Cutmaster A120 issue

[waynehartwig]

I was cutting some 1/4" plate with a 60A tip and the machine set at 60A. I keep getting an error light and the 85 psi light blinking constant and fast. Manual mentions direct short? I increased my pierce/cut height and even disabled auto AVHC, no dice. And new consumables.

One thing I noticed, is when it cuts, I see the plasma cutting, but occasionally I'll see a second or wider plasma arc.

Any thoughts? I just did some 12GA floor plate with no issues. I didn't try another sheet of 12GA to see if the problem remained, or went away. My assumption is it would cut fine.

[HardcorewannabeXJ]

When cutting at 40 amps or above, if the tip comes into direct contact with the material (and therefore the ground clamp) the cutter will shut itself off to prevent damage to the consumables. This prevents the arc from going through the copper tip rather then through the hole in the tip.

12 ga material I would recommend cutting at 40 amps or below, as you don't need 60 to cut it. 30 or 40 amps would do fine, and most likely give you a cleaner cut with less material warpage.

[waynehartwig]

Originally Posted by HardcorewannabeXJ

When cutting at 40 amps or above, if the tip comes into direct contact with the material (and therefore the ground clamp) the cutter will shut itself off to prevent damage to the consumables. This prevents the arc from going through the copper tip rather then through the hole in the tip.

12 ga material I would recommend cutting at 40 amps or below, as you don't need 60 to cut it. 30 or 40 amps would do fine, and most likely give you a cleaner cut with less material warpage.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. On the 12ga, I used 40A and consumables. Then I switched to 60A and consumables to do the 1/4" plate. But I might try 30A consumables next time then, because it did warp the 12ga at 40A. Granted, all I was cutting was a 3x30" peice of floor plate, so it was very easy to make straight again. But since it started warping, the cut quality was greatly reduced in certain areas.

My AVHC was on and there is a gap between the material and the tip never touches, but I still get the error. Unless I'm in manual mode, then it just stops cutting, with no error, and when it finishes that 'cut', it will relight, pierce and continue - unless it errors again. With the AVHC on, it stop when it throws the error. A friend of mine suggested relocating the ground, so I'll try that next time.

[waynehartwig]

no other ideas? Do I possibly have a defective machine then?

[Dnmeistr]

Try replacing the start cartridge and the oring.

[waynehartwig]

Originally Posted by Dnmeistr

Try replacing the start cartridge and the oring.

o ring and cartridge are new. But I can try it anyway.

[HardcorewannabeXJ]

Originally Posted by waynehartwig

o ring and cartridge are new. But I can try it anyway.

Thermal Dynamics won't treat anything as a serious issue until you replace all the consumable pieces, including the start cartridge.

If cutting at anything about 40 amps constantly gives you this error, I would at least call Thermal Dynamics and run it by them. 800-752-7622

[Torchmate]

Wayne,

Email me (bill@torchmate.com) and let me know what happens when you call TD. Also, if you have called in to our office, then let me know with whom you have been dealing so I can follow up with them. We will figure it out even if we have to swap out the unit. When you email me, let me know the name that you purchased the machine under so that I can find you in the computer system.

Bill

[waynehartwig]

Originally Posted by HardcorewannabeXJ

Thermal Dynamics won't treat anything as a serious issue until you replace all the consumable pieces, including the start cartridge.

If cutting at anything about 40 amps constantly gives you this error, I would at least call Thermal Dynamics and run it by them. 800-752-7622

Originally Posted by Torchmate

Wayne,

Email me (bill@torchmate.com) and let me know what happens when you call TD. Also, if you have called in to our office, then let me know with whom you have been dealing so I can follow up with them. We will figure it out even if we have to swap out the unit. When you email me, let me know the name that you purchased the machine under so that I can find you in the computer system.

Bill

Thanks Mike and Bill! I'm in Moab for EJS right now, but I'll swap consumables when I get back and see how it works. I don't think that's it, but what the heck, easy and worth the shot, right?

So far I haven't called anyone - TD or Torchmate. I've been so swamped getting parts built, that I really haven't had a chance to figure out the table. If I toss a sheet up there, and it works, then great. If not, I call my laser cutter guy and place a order for the parts. Obviously I want to get away from doign that, but until then...

Should be under AllJeep.com....

[waynehartwig]

I believe it was only a ground issue, becuase it's not doing it anymore. And the only thing I've changed, is where the ground was clamped to. Which was changed only because I was cleaning up wiring and such....

[blankkoozies]

Originally Posted by HardcorewannabeXJ

When cutting at 40 amps or above, if the tip comes into direct contact with the material (and therefore the ground clamp) the cutter will shut itself off to prevent damage to the consumables. This prevents the arc from going through the copper tip rather then through the hole in the tip.

12 ga material I would recommend cutting at 40 amps or below, as you don't need 60 to cut it. 30 or 40 amps would do fine, and most likely give you a cleaner cut with less material warpage.

Is this true? This prevents the arc from going through the copper tip rather then through the hole in the tip?
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Blank koozies