Help please?

**Gottagetone** · 01-08-2011, 01:42 PM

Just got my new 40d plasma cutter, hooked up the 110v plug and need help figuring out what's going on. When I trigger the gutter the arc seems to spit rather than be consistent. I plugged the unit into the wall so no extension cord is in use. Not sure about the proper settings or what is going on?

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Thanks,
Matt

**Gadget** · 01-08-2011, 02:47 PM

Can't get the video to work but your unit is a high freq machine. You need to be sure the metal is clean at the ground clamp and where you are starting the cut. Check all consumables to insure they are tight. Make sure you have air pressure set to around 65-70PSI and the torch hose is firmly connected. Check the plug to insure the wires are connected in the right order and location for 110 use.
Let us know if that doesn't take care of it.
Dan

**Gottagetone** · 01-08-2011, 03:36 PM

Lets try this again, I did the last post off of my phone. When they sold me the machine they said it was an upgraded 60Amp torch with high frequency and pilot arc.

**SICFabrications** · 01-08-2011, 04:05 PM

ok, 2 things i can think of.... do you have the "pilot" wire on the lug and making good connection? if that isnt on proper, it aint gonna act proper.... next thing is take apart the consumables from the front of the cutter head and replace them.... seems all the trash blowing back up into the nozzle has either ruined them or fused em together... the pilot plasma is a neat lil thing, but if ya dont have enough "metal" underneath for the amperage settings and travel speed, its gonna buck n kick n whine all day long..... start on a different piece or place on the same and turn your amperage down and speed your travel up.... this after youve replaced your front end parts... hopefully this will get ya running proper

**matteh99** · 01-08-2011, 04:14 PM

That really doesn't seem right.

Where do you have the current set to? On 110 I think you will need it turned up at least half way. At the lower power settings it may not be getting enough current to keep the arc going.

On my LC-520D there is a minimum range for the plasma amperage on the dial. I think it does a similar sort of sputtering if I have it turned down to low. For example if I was TIG welding thin stuff before I try the plasma cutter.

They probably sent you a LP-40D instead of a plain 40D. The 40D says it is out of stock. Some of their models are a bit confusing because they are pretty similar.

Eric

**Gadget** · 01-08-2011, 04:42 PM

Another thing you can try but only for diagnostics is to use a jumper cable and connect the pilot arc wire from the torch directly to the ground clamp (I do this for CNC cutting). This bypasses the internal circuitry for the pilot arc and will determine if there is a problem there. I would use the max current you have first though and see if that helps.

**Gottagetone** · 01-08-2011, 04:59 PM

Thanks for the input so far. Here is the unit I have, I was told it was the newest unit they offer - ForceCut 40D | Plasma Cutter

The video was taken almost out of the box. I switched out the consumables and checked all the connections and all is good there. I have tried cutting at different amperages and it sputters on every setting. Occasionally it will get that smooth sound and seem to do well but that is rare. I am cutting 1/8" with the amperage at different settings and it will cut through but not with any type of consistency. When I turn the amps to 26-30 it just puts pock marks in the clean flat bar steel. Im a bit frustrated.

I have 220 in the laundry room on the other side of the wall in my garage, I may make a 220 extension cord and give that a shot. This should cut 1/8" on 110 without a problem...

**Gadget** · 01-08-2011, 05:11 PM

Could you draw out how you wired the plug for the welder? Color of wires to connection lug.

**Gottagetone** · 01-08-2011, 05:27 PM

I think Gadget is on to something. I jumped the pilot arc wire directly to the ground clamp and it still make the sputtering noise but cut through 1/8" with ease. I then reconnected the wire to the machine and tried to cut and it was back to its new old self. The psi has always read right at 70.

**Gadget** · 01-08-2011, 06:02 PM

I sent an email and PM to Simon. If he gets it this weekend he should respond, if not then he will certainly get it Monday. For now you can use the wire, it is not as safe since the torch will fire in open air but it will also do that with the pilot arc too. It won't hurt the machine with it connected that way. Just make sure the jumper is big enough.