ParkerBrand plasma cutter - sparks - doesn't cut

[ELL]

The arrow is pointing at what looks like the output choke. Is that the part with a burnt out connection?

I just looked online and apparently it's the ignition coil which makes sense. I could be wrong though.

 

[Seadog]

Isn't that the part that's working, though?

 

[eddie49]

Rather than a choke, I think that component has two coils, and it is the coupling transformer that puts the high-voltage HF onto the main output path.

 

[eddie49]

I just bought it and it clearly needs a new PCB, so I will be returning it for a refund.

It is not the first time that has happened.....there are often "Parker Brand" customer returns for sale as "spares or repairs" on eBay.

 

[ELL]

Isn't that the part that's working, though?

Not unless it's magic, the connection to the PCB on one end is burned so bad its not connected anymore.

 

[eddie49]

That would make sense if the "long" coil is supposed to carry the cutting power, but it cannot due to one end being open circuit. The HF is still being coupled onto the output cable by the "short" coil.

 

[BrokenBiker]

I think it's a little more refined than that.
HF = High frequency High voltage current.

Pilot arc means it will arc to the nozzle, and then onto your part (there is circuitry that Eddie has posted about)
to do the switch from the nozzle to the part. Hence you can "dry fire" it in mid-air.

No pilot arc still has HF, but the nozzle is not connected, all arcing (start & run) is only from the electrode
to the plate.

Yet my explanation was perfectly fine as a basic analogy of how it works...