Every craftsman respects the tools with which they
work. They know that the tools represent years of
constantly improved designs and developments. The
true craftsman also knows that tools are dangerous if
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misused or abused.
Reading this User’s Guide before using the cutter will
enable you to do a better, safer job. Learn the cutter’s
applications and limitations as well as the specific
potential hazards peculiar to cutting.
SAFETY INFORMATION
The following safety information is provided as
guidelines to help you operate your new cutter under
the safest possible conditions. Any equipment that
uses electrical power can be potentially dangerous to
use when safety or safe handling instructions are not
known or not followed. The following safety information
is provided to give you the information necessary for
safe use and operation.
When a procedure step is preceded by a WARNING, it
is an indication that the step contains a procedure that
might be injurious to a person if proper safety
precautions are not heeded.
When a procedure step is preceded by a CAUTION, it
is an indication that the step contains a procedure that
might damage the equipment being used.
A NOTE may be used before or after a procedure step
to highlight or explain something in that step.
READ ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
before attempting to install, operate, or service this
cutter. Failure to comply with these instructions could
result In personal injury and/or property damage.
RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
IMPORTANT! To reduce the risk of death, injury, or
property damage, do not attempt operation of this
equipment until you have read and understand the
entire safety summary.
Note:The following safety alert symbols identify
important safety messages in this manual.
When you see one of the symbols shown here, be alert
to the possibility of personal injury and carefully read
the message that follows.
This symbol indicates that the possibility of
electric shock hazard exists during the
operation of the step(s) that follow.
This symbol indicates that the helmet must be
worn during the step(s) that follow to protect
against eye damage and burns due to flash
hazard.
4
Published standards on safety are available. They are
listed in ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION at the
end of this SAFETY SUMMARY.
The National Electrical Code, Occupational Safety and
Health Act regulations, local industrial codes and local
inspection requirements also provide a basis for
equipment installation, use, and service.
SHOCK HAZARDS
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL!
• To reduce the risk of death or serious injury from
shock, read, understand, and follow the following
safety instructions. In addition, make certain that
anyone else who uses this equipment, or who is a
bystander in the cutting area understands and follows
these safety instructions as well.
• The plasma cutter must be connected to the power
source in accordance with applicable electrical codes.
• Do not, in any way, come into physical contact with
any part of the plasma cutter electrical circuit, including
the work piece or any conductive material in contact
with it, the ground clamp, or any metal parts on the
torch.
This symbol indicates that the possibility of
fire hazard exists during the operation of the
step(s) that follow.
This symbol indicates that the possibility of
toxic gas hazard exists during operation of
the step(s) that follow.
This symbol indicates that the possibility of
injury or death exists due to improper
handling and maintenance of compressed
gas cylinders or regulators.
This symbol indicates that the possibility of
being burned by hot slag exists during
operation of the step(s) that follow.
This symbol indicates that hearing protection
should be worn to protect against hearing
loss due to excessive noise levels.
WARNING
• Do not cut in a damp area or come in contact with a
moist or wet surface when cutting.
• Do not allow the cutting equipment to come in contact
with water or moisture.
• Do not drag cutting torch, ground cable or cutter
power cord through or allow them to come into contact
with water or moisture.
• Do not touch cutter, attempt to turn cutter on or off if
any part of the body or clothing is moist or if you are in
physical contact with water or moisture.
• Do not attempt to plug the cutter into the power source
if any part of body or clothing is moist, or if you are in
physical contact with water or moisture.
• Do not connect cutter workpiece clamp to or cut on
electrical conduit.
• Do not alter power cord or power cord plug in any way.
• Do not attempt to plug the cutter into the power source
if the ground prong on power cord plug is bent over,
broken off, or missing.
• Do not allow the cutter to be connected to the power
source or attempt to cut if the cutter, cutting cables,
cutting site, or cutter power cord are exposed to any
form of atmospheric precipitation, or salt water spray.
• Do not carry coiled cutting cables around shoulders, or
any other part of the body, when they are plugged into
the cutter.
