Different torches

[tom-madbiker]

right i just got a clarke plasma king 40 cutter on ebay for the grand sum of 50 quid i have used it and it works quite well just got a few questions it has a pilot arc which aparrently means that i dont have to clean the metal as well before cutting also you can turn the pilot arc off why would you ever want to do that also i was thinking of getting a different torch so i can use more commonly available consumables (ie cheaper) the torch has a touch down to strike the arc which torch should i get i welcome your knowledge as i know nothing about plasma cutters

Thanks Tom

 

[tom-madbiker]

i have had a look and i think that a wsd-60p looks like its a tap start the same as mine and has redily available consumables has anyone got one or a photo or can confirm this

 

[steve.h]

have you looked at plasmapart.com for consumable. I think you would be best to look for a good supply of consumables rather than a new torch that has cheaper consumables. I have a cut40 and it is a good bit of kit for the money, there wasnt the choice of pilot arc when I was looking at that price range, I would love one with that option, the problem with HF start is that is really does cause a lot of electrical interference, for a while it was interfering with my router and I had to restart it every time after using the plasma, not good around computers and electronics either.
The pilot arc is far more friendly and youwould need pilot arc if you went on to use it on a cnc table. The cut40 does use really cheap consumable but it really does eat them pretty quickly, I could easily use a couple of tips in an afternoon if I am a bit lazy and abuse the tip, I think it is swings and roundabouts really as the more expensive consumables proabably last a helll of a lot longer, the cheap ones for the PT31 torch are mass produced for pennies and quality isnt always greatalso adding to their short life.

 

[tom-madbiker]

i have had a look at plasmapart and they do a good range of consumables it appears to have a binzel psb 30 or 31 there are 2 different nozzles but the same electrode now i just need to know the difference they are not too bad pricewise 5 tips and 5 nozzles £18.33

 

[steve.h]

Blimey they do cost a bit dont they, I am sure they will last a good while though, Give the guys at plasmapart a ringthey are really helpful.

 

[tom-madbiker]

chap on ebay does them as well from china they are half the price but im not sure about the quality and they take about a month to get here

 

[steve.h]

I dont know how true it is but the guy at plasmapart told me that they buy thirs from the same place in china, he said that the quality was not always 100%, he said they sort through them and discard any that are not up to a certain standard he did explain about the tip on some being rounder than others and it making a difference etc. As I said I dont know how true this is but all of the tips from then are the same.
I also know that some people get stung for import duty and tax when importing, others say that they never have a problem, some also say about the parcel being marked as a gift to avoid tax and duty on it, knowing my luck I didnt take the chance and just bought from PP.

 

[tom-madbiker]

decided to take a chance and get them from china we will see how good they are when they get here

 

[tom-madbiker]

tried the chinese tips the other day pretty good although i tried to cut 8mm plate that the machine reckons it will but its not good at all also i think the pilot is not working i opeded up the torch and there is a spare wire in it possibly been changed and is for the pilot arc on thinner stuff it works really well tho on the lower setting cuts 4mm ss with ease wondered if there was too much water in air supply it has got a drier but it does not seem to collect anything in it any ideas oh by the way its a clarke plasma king 40

thanks in advance tom