Lincoln PC210

[Rick]

Hello,

I've had this machine a couple of months now, and to be honest don't use it that often. I find grinders easier, unless of cause i'm cutting curves.

This is the machine with its own compressor.

I've been using it with the built in compressor and its been fine. I know its not a powerful machine but it does say it will cut 10mm plate. (what a joke) Anything above 5mm and you get a lot of slag on the back. So I decided to rig it up to my compressor.

Its got a dial at the front to adjust the air pressure. I tried it on max thinking this would be best, but soon as it "strikes up" it cuts out when you get near steel. I have to reduce the compressors pressure to about 50psi for it to cut, and at this pressure its no better than the inbuilt compressor.

What am I doing wrong? Could the air not be dry enough? Do i Need a good drier?

 

[TechnicAl]

Does it say 10mm severance?

There is an old thread http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=10921

I cant remember what it says

 

[shenion]

That is a 25A machine. I have a 25A ProArc 2500 (same as the older Lincoln ones.)

It can do 5mm max and it is not that clean. 10mm would take forever and be a mess.

Most machines that say 10mm are rated for 40A.

 

[RapidResponse]

The air pressure needs to be on 5 bar + or - 0. The plasma stream is heated by the Electrode. Too high on the air pressure and the stream will not get to the right temperature. Lower pressure will increase the heat but at high consumable wear. So 5 bar setting with the air running is the optimum. The machine is recommended to cut 6mm material. It will cut 10mm but at low speed. It will cut marginally faster on shop air as the supply is more stable. ( compressor allowing ). This comparison chart may give you an insight to cutting capacity and speed.
http://www.rapidwelding.com/pages/plasmacomparison.aspx

 

[Rick]

Does it say 10mm severance?

There is an old thread http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=10921

I cant remember what it says

It says 5mm recommend 10mm max and 12 serverance.

That is a 25A machine. I have a 25A ProArc 2500 (same as the older Lincoln ones.)

It can do 5mm max and it is not that clean. 10mm would take forever and be a mess.

Most machines that say 10mm are rated for 40A.

Are there any genuine machines that do 40 amps off single phase? I know the cheapo's claim to but....

The air pressure needs to be on 5 bar + or - 0. The plasma stream is heated by the Electrode. Too high on the air pressure and the stream will not get to the right temperature. Lower pressure will increase the heat but at high consumable wear. So 5 bar setting with the air running is the optimum. The machine is recommended to cut 6mm material. It will cut 10mm but at low speed. It will cut marginally faster on shop air as the supply is more stable. ( compressor allowing ). This comparison chart may give you an insight to cutting capacity and speed.
http://www.rapidwelding.com/pages/plasmacomparison.aspx

I think this is the problem. At 5 bar on the shop supply it cuts out after about 1-2 seconds. The machines internal compressor only does about 3-4 bar.

Also it mentions in the other thread he doesn't have the earth on the job. I can cut without the earth been on the piece as well. Is this normal? I've been connecting it incase its there to surges or something.

 

[wyn]

Are there any genuine machines that do 40 amps off single phase? I know the cheapo's claim to but....

The one in the pic below does 45 amps off single phase. I run it off a 30 amp supply along with a 3hp compressor that will stop and start while cutting at 45 amps ( the lights dim a bit though).

Costs a bit, but you get the performance.

This is a bit of 20mm plate cut with it

 

[Rick]

That looks more like it! How much are they? What I'm wondering if my air supply lets me down.

Also, even when cutting thinner material, i.e. 2mm, i use full power and move quicker, Is there a downside to this other than more wear?