the machine. For custom stencils like your gussets, I tell people to just add the diameter of the torch tip to the desired size. I like how you mentioned drag cutting, any machine with an actual drag shield is ideal because the stencil can then be metal and not throw away. The other nice thing about stencils is you can use them to cut where a CNC can't go, like on vehicles or anything large. Keep up the good work!

[@turdferguson12]

Dude, your channel is the best. I learn so much from your no nonsense approach

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it 😊👍

[@fredmartinez933]

Hi ...Mike ...Great idea..thank you for this tutorial video..keep posting..have a nice day..

[@photorealm]

I don't know why I didn't think of this. Great video and great tip. Thanks for sharing.

[@joell439]

Very clever and simple DIY approach to a non-conductive template. The voice of reason and empirical results really shines here. I will be filling away the clipboard idea for this and other possible applications where a little Masonite would be the perfect material. All the best to you Mike! 👍👍😎👍👍

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video Joel! Have a great weekend 😊

[@stretchbent1105]

I was trying to figure out how to make a circle. This just made it easy. Have to replace the metal on the trailer where the taillights are. Perfect thanks

[@guyina4x499]

I appreciate you taking the time to share most of your ideas/builds. The few I've not been interested in i just didn't watch.

[@stevenm5769]

Mike I just wanna thank you for all the content you put out. You have helped me so much with starting out with flux core to trying out a plasma cutter and now learning to tig. I’m just a weekend warrior and helping a few friends from time to time. Again thanks for the great videos.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on Steven! The main reason I keep on making videos is for people like your self 👍 Really great to read your comment. Comments like this are what keep me motivated 🙂 Thanks man!

[@inspireonex]

This cool stuff is why I watch this channel. I ALWAYS call out KZbinrs who give bad advice but you'll probably never be one of those.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new videos man 🙂👍

[@rogergregory5981]

Your channel just popped up at the right time ,what a great template idea just what I need for the new 40A I've bought.. thanks

[@frankadams2135]

So love your approach to simplistic ways to get the job done.

[@bearddevil]

That circular saw blade cheese knife is fantastic! Love it. The template clipboards area great idea, too. Definitely going to try that out.

[@melgross]

Good, simple idea. I wouldn’t have thought of using clipboards. Nice to see you without that hat.

[@stevethomas8158]

Mike, Your videos are awesome and your cheerful demeanor is appreciated. KEEP IT UP !

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Steve I really appreciate it 🙂👍

[@jeremyclose705]

Thanks Mike!

[@birch8005]

Keep up the good work.👍 Waiting for videos for Mini Pinzgauer 6X6 and mini bikes.⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳

[@CamiloSantana]

i searched my history for this tip. i got clipboards. you saved me much-needed time. don't worry about the haters. they aren't the kinds of people that you would care anything about what they think in person. that's why they do what they do. Keep up the inspiring work!

[@warrensewell8761]

Thanks for the tips n tricks. Thank heavens someone is thinking outside the box for the common folk out in the world. Keep ‘em coming Mike.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my videos Warren 🙂👍

[@jerrygoldfuss466]

Fantastic idea on the plasma cutting jigs, simple to make and cheap to build. I've been needing some jigs to use with my plasma cutter. Great looking knives, and with the carbon content in the circular saw blade it should hold a pretty good edge. Thanks Mike!

[@Just-InTimeRepairs]

This is a fantastic idea, now I have to go buy a plasma cutter and it's all your fault.

[@orbitalair2103]

Haha, plasma cutters are fun. I got a cheap small one to cut thin stuff with.

[@brianwarner7523]

as a complete n00b, I am quite grateful for ideas like this, so thanks!

[@DickHowe-c5q]

This is the first time I've seen anything like this. Great Idea!! These will make me look like I know what I'm doing. Thanks!!!!

[@RambozoClown]

If you rub some candle wax on the inside edges the torch will probably slide smoother. I use something just like this for router templates and it works great.

[@lukesnyder9816]

Probably the most beneficial 10 minute video I have ever seen recently! Thanks!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Luke I really appreciate it man 🙂👍

[@Phoeff99]

This is super helpful. I thought it might be this easy but didn’t want to make a fool of myself but now I feel a lot more confident the effort would be well worth it. Nice job!

