250PI is here and hooked UP!

[tjjolle]

Still tinkering with my machine, here is some more opinions just from my experience. Recently I tried to get some more ARC welding experience on my 250PI, so I would perhaps consider selling my gas operated arc welder. The torch/electrode holder has a small ball of sorts that allows you to push in the end of the electrode and it will clamp through pressure. Well, after a few hours of playing, the ball or piece that applys pressure to the electrode has stuck in such a way as to prevent applying pressure on the electrode. I tried to loosen it with a screwdriver (YES, THE MACHINE WAS OFF...LOL). No luck, so it pretty much is rendered useless unless I want to hold the electrode and torch together with my hand. I have no doubt the guys and gals of longevity will take it back and send me a new one, I just havent had the time to call and ask for the replacement. I personally prefer the clamp style torch for ARC, and I may inquire as to how to change this out. I did love the action of the ARC. It burned so hot and smooth, and I was able to do it into the late hours without waking my neighbors with the sound of a generator

Another thing I found after trying to cut numerous things was that the Plasma cutter is very powerful. I realized I dont need very much juice to cut things, and after turning it down found that I had a smaller kerf that looked clean. I think going forward I will start with a lower setting and work up instead of a higher setting and work down. I guess its like a sports car, you just wanna drive FAST!