Will the Plasma 25 work with the Torchmate? I read about High Freq problems with some units has anybody used one with the Torchmate?

Thanks

If it is high frequency start you would need to work with some extra grounding to try and minimize the effect. If you can pull a contact pair of start wires from it (trigger wires) and it has a relatively consistent start time, I can't see why it won't work.

I can't find any info on whether or not its a high freq start, but from what your saying it can be made to work... Snap-On man will be here soon I will see if I can pick this thing up..

Did you end up going with this machine? I have this same plasma and was wondering whether it would work with the 2x2 also. From what I have read, and from using the machine for a couple years now, I'd have to say it is not a high frequency start, because you don't NEED the ground attached to cut metal. :homer: It doesn't cut well, but it will cut. The problem I see using this machine with cnc is it's a fairly low amp machine and has absolutely no adjustment.

Any more input on this machine on a 2x2 would be appreciated.

Could it be the same machine as the Lincoln Electric Plasma 25?

Could it be the same machine as the Lincoln Electric Plasma 25?

The lincoln procut 25 has amp control, whereas the Snapon machine doesn't. The Century 25 looks to be the same style of machine, with just an on/off switch and air and heat lights. The company that makes the snap-on machines looks to be Cebora and it uses this drag torch.
http://www.welding-direct.com/cp95ctopa.html

Depending on the year, it most likely is a high frequency start torch, probably is built by century products and likely has an older technology high frequency start torch made by Hypertherm.

There are different types of high frequency starts.....some that use high frequency to initialize a pilot arc (will fire in the air), and some that use high frequency to transfer the arc to the plate (will not fire in the air). Then there are non high frequency start torches that use a moving (blowback) electrode....these will fire a pilot arc in the air.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Depending on the year, it most likely is a high frequency start torch, probably is built by century products and likely has an older technology high frequency start torch made by Hypertherm.

There are different types of high frequency starts.....some that use high frequency to initialize a pilot arc (will fire in the air), and some that use high frequency to transfer the arc to the plate (will not fire in the air). Then there are non high frequency start torches that use a moving (blowback) electrode....these will fire a pilot arc in the air.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

I have an import plasma cutter that uses this method. you actually have to touch the tip to the plate to start the plasma, so if it is this type I don't see how you could use it with any cnc machine.....

Depending on the year, it most likely is a high frequency start torch, probably is built by century products and likely has an older technology high frequency start torch made by Hypertherm.

There are different types of high frequency starts.....some that use high frequency to initialize a pilot arc (will fire in the air), and some that use high frequency to transfer the arc to the plate (will not fire in the air). Then there are non high frequency start torches that use a moving (blowback) electrode....these will fire a pilot arc in the air.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Thanks for the info. Up untill now I just used it and it worked. I just want to make sure it'll work with cnc before buying a 2x2 and finding out I need a bigger plasma. The snap-on machine will fire in the air and has the exact torch I linked to above (the cebora). So this makes it high frequency with a pilot arc?

Sorry for the newbish questions and the highjack.

as a former Snap-On dealer I would suggest staying away from any plasma cutter with the Snap-On name on regardless of who made them. I have had several that I had tried and none of the ones i've had worked very well. Could be because I'm spoiled to my TD's, but I also have a cheap chinese made one and even it outperformed the various Snap-On cutters i've come across. Just 2 cents

The snap on machines were very expensive, as well as pretty poor performers. After searching the Snapon 25, the torch is a Cebora (Italian) torch that is a dead ringer copy of Hypertherms original Max40 torch from about 1986. It is a high frequency torch with pilot arc (fires in the air).

If you can get one real cheap....they will cut metal for you, although will eat through consumables like candy!

Jim