Any plasma cutter experts here?

[Scootertrash]

I recently acquired a freebie plasma cutter. It's a big old beast. Opened it up and blew all the dust and cobwebs out. The insides look like something out of a Frankenstein movie. Plugged it in and it runs, but consumables are no longer available for the torch. Fortunately Victor Technologies/Thermal Dynamics/ESAB manufactures a newer torch that can be adapted to this machine. I've gotten the new torch ordered, just waiting on the adapter for the electrical portion of the torch to hook it up to the box.

One problem, I can't find any manuals for the machine. I like having the manuals for my tools. I called ESAB, the tech I talked to said he couldn't find anything on this machine at all

So if anybody knows where I might be able to find any kind of paperwork for this machine, that would be great. Google brings up nothing.

Here's the machine, this isn't mine but it's identical:



I don't have a clue how to run one of these so any pointers would be welcome.

[onformula1]

Let me know of you have questions I have been using one for 15 years.

This is very helpful and you can buy them in many levels of quality, many are universal fit and work great-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-P-80-Met...-/171872611066

Most plasma cutters work best at 60-80 PSI make sure you use a air filter on the back of the machine.

You can also make tips on a lathe out of copper rod if you can't find bits.

[Scootertrash]

I'll take a pic a little later. I want to ask you if my interpretation of the switches is correct. As far as an air filter, are you talking about something similar to what's on the supply line of an air compressor?

[onformula1]

I'll take a pic a little later. I want to ask you if my interpretation of the switches is correct. As far as an air filter, are you talking about something similar to what's on the supply line of an air compressor?

Yes on the filter, it removes water from the air line and drains on the bottom side. Water will ruin a plasma cutter plus you will get a jumping, erratic ARC.

Playing around and fine tuning the air pressure is important- too much and you have ARC issues, too little and the slag will not blow though and will re-weld itself together.

[onformula1]

https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...FVKDfgodGgcI4A

[Scootertrash]

Got a little busy and haven't gotten a pic of the settings thing I want to ask you about. I'm out of town for the weekend,Ill get a pic when I get back.

Is one filter right off of the compressor enough or should I have a second one at the cutter?

[onformula1]

I would run two.

Every air compressor should have one off the tank (IMHO) and every modern plasma cutter I have seen comes with one that mounts directly to the back of the unit.

[Scootertrash]

I always have one right off the compressor. A second one at the cutter makes sense. Catch any condensation in the line between the two

[onformula1]

I always have one right off the compressor. A second one at the cutter makes sense. Catch any condensation in the line between the two

Yep, same with any type of media blaster, it works.

[Scootertrash]

OK, so I got some time to mess with the plasma cutter this evening and from all appearances IT WORKS!!!! I was able to cut everything from some thin sheet metal to 1/4 inch 3 x 3 angle. I didn't have anything thicker handy to try it on, I'll have to dig something out later this week.

onformula, I still have some questions about some of the switches and settings, I'll try to get pics up this week. Just been super busy lately with projects out the arse.....