Lincoln Electric PRO-CUT IM595-A - Manual (Page 19)

B-6 OPERATION B-6
PILOT ARC DISCUSSION
The PRO-CUT has a smooth, continuous pilot arc.
The pilot arc is only a means of transferring the arc to
the workpiece for cutting. Repeated pilot arc starts, in
rapid succession, is not recommended as these starts
will generally reduce consumable life. Occasionally,
the pilot arc may sputter or start intermittently. This is
aggravated when the consumables are worn or the air
pressure is too high. Always keep in mind that the
pilot arc is designed to transfer the arc to the work-
piece and not for numerous starts without cutting.
When the pilot arc is started, a slight impulse will be
felt in the torch handle. This occurrence is normal and
is the mechanism which starts the plasma arc. This
impulse can also be used to help troubleshoot a "no
start" condition.
PROCEDURE RECOMMENDATIONS
When properly used, plasma arc cutting or gouging is
a very economical process. Improper use will result in
a very high operating cost.
General - In All Cases
• Follow safety precautions as printed throughout
this operating manual and on the machine.
Thin Gauge Sheet Metal:
Output set below 45 Amps.
• The nozzle may be dragged on the metal sur-
face, touching it lightly to the surface after pierc-
ing a hole. Current control should be set
below the mid range.
• Do not allow cable or body to contact hot sur-
face.
Thick Sections of Metal
Output set above 45 Amps.
• The best quality and consumable life will be
obtained by holding the torch off the surface
about 3/16"(4.8mm). Too long an arc may com-
promise cut quality and consumable life. When
the output setting is above mid-range, the noz-
zle should NOT be dragged on the work.
Failure to do so will result in shortened con-
sumable life.
• Use of the S22151 Drag Cup will maintain the
proper standoff and eliminate nozzle double
arcing.
• If piercing is required, slowly lower the torch at
an angle of about 30 ° to blow the dross away
from the torch tip and slowly rotate the torch to
a vertical position as the arc becomes deeper.
This process will blow a lot of molten metal and
dross. Be careful! Blow the dross away from
the torch, the operator and any flammable
objects.
• Where possible, start the cut from the edge of
the work piece.
• Keep moving! A steady speed is necessary.
Do not pause.
• Do not allow torch cable or body to contact hot
surface.
PRO-CUT 80
Torch Standoff
DRAG thru 1/16"(1.6mm)
Standoff
45
Output Setting
Min. thru Mid. Range
Machine Output Setting
Torch Standoff
1/8"(3.2mm) thru
3/16"(4.8mm)Standoff
45
Output Setting
Mid. thru Max. Range
Machine Output Setting