Plasma Torch Tip selection

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Hello, avid metal working n00b here... I purchased a Thermal Dynamics Econopak 50 a wile back and fell in love with it. Its now started to have trouble penetrating even 1/8" steel on full power with 60-70 PSI of dry compressed air. I figure I need a new drag tip and electrode....Wile searching the web for new parts I found a few different tips. A Gouging tip, drag tip, stand off tip, Heavy duty tip, standard duty tip and long life versions. All from www.arc-zone.com. Which would be best use? I cut anywhere from 22 gauge sheet metal to 1/4" steel every now and then. Would it be better to have multiple tips for different cutting styles?. I am under the impression that drag cutting is with the torch tip dragging on the metal. Stand off is when your hovering above the work piece. Drag cutting is better for thinner metals and stand off is for thicker. Are my assumptions correct? Which tip or tips should I buy. I plan on buying about 5 of which ever I need so I have a surplus. THANKS
Reply:I would refer to recommendations in the operators manual that came with your system, as they are the ones that engineered it.Jim
Reply:Have you checked the batteries; maybe they're getting low!
Reply:I do not have the manual for the unit. It was used and I am the second owner. There are no batteries in this unit. Anyone with any REAL information like to post? These are non Thermal Dynamics parts according to the website. They are an after market type part. And from what I can gather a tougher more long lasting part. Any ideas?Last edited by 95ImpySS; 08-24-2010 at 08:17 AM.
Reply:You can download the manual from the Thermal Dynamics website.  It includes a parts list for the torch and all the consumable parts.The Econopak 50 was a 35 amp machine and you can drag cut up to 35 amps.  Thinner sheet is best suited to drag cutting and the crossover to where stand-off cutting is better is somewhat subjective, about 3/16 for me.  The drag tip has a different geometry than the stand-off tip, less surface area on the front end, so less contact with the plate when you drag it.
Reply:You are less likely to get help from some of the responders on this site by accusing us of not helping with "Real" information. Lets try again...Which torch are you using on the Econopak 50? The original torch is the PCH26, it may have been replaced with either the PCH42 or the SL60. Each of these torches were produced by Thermal Dynamics, and they have an easy to use website where you can download the manuals, which will provide good detail on the available torches and the use of the various consumables available for your system. Once you get that information....then you can buy consumables from an aftermarket source...if you so choose.This is where you can find real information....most of the aftermarket suppliers are importers that are interested in copying other companies technology, and sending your money to a machine shop in China ore the Czech republic.It is unlikely that you will get the best advice from these suppliers.If you still choose not to find the info from the best source (the manufacturer), then we likely cannot help you.Jim Originally Posted by 95ImpySSI do not have the manual for the unit. It was used and I am the second owner. There are no batteries in this unit. Anyone with any REAL information like to post? These are non Thermal Dynamics parts according to the website. They are an after market type part. And from what I can gather a tougher more long lasting part. Any ideas?
Reply:Originally Posted by jimcoltYou are less likely to get help from some of the responders on this site by accusing us of not helping with "Real" information. Lets try again...Which torch are you using on the Econopak 50? The original torch is the PCH26, it may have been replaced with either the PCH42 or the SL60. Each of these torches were produced by Thermal Dynamics, and they have an easy to use website where you can download the manuals, which will provide good detail on the available torches and the use of the various consumables available for your system. Once you get that information....then you can buy consumables from an aftermarket source...if you so choose.This is where you can find real information....most of the aftermarket suppliers are importers that are interested in copying other companies technology, and sending your money to a machine shop in China ore the Czech republic.It is unlikely that you will get the best advice from these suppliers.If you still choose not to find the info from the best source (the manufacturer), then we likely cannot help you.Jim
Reply:Good luck with your search. Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by Oldiron2  Have you checked the batteries; maybe they're getting low!
Reply:Originally Posted by Shox DrI take you don't rate Thermal Arc products then.(I have nothing to do with Thermal Arc)
Reply:Thermal Arc are range of products made by Thermadynehttp://www.thermadyne.com/thermalarcandThe OP was asking about different tips that are available and their uses. Not what was recommended by the Manufacturer
Reply:Originally Posted by Shox DrThermal Arc are range of products made by Thermadynehttp://www.thermadyne.com/thermalarcandThe OP was asking about different tips that are available and their uses. Not what was recommended by the Manufacturer
Reply:I pitty your spouse
Reply:Originally Posted by Shox DrI pitty your spouse