[@woodturner1954]

I did pretty much the same thing only I used a CNC router to cut out the shapes. I had small sheets of 1/4 press board laying around after a project and used those. Like you say when they were out I just curt new ones. Also patterns the kids come up with I create a file in vcarve, and can cut out as many as they want so they can paint them differently.

[@davesmith8936]

I hd to pause the vid to read those disparaging comments. Some people really do hold down the bottom of the curve. My 2 cents... Block and move on. I love your channel and content. I have high hopes of building an articulated dump truck as I could really use one on my property and of course it's going to be based on your design. I also love your product recommendations. I think they have been very practical and economical. Keep up the good work and ignore the trolls.

[@peatergriffin]

I have a small cnc router that is only 180x300 that I use to cut out really accurate plasma stencils. I'm pretty sure it was only a few hundred Australian dollars but it makes my plasma cuts look like cnc jobs. Great vid thanks.

[@michaelosmon]

I'm mike and I used to drive a festiva. This is awesome, fantastic idea. I will have to make my own now. I appreciate you. Thank you for sharing your skills knowledge and experience

[@Mikefestiva]

I owned a 1993 Festiva, I installed big brakes front and back, better suspension and a 1.8 DOHC 16V Engine from a Escort GT. It was a great little car! 😊 Thanks for checking out my new video 👍

[@michaelosmon]

@@Mikefestiva that sounds a lot more fun to drive than the one I had lol but it got great gas mileage. Have a great day 😀

[@paulnewton943]

Thanks, matey. Was about to cut from 3mm sheet as a permanent solution. No thought given until your video mentioned the arking out. Thanks

[@morrismurray3621]

Just started doing plasma cutting. Your videos are EXCELLENT!

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! I’m glad they have been helpful 😊👍

[@briarcreekcreations]

Great useful content for a new plasma owner. Easy to understand and clean language…thank you!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video 😊

[@gwerhart0800]

I had wondered if you could use wood for templates. Thanks for answering that for me. I think you have convinced me to get a plasma cutter for my shop.

[@Mikefestiva]

I think you will really like how fast and easy it is to cut metal with a simple plasma cutter 👍

[@Tubeagrutis]

Love it! I will be using my Bestarc plasma cutter for the first time tomorrow on a project, so this is perfect timing! Thanks Mike!!! Learn to love the haters, they help your channel too (due to YT algorithms). Your one of the best out here on YT, don't forget it!!!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you 👍

[@mattparker5639]

Love your channel Mike always have been watching for years. Don't let these people get to you, keep making these awesome videos

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Matt

[@jonnothetrucker]

Absolutely brilliant idea 💡 👏

[@051biohaz]

Screw the haters man, love the channel and all the uploads…of course I had to explain to the wife why I bought a Suzuki sidekick, and a wrecked motorcycle with a good drivetrain…but hey..:) thanks for the inspiration dude

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha right on man! Thanks 😊👍

[@dougtravins9624]

Thanks Mike...cool ideas we can use!

[@alexmerrill6624]

YOU ARE AMAZING!! I love the ingenuity and creativity you bring to this channel! Best idea I’ve seen in long time! Keep on engineering!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Alex! I really appreciate 🙂👍

[@danielrapoza8468]

What a great idea. Thanks for posting Mike.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video Daniel 😊

[@sasquatch3945]

Excellent ideas - thank you! And PLEASE ignore the trolls. They are on every channel of every content creator. Their comments are a reflection of their own issues, not you. I rarely subscribe to channels but I did yours because of your excellent, clear communication skills and relaxed demeanor. We also live in the same state and I recognize some of the places you go to play! You are doing an excellent job.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊 I really enjoyed reading your nice comment! Happy new year 👍

[@russellpsi]

Spot on video. I'm beginner to plasma cutter. Excellent tips and ideas

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on 👍

[@jamesr.9239]

One improvement for your circle guides would be to make cross lines on the template on center to be then lined up with scribed lines on the workpiece. Really like the idea of using clipboards for the compactness.

[@JayHutchG]

Terrific way to do those cuts. Great idea man! I like the beard. Always some critic out there putting things off.

[@Mikefestiva]

I appreciate it man thanks 😊👍

[@captaindiabetes]

Hey, let the haters hate! It gets you more views and helps your channel reach more views. I enjoy your content. Their will always be trolls and people who do this just to get your reaction.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Love your practical tips. Also, thanks for sending us over to Vass Dalen!!!