• Do not modify any wiring, ground connections,
switches, or fuses in this cutting equipment.
• Wear welding gloves to help insulate hands from
cutting circuit.
• Keep all liquid containers far enough away from the
cutter and work area so that if spilled, the liquid can
not possibly come in contact with any part of the cutter
or electrical cutting circuit.
• Replace any cracked or damaged parts that are
insulated or act as insulators such as the cutting torch,
workpiece clamp, or power cord, IMMEDIATELY.
• Turn the POWER switch OFF and unplug the cutter
form the ac power source receptacle before attempting
to inspect or replace any parts on the end of the torch.
• Turn the POWER switch OFF before setting the torch
down to prevent accidentally triggering the torch.
FLASH HAZARDS
WARNING
ARC RAYS CAN INJURE EYES AND BURN
SKIN!
• To reduce risk of injury from arc rays, read,
understand, and follow the following safety
instructions. In addition, make certain that anyone
else that uses this cutting equipment, or is a bystander
in the cutting area, understands and follows these
safety instructions as well.
• Do not look at an electric arc without proper
protection. A cutting arc is extremely bright and
intense and, with inadequate or no eye protection, the
retina can be burned, leaving a permanent dark spot
in the field of vision. A shield or helmet with a number
8 shade filter lens (minimum) must be used.
• Do not strike a cutting arc until all bystanders and you
(the cutter) have cutting shields and/or helmets in
place.
• Do not wear a cracked or broken helmet and replace
any cracked or broken filter lenses IMMEDIATELY.
• Provide bystanders with shields or helmets fitted with
a number 8 shade filter lens.
• Wear protective clothing. The intense light of the
cutting arc can burn the skin in much the same way
as the sun, even through lightweight clothing. Wear
dark clothing of heavy material. The shirt worn should
be long sleeved and the collar kept buttoned to protect
chest and neck.
• Protect against REFLECTED ARC RAYS. Arc rays
can be reflected off shiny surfaces such as a glossy
painted surface, aluminum, stainless steel, and glass.
It is possible for your eyes to be injured by reflected
arc rays even when wearing a protective helmet or
shield. If cutting with a reflective surface behind you,
arc rays can bounce off the surface, then off the filter
lens on the inside of your helmet or shield, then into
your eyes. If a reflective background exists in your
cutting area, either remove it or cover it with
something nonflammable and non-reflective.
Reflected arc rays can also cause skin burn in
addition to eye injury.
FIRE HAZARDS
WARNING
FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAN CAUSE DEATH,
INJURY, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE!
• To reduce risk of death, injury, or property damage
from fire or explosion, read, understand, and follow the
following safety instructions. In addition, make certain
that anyone else that uses this cutting equipment, or is
a bystander in the cutting area, understands and
follows these safety instructions as well.
REMEMBER! Plasma arc cutting by nature produces
sparks, hot spatter, molten metal drops, hot slag, and
hot metal parts that can start fires, burn skin, and
damage eyes.
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• NEVER aim the torch nozzle at any part of your body
or the body of any bystanders.
• Do not wear gloves or other clothing that contain oil,
grease, or other flammable substances.
• Do not wear flammable hair preparations.
• Do not cut in an area until it has been checked and
I
cleared of combustible and/or flammable materials Be
aware that sparks and slag can fly 35 feet and can
pass through small cracks and openings. If work and
combustibles cannot be separated by a minimum of
35 feet, protect against ignition with suitable, snugfitting, fire resistant, covers or shields.
• Do not cut on any wall before checking for and
removing combustibles touching the other side of the
wall.
• Do not weld, cut, or perform other such work on used
barrels, drums, tanks, or other containers that had
contained a flammable or toxic substance. The
techniques for removing flammable substances and
vapors, to make a used container safe for welding or
cutting, are quite complex and require special
education and training.
• Do not strike an arc on a compressed gas or air
cylinder or other pressurized vessel. Doing so will
result in a violent rupture.
