newby plasma question

admin

I bought a small plasma at auction cheap (so I deserve what I get). I'm in Australia so probably no one has come across the brand  its a CIG Transplasma AP30. It uses a Binzle torch. The tip looked pretty ordinary so i found a new set of consumables and tried to crank it up.I blew the tip to smithereens in about 5 seconds.There is no trigger on the torch and no HF arcing so I am assuming its a pilot arc lift start ???Inside the tip which starts off with a small hole in the centre is an electrode, the tip is spring loaded and pushes back to touch the electrode.I have good air pressure going into the unit but if I take the torch off completely I can only feel a steady but gentle flow of air comming out of the lead. Does it sound like I might have a faulty air switch ? Blocked filter ?How am I supposed to start this sort of torch ? I have used a Thermodyne with a trigger and that makes sense, I've used another with HF and I can figure that out but I don't know if this unit has afault or I'm not starting it up correctly.All ideas gratefully received.Colin
Reply:The spring loaded "tip" (nozzle) pushes back and touches the electrode....creating a short circuit spark that is used to ionize the air...creating the plasma arc. Make sure you press down firmly....then lift slightly...this should initiate the arc. There could be other issues.....if for some reason the DC power is not activating....it will not fire. There could be a pressure switch that is not sensing proper air pressure.Jim
Reply:Thanks Jim, So do I then keep the tip/nozzle in contact with the work or hold it slightly off the job.
Reply:Once the arc transfers to the plate....then you (with this style torch) should hold a 1/16" to 1/8" (1.5 to 3 mm) standoff. With newer torch designs you can drag the torch.Jim