TonyWilk
2-Pint Welder
- Messages
- 114
I've looked up several of the machines you've mentioned in this thread and tried to find out a bit more about plasma cutters... see if this makes any sense:
Machines with a pilot arc seem to have two cables running to the torch head, the main feed (-) and a pilot arc cable. I guess once the plasma's started and close to the workpiece, the main current runs via the plasma arc to the (+) piece.
My machine just has main feed to the torch so must be in contact with the piece for the HF to start the plasma.
I'll try lifting the tip off and see if the arc stays on, but I guess it would have to be constantly moving... otherwise the metal would be quickly cut away, so there wouldn't be a 'circuit' any more (from tip electrode-plasma-workpiece).
I've noticed that slower cutting leaves a wider raggy cut, presumably 'cos the arc is wandering about looking for some more metal to connect with - and I suppose a wandering arc is going to make short work of the tip.
At the moment it seems to work fine and I'm a bit loath to really mess about having only 2 of 3 tips left
Yours,
Tony Wilk
Machines with a pilot arc seem to have two cables running to the torch head, the main feed (-) and a pilot arc cable. I guess once the plasma's started and close to the workpiece, the main current runs via the plasma arc to the (+) piece.
My machine just has main feed to the torch so must be in contact with the piece for the HF to start the plasma.
I'll try lifting the tip off and see if the arc stays on, but I guess it would have to be constantly moving... otherwise the metal would be quickly cut away, so there wouldn't be a 'circuit' any more (from tip electrode-plasma-workpiece).
I've noticed that slower cutting leaves a wider raggy cut, presumably 'cos the arc is wandering about looking for some more metal to connect with - and I suppose a wandering arc is going to make short work of the tip.
At the moment it seems to work fine and I'm a bit loath to really mess about having only 2 of 3 tips left
Yours,
Tony Wilk