Plasma Question

[Garrett]

have a cheap harbor freight plasma cutter (chicago electric), it works great for my needs but recently started acting up, once you start using it if it quits or you stop it you have to turn the power switch off and back on to get it to arch again, it works great otherwise, any ideas? its mainly just a pain to use like that but still cuts 1/2 steel slowly but good

[Gadget]

Hi Garrett and welcome to the forum. We like pictures here so be sure to include some showing your work. Also, keep an eye out for the next contest here. The odds of winning a great new Longevity machine are very good.
Please post a bit about yourself in the introduce yourself section so we can get to know you.
It sounds like a relay is sticking somewhere but I'm no expert on the HF cutters. I'm sure someone here will have an idea what to do.
Dan

[Nick]

Agreed on the relay.

It'd be worth opening it up and checking the wiring connections. They're mildly suspect from a reliability point of view to begin with. Might need to re-flow the board if you find broken connections. (Or just exchange it at a local HF with a cashier that doesn't ask questions. )

[KHK]

Hello and WELCOME!!

[samsberr]

Welcome to the forum...
check the air valve also, I've seen them stick...
If your not getting air then it wont arc...
That's how a Longevity works anyway...