• Do not weld or cut in an area where the air may
contain flammable dust (such as grain dust), gas, or
liquid vapors (such as gasoline).
• Do not handle hot metal, such as the workpiece or
electrode stubs, with bare hands.
• Always turn the POWER switch OFF, before setting
the torch down, to prevent accidentally triggering the
cutting torch.
• Always wear leather gloves, heavy long sleeve shirt,
cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, helmet, and cap.
As necessary, use additional protective clothing such
as leather jacket or sleeves, fire resistant leggings, or
apron. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up
sleeves, trouser cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves and collars
should be kept buttoned and pockets eliminated from
the shirt front.
• Always have fire extinguishing equipment handy for
immediate use! A portable chemical fire extinguisher,
type ABC, is recommended.
• Wear ear plugs when cutting overhead to prevent
spatter or slag from falling into an ear.
• Make sure cutting area has a good, solid, safe floor,
preferably concrete or masonry, not tiled, carpeted, or
made of any other flammable or electrically conductive
material.
• Protect flammable walls, ceilings, and floors with heat
resistant covers or shields.
• Check the cutting area to make sure it is free of
sparks, glowing metal or slag, and flames before
leaving the cutting area.
FUME HAZARDS
WARNING
FUMES, GASES, AND VAPORS CAN CAUSE
DISCOMFORT, ILLNESS, AND DEATH!
• To reduce risk of discomfort, illness, or death, read,
understand, and follow the following safety
instructions. In addition, make certain that anyone
else that uses this cutting equipment or is a bystander
in the cutting area, understands and follows these
safety instructions as well.
• Do not cut in an area until it has been checked for
adequate ventilation as described in ANSI standard
#Z49.1. If ventilation is not adequate to exchange all
fumes and gases generated, during the cutting
process, with fresh air, do not cut unless you (the
cutter) and all bystanders are wearing air-supplied
respirators.
• Do not heat metals coated with, or that contain,
materials that produce toxic fumes (such as
galvanized steel), unless the coating is removed.
Make certain the area is well ventilated, and the
operator and all bystanders are wearing air-supplied
respirators.
• Do not weld, cut, or heat lead, zinc, cadmium,
mercury, beryllium, or similar metals without seeking
professional advice and without inspecting the
ventilation in the cutting area. These metals produce
EXTREMELY TOXIC fumes that can cause
discomfort, illness, and even death.
• Never weld or cut in areas that are near chlorinated
solvents. Vapors from chlorinated hydrocarbons, such
as trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene, can be
decomposed by the heat of an electric arc or by the
ultraviolet radiation generated by the arc. These
actions can cause PHOSGENE gas (a HIGHLY
TOXIC gas) to form, along with other lung and eyeirritating gases. Do not weld or cut where these
solvent vapors can be drawn into the work area or
where the ultraviolet radiation can penetrate to areas
containing even very small amounts of these vapors.
• Do not cut in a confined area unless it is being
ventilated or the operator (and anyone else in the
area) is wearing an air-supplied respirator.
• Momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation are an
indication of inadequate ventilation. Stop cutting
immediately and take the necessary steps to improve
ventilation in the cutting area. Do not resume cutting if
physical discomfort persists.
6
COMPRESSED GAS AND AIR
EQUIPMENT HAZARDS
WARNING
IMPROPER HANDLING AND MAINTENANCE
OF COMPRESSED GAS AND AIR CYLINDERS
AND REGULATORS CAN INJURE OR KILL!
• To reduce risk of injury or death from compressed gas
or air equipment hazards, read understand and
comply with the following safety instructions. In
addition, make certain that anyone else who uses this
cutting equipment or a bystander in the cutting area
understands and follows these safety instructions as
well.
• Do not attempt to mix gases or refill a cylinder
yourself.
• Do not expose cylinders to excessive heat, sparks,
slag and flame, etc. Cylinders exposed to
temperatures above 130°F require water spray
cooling.
• Do not expose cylinders to electricity of any kind.
• Do not use a cylinder or its contents for anything other
than its intended use. Do not use as a support or
roller.
