Plasma Cutter

[bdierks]

So i am haveing a problem with my plasma cutter. I start to cut and it cuts just fine for a couple of inches, but then it just stops. and it wont let me start again with out turning off the power and letting it set for a few seconds. if i dont do that, it just makes a beeping sound. i can go a little farther on sheetmetal, but when i do like 1/4 in. it stops after about 2 inches. I have tried more air presure and i have tried less air presure. It is a Thermal Dynamics Cuttmaster 51, witch should be able to cut up to 1/2 inch. any help would be great, thanks

[Gene_Olson]

how old is it?
my ancient pac5xr (same cutting rating) stopped working the other day.
I cracked open the box, blew out the dust with the air hose, and tried again.

Works fine again, sure am glad I didn't haul it in to the supplier. . .

G

[Dawai]

Same ole here.. my trigger was hanging up.. board the torch controls went to was black with grinding funk.. blowed it out.. works again.. got another day out of it..

I put a foot pedal-remote for the cnc on it while I was in there..

check the ground clamp.. maybe losing the ground and spiking the internal current loop control. (arc monitor)...

[anders nørgaard]

Hi __________ (insert real name here)

You got good advise from Gene and David! Overheated electronics don't work properly.

Did a Google on your machine and found a user's manual

http://www.thermadyne.com/uplFiles/l...s%5C0_2989.pdf

Here's part of the troubleshooting:

Arc shuts off during operation; arc will not restart when torch switch is activated.

1. Power Supply is overheated (TEMP indicator ON)

a. Let unit cool down for at least 5 minutes. Make sure the unit has not been operated beyond Duty Cycle limit.

Refer to Section 2 for duty cycle specifications.

2. Fan blades blocked (TEMP indicator ON)

a. Check and clear blades.

3. Air flow obstructed (TEMP indicator ON)

a. Check for obstructed airflow around the unit and correct condition.

4. Gas pressure too low (GAS indicator OFF when torch switch is activated)

a. Check source for at least 60 psi / 4.1 bar; adjust as needed. (Minimum pressure for power supply operation

is lower than minimum required for torch operation.)

5. Torch consumables worn

a. Check torch consumables per Torch manual; replace as needed.

6. Faulty components in unit

a. Return for repair or have qualified technician repair per Service Manual.


Hope this helps.

[bdierks]

Hey guys thanks for the responces so far. The machine is only about a year old and probubly has less than 2 hours run time. another guy told me to check the moisture trap, mabey change the filter. i will also check my ground cable. Thanks, BRIAN DIERKS

[milo]

sometimes if the ground isn't good the machine will still cut with it's "pilot " feature for 8 seconds or so until it doesn't find the ground..