plasma cutter not working

[mattiemjbb]

I’m having some problems with the plasma cutter I purchased off ebay.
It’s a cut 50 not sure about any other details It appears to be a cheap Chinese one

The problem is thus.

All the lights come on and the air will come out of the end but nothing else, I have been trying with 75 psi and have tried it with higher too upto 120 with no effect.

Whist disassembling the torch to check everything was there I accidentally pushed the button and touched the metal bit of the torch against a piece of earthed metal and it did arc but this was without the electrode nozzle and shield in, so I’m assuming there must be power getting to it.

The compressor is only a small one so I doubt it will keep the correct pressure for long, but shouldn’t it still arc for a moment?

Also the electrode does seem a tiny bit loose where it fits into the torch but it is still in contact around the collar of the electrode#

Could it be I’m net getting enough volume of gas through, does anyone have any idea how much I might need

 

[Drains]

Mattie, don't go for too much air pressure. Off the top of my head, my plasma cutter operates between about 50-70psi. (don't rely on this), but certainly nowhere near 100.

Make sure everything is tight and well seated - electrode, tip, collar etc.

Have you got the earth lead on the work?

Are you touching the torch to the work? Depending on the type of arc initiation, you might need to bring the torch to the work to get the arc to start - hence you had a spark previously. If it's HF start then this is the case.

Let us know how you get on. I'm sure more folk will be along to give further advice.

Si

 

[weldequip]

75 - 120 psi is way too high & will knock out the plasma arc.
Try it at around 45-50psi.
weldequip

 

[lexi]

About 50 psi.. If you have Pilot Arc check that the little Dinse socket is wired up correct and very tightly screwed home. Check earth lead. You do have the earth to the right connection? My machine had a plug lying inside machine disconnected so would not spark on Pilot Arc. Is it a cut machine only?
Does it have a malfunction light and is it lit?

Alex

 

[Wozzaaah]

Mattie, just out of interest, did you have to pay any duty on it?

 

[mattiemjbb]

still no luck with it, the sender said it was a gift so no tax, which is pretty pointless as its a useless piece of junk, im trying to get him to take it back and change it for a working one

 

[oddball90]

Good Luck.

 

[vtec_lude]

Bought one of these from essex steam. Used if for about 3 months and this exact problem occurred. I had to get him to fix it but it still didn't work. Ended up getting a replacement. I've still got 6months warrantee on it so I hope this new one doesn't break.

I hope the person you bought it off replaces it for you.

Good luck!

 

[runnach]

What material were you attempting to cut?

 

[irondarren]

It is one of the problems of buying off ebay, as oppossed to buying from a dealer. Hope you get it sorted

 

[stevokaneevo]

Mattie, i.ve got the same cutter and had the same problem, take the cover off it, behind the front switch an dial on the lower control board ther is 2 metal pins sticking up with little balls on them, these shud spark wen you pull/press the trigger, and stop sparking wen the cutting is started, the gap may be too big for the ark to jump across (was my problem) close/open the gap accordingly an it shud work first time every time (mine did/does) hope this helps

 

[toolaholic]

Mine did the same and i closed the gap and it worked for a while then stopped again .I think a resistor has gone on board going to try that next.

 

[jugs]

Bought one of these from essex steam. Used if for about 3 months and this exact problem occurred. I had to get him to fix it but it still didn't work. Ended up getting a replacement. I've still got 6months warrantee on it so I hope this new one doesn't break.

I hope the person you bought it off replaces it for you.

Good luck!

Not true

"If your goods are not satisfactory you may be able to make a claim for up to 6 years in England and Wales and 5 years in Scotland after the purchase of your goods, for a refund, repair or replacement."

Read this
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/know-your-rights/SGAknowyourrights/

 

[toolaholic]

Hey it worked changed the resistor (510k ohm) next to spark gap and it worked the only thing is dont know exact spec(ie wattage and voltage rating) for resistor so may fail again soon but cheap and easy if it does