Why Is My Plasma Cutter Not Working?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The compressor is short of air. The pressure adjustment of air conditioning valve of the plasma cutting machine

is too low

.

There is oil pollution

in the electromagnetic valve. The air channel is obstructed.

How long do plasma cutters last?

While it is hard to gauge consumable life (as I already mentioned,) for hand cutting with the latest shielded torch technology, I normally expect hundreds of feet of cut, and 600 to 1,200 pierces or put another way, I expect

2 to 4 days of

cutting (actual arc-on time) in many cases.

Is there anything a plasma cutter won’t cut?

Other materials that cannot be cut include glass, concrete, and ceramics. These materials are non-conductive and are used to insulate electrical products. If you are using a plasma cutter, it simply needs to have a conductivity to complete the electrical connection. Otherwise,

it just won’t cut at all

.

What psi do I need to run a plasma cutter?

For the majority of the Everlast product line, air pressure required to operate the torches is anywhere

between 55 to 70 psi

. Low amperage cuts will require less air pressure for more stable operation, sometimes down to 45 psi or so, or the arc will be blown out.

Which of the following is a common issue when plasma cutting?

Problems Cause of Issue Plasma cutting

torch burn out

1. the metal pressure cap is not compressed
2. cutting torch conductive joints loose, broken cable trachea, water-cooled torch interface leakage 3. cutting torch joints poor insulation

Do plasma cutters wear out?

Plasma cutter consumables are a set of components in your plasma cutter that

gradually wear over time until they need to be replaced

: they have a life cycle.

Can a plasma cutter cut wood?

Virtually any metal can be plasma cut including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, etc. Any thickness from 30 gauge through 1 inch can be cut, depending on the plasma cutter used. …

Plastics and wood are not electrically conductive and cannot be plasma cut

.

Will a plasma cutter cut welds?

Plasma gouging is by far one of the most overlooked processes in welding. … There’s so much more your plasma cutter has to offer than just cutting. Gouging can be an invaluable skill for removing welds, preparing your workpiece, beveling and so much more.

How thick can plasma cutter cut?

Plasma cutters are used to perform cutting and gouging operations, with the average hand-held system capable of cutting a maximum metal thickness of

about 1 inch

. Plasma typically requires a source for compressed air and a substantial amount of electrical power.

Do you need an air compressor for a plasma cutter?

One of the most important requirements for a quality cut when using a plasma cutter is sufficient air pressure to blast the plasma out of the cut. That means you need a

quality air compressor

as well as a quality plasma cutter, both inside the same cabinet.

Why does my plasma cutter sputter?

One common plasma nozzle problem occurs when

the orifice becomes blocked

, sometimes due to molten material contacting the tip and then cooling down and hardening there, altering the plasma flow. An off-center stream will steadily wear down the orifice.

Is plasma cutting difficult?

Plasma cutting basics

Plasma arc cutting is a process where an open arc can be constricted by passing through a small nozzle from the electrode to the workpiece. Although the

technology may seem complicated

, the process itself is very easy to learn and perform.

What does the OC light mean on a plasma cutter?

The OC light is

“Over Current”

and takes inputs from approx 5 sources and cuts the machine off with a 10 sec reset in the circuit. Essentially the internals of these Chinese Plasma Cutters are the same and the faults are similar on all of them and are usually not substantial.

How thick of metal can a 50 amp plasma cutter cut?

Excellent Air Plasma Cutter: The Cut-50 Plasma Cutter can easily cut up to

0.55”(14 mm) metal

under maximum output with ultimate portability weighing only 21.56 lbs.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.