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on Tom! Yes Vass Dalen is a great channel 🙂👍

[@timothywilliams2021]

I like how you used pallet board for the knife handle you show at the end. Never thought to use copper wire for rivets. I've used hardwood pallets for a few knife handles. And a hardwood pallet 2x4 for a hatchet handle. I use pallet boards for ton's of my projects. I can usually get them free or really cheap. Usually I'll try to find good hardwood pallets. I salvage the good wood and burn the rest in my woodstove.

[@sjoemie_himself]

So simple yet so effective. Thanks for sharing! Greetings from the Netherlands, Mark

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my videos Mark 👍 Definitely a simple but effective 🙂

[@jeremybaity7002]

A friend told me about your channel. I dig it *subbed*

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you!!

[@MTBryanH]

What a FANTASTIC idea! Thx again for the Gr8 content.

[@Mikefestiva]

Glad you liked my video! 😊👍

[@stanthehandyman3719]

Love the knife. Thanks for the quick pattern ideas. Keep up the great videos

[@rodhawkins5037]

Good tips as always👍. That knife is super cool

[@smashke]

Another great idea. Love your tips and tricks! I’ve enjoyed all your videos and commentary regardless of length and I like the variety of projects. Keep on keeping on…and remember “haters gonna hate”. At least the trolls comments may help you with KZbin’s comments counting algorithm…(glass half full)

[@RVJimD]

Mike, thanks for the video, you are very easy to watch and presented the information very well. Jim

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Jim! I really appreciate it 🙂👍

[@Bigskyguy56]

Mike Great DIY template info. Thanks for posting. Just found your channel, & subscribed. Rick

[@Mikefestiva]

awesome thanks a lot 👍

[@davidhetteen9705]

More great ideas from you Mike. I recently bought a plasma cutter so I’ll be making some of these. Thanks!

[@quarlow1215]

I was going to refer my buddy to your channel Mike. But now I don't think Jason Troll would be welcome here. Lol 😆🤣 Cool jigs Mike, great idea. P.S. I really do have a friend named Jason Troll. But he's a computer geek.

[@christiannelson7899]

Great idea! I just don't think I will do enough plama cutting to justify getting a cnc table, but making some quick jigs for stuff I do often enough is a definite great addition to the toolkit! Sometimes it's the simplest ideas that get us the most mileage, and the whole why didn't I think of that? Lol.. also, don't sweat the trolls. They live to cause people grief. Wouldn't matter if you did everything completely perfect, there would be trolls telling you that you suck. I always find your content useful, interesting, and fun without unnecessary drama and standard hook titles to grab attention. Keep doing what you do!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thank you Christian!!

[@babyduckmilitia2186]

This is so smart! I have been thinking a bunch lately about how to make stencils for the plasma, masonite never occurred to me! Thanks for the tip! Also, you should get some dimple dies, they are fun.

[@sandcrabronco]

Great idea! I think I will use some scrap paneling I saved for some reason, well now I have a reason, I will take all the Negative Nellies offshore fishing for free... Very cool knife! Thanks for all the tips and tricks, you are helping us build better!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video David! I bet those Negative Nellies would have a great fishing trip 😂 Take care 👍

[@thebeardedstork432]

Mike, you keep right on doing what you are doing! I find your content very interesting and have learned a lot from you. Appreciate your tips!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man 😊👍

[@psfenwick]

Great channel, simple but effective ideas. You have my admiration for making it simple and even I can do this! Am very sorry good people have to suffer from turds who have nothing better to do than be negative. I have a Lotos 5000D simple 50amp plasma torch and was very discouraged when I first used it. Put it up after a few jagged cuts. You have given me some great ideas and I am "wiping the dust off" and using it. Again thank you!

[@ukrainiak2592]

Nice video Mike. Thanks for the idea.

[@ianhunter1643]

Legend I love this idea I've been using like dense straw board for my temps keep doing what your doing this is a amazing idea

[@kdolmyer]

Creative ideas. Thanks for always making interesting, quality videos!

[@thousandoaksauto1696]

Way Cool!!! I'll take "those kinds of tips" any day!!! Thank You very much!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video 👍

[@josephroberson4044]

Slick idea using the clipboards, got me thinking about some old plastic cutting boards I have..

