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I got a fairly good deal on a used Spectrum 300 with two new tips and two new electrodes. I threw out a number of used electrodes and tips and added a Miller filter. I've adjusted the PSI by putting the amperage down to the gas set stop, triggered it and set it to 60PSI while air was flowing.It is set up to run on 220V and my load center seems to have no problem powering it.Now as to Amperage setting. I've read the directions a few times and it seems that they're saying that the amperage setting is to be set to the highest possible setting without blowing the circuit breaker. I have it cranked up all the way to the high stop (25 A) and it cuts just fine there. I've cut a few test strips in some scrap 1/8th, 1/4, and larger, and just cut the rear panhard bracket from the frame of my Jeep. Is maximum power what Miller is really asking me to set?It seems the tip is suffering a bit even after only a few cuts. The other thing that the manual is calling for is for the tip to be in contact with the metal before, during, and after the cut. I am using the -25 torch. The directions seem to call for contact with that one, but to keep a 1/8" gap with the -27 torch.So the questions again are, should I be using full available amperage and should I keep contact with the metal?Also, who has the best deal on tips and electrodes for this machine? I missed an ebay auction for 10 tips for $0.99 total!Thanks,T
Reply:Nobody knows?
Reply:What torch is on it......do you have a picture of the torch?Jim
Reply:Unless the shield is specifically made for dragging I wouldn't recommend it. Try to maintain a standoff from the piece of about 1/16 -1/8" you'll find your consumables last longer. of course kowing the torch type would help?Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.& 2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:You can usually tell the drag tips from the free hand tips. The drag tips have the precut slots. The others are cone shaped, smooth ends.
Reply:Here's what leads me to believe that I should crank up the power as far as my input power allows.... Mine doesn't trip at the max setting of 25A so that's where I've been putting it, again, I am using 220.....This seems to reinforce that idea in that it's calling for reducing the amperage only if I get an overheat condition....This third bit from the manual seems to say go ahead and use full amerage if you can, but to keep your travel speed below the line for various thicknesses of metal....As to the second question of keeping the tip in contact with the metal being cut, here's what the tips look like.....Here's what I found in the manual that makes me think I should be keeping the torch in contact when using the ICE-25C 25 amp torch I have. Yes it says to keep a standoff distance or use a drag cup on all the other torches other than mine.....And included for your enjoyment is a picture of my new roommate.
Reply:You can crank the power up all the way if you choose...its only 25 Amps....which is the minimum power level on most larger plasma systems. If you have it cranked wide open and you have a long arc (cutting thick material)....you will draw a lot of current from your power source...and could possibly trip the breaker, especially if you are operating the unit on a 20 or 25 Amp circuit at 120 volts input. Turn the amperage down and the input power requirements are less. At full output power, you will also experience the lowest duty cycle rating.You can drag the torch if you want....it is easier to cut this way. Dragging the torch (on an unshielded torch design such as this) will cause shorter nozzle life, and will effectively drain some of the power from the cutting process. By holding a small standoff...maybe 1/16"...you will cut thicker, faster, and experience longer nozzle life.Jim Colt
Reply:With that roommate, why the HEll is anyone worried about plasma cutting?Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Thanks for the help. Full power it is! I'll keep a little standoff distance to save the tips. I found that a little bit of standoff helps visualize where the arc is going too. Something I read here on the net also said that if you're moving too fast to get clean blowthrough, the blowback is one of the main things that starts decreasing tip life.Funny... the plasma cutter made me more popular with my friends, then the roommate made me even MORE popular with them....
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyYou can usually tell the drag tips from the free hand tips. The drag tips have the precut slots. The others are cone shaped, smooth ends.
Reply:Notice how they show the torch starting and finishing at the edge of the metal. A plasma stream in the air is death to consumables. |
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发表于 2021-8-31 22:45:49