SuperCut 50 problems

[countrygardener]

I had this problem before and I think I solved it with some water filters on the compressor, but now the problem is back again. A few days ago I cut some long lengths of 3/8 inch steel just fine. Now I went over to a buddies house and tried to cut a big area out of an old 1/4 in thick steel fuel tank (cleaned out). It was a bit rusty on the outside which he had already ground down to good metal. We welded a piece of rebar onto it for a good ground. But the arc went all over the place and I just burned uup the tips, etc. I couldn't get it to arc properly. So we drilled a clean houle into the cutting area so the arc had a complete hole for starters. It still arked all over the place and started to burn up another new tip. What is the problem? I used the same water filters that I used at home. I had 50 amps going. I have 80 pounds of pressure. Anyone have an idea? Thanks in advance!

[k7dfw]

Just a WAG but on 1/4" I'd start with 25A and tilt the torch at a slight angle with the tip in a trailing position.


RP

[countrygardener]

Should I start at 80 pounds if I'm starting at 25 Amps?

[everlastsupport]

I would use 50-65PSI on small/thin stuff. I never run more than 75PSI on over 1 inch. 80 is way too high.

The wild arc sounds like moisture in the line. Like k7dfw said, try to lean the torch and pull it and see if that helps.

[I_Love_Plasma]

I use 65 psi on 1/4" all the time @ 25-34 amps depending on rust and the template.

It sounds like your electrode may be loose also. I'd like to say it's a combination of all the problems mentioned. Little water vapor, slightly loosened electrode,over amping, and too much pressure.

I've got the 60A Torch upgrade on my SC50, thus if you've got a 50A torch I don't know anything about how it behaves.

I set my 65 psi while the air is flowing with "Test Mode" on.

Hope my info helps,
I Love Plasma

[countrygardener]

Ok, I have tried all different amperage from 11 amps all the way up. I have tried all air pressure settings. I have dried the water trap filter with a hair drier. I have put in all new tips and tightened with pliers. Still a wild arc.