[@richardpugh3434]

Plastic may get too hot and melt to your project. 👍

[@ramillalu9557]

Greatful thanks to DIY Ideas. GOD BLESS YOU

[@kylezellmann6811]

Mike, I work for a oem press brake manufacture in Wisconsin. Would you have any interest in coming out and seeing what we do? You mentioned wanting a press brake. I’d love if you could make a video for your subs on just what a press brake is. Just a thought. Love your work man!

[@michaelpolimer2128]

made some for double duplex 120v outlets same way works great....... suggestion:...........add centering marks to each circle cutout so you can have 1/2 a chance of putting the hole where you want it......

[@nekoDan]

Neat stuff! I really enjoy your channel and projects. Don’t let the trolls and haters get you down 👍🏻

[@Mikefestiva]

The Daniel 👍 I really appreciate it 🙂

[@jakubpukovec7755]

Thank you for these excellent tips. This is exactly what I needed today - I would use such a templates instead of switching to angle grinder :). Next time I'll know.

[@34bartm]

What a great and useful idea. Awesome video. Houston Texas

[@GregariousAntithesis]

Good idea you can also buy press board at home depot, etc in 4x4 or 8 sheets cheap.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video, yes you can buy Masonite at most box stores. I didn’t really need a full sheet, but definitely an option if someone needs that much material.

[@marcmelissa8752]

Mike, amazing! Simple,genius

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man 🙂👍

[@danielfantino1714]

For electric welding on a car, the ground or negative of battery must be disconected. Should the same procédure apply to plasma cutting ? Nice, simple, efficient way of making jigs.

[@curlybrownk9]

Easy, repeatable, and cheap. I like.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊

[@TheBreaded]

I build a small cnc router that'd be perfect for this sorta thing. I wanted to make it a plasma table too but it was going to be expensive to upgrade to a blow back plasma cutter. I think using hardboard for any elaborate shapes and a straight edge for strait cuts probably serves more than my needs. Would be cool to make some templates for gussets and mounting tabs.

[@Mikefestiva]

Definitely a great tool for that! I bet the CNC router would cut amazing templates, you will be surprised how good the cuts come out 👍

[@benmail128]

Dang! I was going to go ape shit on a CNC. Not now. Thanks for bringing me to the next level. I totally agree with your statement about programming time. I just want to build. The templates are a great idea! I only use a few different gussets and such.

[@scottsherwood8555]

What a cool idea! Thanks for the great tips.

[@billcox1962]

Thank you. I recently got a plasma cutter and need all the tips I can get. Would you consider making another video discussing cutter consumables and the differences. For example, I’m not really sure who or if a “drag tip” is what I have, or something different.

[@MBwelding]

I’m a massive fan of templates I build them for almost everything I do I really like the clip board idea though I will have to try it especially the small circles I’m constantly making washers it’s 100 miles to a real town for anything like Walmart or Home Depot and 30 to hardware store or Napa so I build a ton of parts myself when I’m short little things like a washer lol

[@jeffreyboatright6919]

Mike I just left you a comment inquiring about your templates I did however go on your Amazon site to find them and had no luck so hopefully you get back with me great show love watching them

[@justin_ray]

Great idea, one day once I get a cutter.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

Great idea! Didn't you use one of these clip board jigs in another video? Or am I imagining that? Thanks for all the time and effort you put into your videos. I really appreciate it.

[@brandonholmes6001]

Love the idea! Thanks for all the great content!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video Brandon 👍

[@hu5116]

Hi Mike: so just before I saw this video I bought a yeswelder CUT55DS-Pro with IPT40 torch that has a beveled edge tip instead of a cylindrical tip zlike you show, and it’s a bit bigger diameter. It’s also a blow back pilot arc (which I bought to ensure never interfering with a future CNC). Can I use a different torch (drag start?) with this unit? I think others might have similar issue to use you great idea if they don’t have a narrow tipped torch. Thanks!

[@mikedesilets3324]

Just found this video. The clip board pattern idea is brilliant.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on 👍 thanks for checking out my video. Yes they work really well.

[@garypapesh1345]

Thank Mike for more solid how to advice👍‼️💯

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my videos Gary! I really appreciate it man 👍

[@markdavis7645]

hooooly crap I love the knives at the end :) great job, and thanks for the tips!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Mark! 😊👍

[@johnreecer6839]

Awesome video as always ,thanks for the idea, love your channel

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks John 😊👍

[@MidnightCustoms-C20]

Awesome video! A lot of great info and how to.