QC problems plasma consumables

Having some problems with the consumables on the 256. Both with the ones that came with it and the new ones that I bought at the time I purchased the welder. The electrodes average about 28.7mm. When I install the electrode then screw on the tip all the way it will light once then not relight. However if I loosen the tip a turn it will work perfect everytime. This of course tells me the electrode to tip clearance is not sufficient enough and is allowing the electrode to arc directly to the tip and stay attached. So is this a problem with the consumables or a problem with the actual torch itself? I just hate having to leave it loose for it to work properly and don't want to replace the torch with another brand since I already have a large amount of consumables for this one

which torch?

this torch.

Timberwolf,



I am fairly certain the issue is your point gap. On the multi process units we have to keep thegap a bit wider to accommodate the plasma pilot arc. I have found the bestsetting to be .045”.



Please give me a call and I can assist in getting it setcorrectly.

Hey Ray, that crossed my mind but then would the HF still be sparking inside the unit? I can see the spark inside and it will work the first time I assemble everything but after that it won't fire again until I loosed the tip. I'll get the points gapped to 045 and if that doesn't work I'll give ya a call. I'll update it when I get it done....flying a lot this week and wont have time until friday. Thanks Ray!

Without getting to technical, there is an inductor betweenthe points and the torch, so there could still be a spark across the points butnot enough voltage at the tip.

I suspect the gap is slightly to close, loosening the tip may be compensating for it.

If that’s not it , I would guess it’s most likely the torch itself,somehow having been mis-machined.



And lastly the consumables, as I haven’t heard of any problemswith them from others.
let me know what you find.

Thanks,

Ray, reset the points, working good now. Thanks!