• Do not locate cylinders in passageways or work areas
where they may be struck.
• Do not use a wrench or hammer to open a cylinder
valve that cannot be opened by hand. Notify your
supplier.
• Do not modify or exchange gas cylinder fittings.
• Do not deface or alter the name, number or other
markings on a cylinder. Do not rely on cylinder color
to identify the contents.
• Do not connect a regulator to a cylinder containing a
gas other than that for which the regulator was
designed.
• Do not attempt to make regulator repairs. Send faulty
regulators to manufacturer’s designated repair center
for repair.
• Do not attempt to lubricate a regulator.
• Always change cylinders carefully to prevent leaks
and damage to their walls, valves, or safety devices.
• Always secure cylinders with a steel chain so that they
cannot be knocked over.
• Always protect a cylinder, especially the valve, from
bumps, falls, falling objects and weather. Remember
that gases in the cylinders are under pressure and
damage to a regulator can cause the regulator or
portion of the regulator to be explosively ejected from
the cylinder.
• Always make certain the cylinder cap is securely in
place on the cylinder, whenever the cylinder is moved.
• Always close the cylinder valve and immediately
remove a faulty regulator from service, for repair, if
any of the following conditions exist:
♦Gas (or air) leaks externally.
♦Delivery pressure continues to rise with down
stream valve closed.
♦The gauge pointer does not move off the stop
(zero) pin when pressurized or fails to return to the
stop pin after pressure is released.
HOT SLAG/MOLTEN METAL
HAZARDS
WARNING
PLASMA ARC CUTTING CAN CAUSE SERIOUS
BURNS FROM HOT SLAG OR MOLTEN METAL
• To reduce risk of injury from serious burns caused by
flying or dripping hot slag or molten metal, read
understand and follow the following safety instructions.
In addition, make certain that anyone else who uses
this cutting equipment or a bystander in the cutting
area understands and follows these safety instructions
as well.
• Wear leather welding gloves, a heavy long sleeve
shirt, cuffless trousers, high topped shoes, a helmet
and cap when cutting. As necessary, use additional
protective clothing such as leather jacket or sleeves,
fire resistant leggings, or apron. Hot slag or molten
metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, or trouser cuffs,
and into pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept
buttoned and pockets eliminated from the shirt front.
NOISE HAZARDS
WARNING
PLASMA ARC CUTTING NOISE CAN DAMAGE
HEARING
• To reduce the risk of hearing loss from plasma arc
cutting noise, read, understand and follow the
following safety instructions. In addition, make certain
that anyone else that uses this cutting equipment, or is
a bystander in the cutting area, understands and
follows these safety instructions as well.
• Wear hearing protection that meets or exceeds OSHA
requirements when cutting.
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ADDITIONAL SAFETY
INFORMATION
For additional information concerning cutting safety, refer to
the following standards and comply with them as applicable.
• ANSI Standard Z49.1 — SAFETY IN WELDING AND
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CUTTING — obtainable from the American Cutting
Society, 550 NW Le Jeune Road, Miami, FL 33126
Telephone (800) 443-9353, Fax (305) 443-7559 —
www.amweld.org or www.aws.org
• ANSI Standard Z87.1 — SAFE PRACTICE FOR
OCCUPATION AND EDUCATIONAL EYE AND
FACE PROTECTION — obtainable from the American
National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd St., New
York, NY 10036 Telephone (212) 642-4900, Fax (212)
398-0023 — www.ansi.org
• NFPA Standard 51B — CUTTING AND WELDING
PROCESS — obtainable from the National Fire
Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box
9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 Telephone (617) 7703000, Fax (617) 770-0700 — www.nfpa.org
• CGA Pamphlet P-I — SAFE HANDLING OF
COMPRESSED GASES IN CYLINDERS —
obtainable from the Compressed Gas Association,
1725 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1004, Arlington,
VA 22202-4102 Telephone (703) 412-0900 Fax (703)
412-0128 — www.cagnet.com
• OSHA Standard 29 CFR, Part 1910, Subpart Q.,
WELDING, CUTTING AND BRAZING — obtainable
from your state OSHA office or U. S. Dept. of Labor
OSHA, Office of Public Affairs, Room N3647, 200
Constitution Ave. Washington, DC 20210 —
www.osha.gov
• CSA Standard W117.2 — Code for SAFETY IN
WELDING AND CUTTING. — obtainable from
Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Blvd.
Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 1R3 — www.csa.ca
• American Welding Society Standard A6.0. WELDING
AND CUTTING CONTAINERS WHICH HAVE HELD
COMBUSTIBLES. — obtainable from the American
Cutting Society, 550 NW Le Jeune Road, Miami, FL
33126 Telephone (800) 443-9353, Fax (305) 443-7559
— www.amweld.org or www.aws.org
8
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIPTION
Your new plasma arc cutter has been designed to cut
any electrically conductive material in applications such
as maintenance shops, service stations, van conversion
shops, auto restoration and salvage operations, etc.
On steel, all models can cut thicknesses of less than 26
gauge but the 50A can cut up to 1/2 inch steel, and the
20A models can cut up to 1/4 inch steel.
Your plasma arc cutter comes complete and ready to
cut. All you need to provide is a clean, dry, oil free
compressed air supply and a proper 208 or 230 Volt ac
power source.
Note:IMPORTANT! Use compressed air only. Do not
use other compressed gasses.
PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Table 1 provides a list of parts and accessories
contained in the shipping carton for the 50 Amp plasma
arc cutter. Table 1 provides a list of parts and
accessories contained in the shipping carton for the 50
Amp plasma arc cutter. Make sure to compare the
accessories you have received with your cutter against
the parts and accessories list in Table 1 or Table 2.
Report any missing or damaged items to your dealer
immediately.
Table 3 provides a list of the specifications for the
plasma arc cutters.
Table 3. Specifications
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INSTALLATION
UNPACKING
Use the following instructions to remove your plasma
arc cutter from the shipping carton.
I
1.Open the shipping carton.
2.Remove the handle, accessory kit, and protective
top cardboard pad.
3.Open the accessory kit and compare the contents
to the parts and accessories list in Table 1 for a 50
amp cutter or Table 2 for a 20 amp cutter. Report
any damaged or missing items to your dealer
IMMEDIATELY.
4.With a knife, cut along the dotted line around the
bottom of the shipping carton. Be careful not to
scratch the cutter.
5.Lift off the carton and fold it down flat.
6.Place the folded carton on the floor, immediately
behind the cutter.
7.Gently tip the cutter onto its back, on top of the
folded carton
ASSEMBLY
Assemble the cutters according to the following
instructions.
ASSEMBLE 50 AMP CUTTERS
The 50 amp cutters are assembled according to the
following procedure steps and Figure 1 through
Figure 6.
1.Set the metal support foot (see Figure 1) over the
three corresponding holes on the front edge of the
bottom of the cutter.
Three Sheet
Metal Screws
Foot
screws (pointed ends) per bracket.
4.Orient the brackets so that the downward flange of
the bracket is toward the outer edge of the cutter
as shown.
5.Using a hammer, pound one of the plastic hubs
onto one end of the axle as in Figure 2.
Tap Hub Cap
onto axle with
Hammer
Ground or
Hard Surface
Figure 2. Install the Hub Cap
6.Slide a wheel onto the axle, followed by one of the
flat washers.
7.When the wheel and washer has been installed
on the axle, push axle through the hole in one of
the axle brackets, then through the cutter, and out
through the hole in the other bracket (see Figure
3).
Hub
Cap
Long Center
Hub
Axle
Washer
Figure 3. Install Wheel to Axle
8.Turn the cutter on the side, where the wheel has
already been installed as shown in Figure 4.
Axle Bracket
Figure 1. Install Foot, 50 Amp Cutter
2.Secure the metal support foot in place with the
three sheet metal screws (pointed ends).
3.Attach the two axle brackets to the bottom of the
unit as shown in Figure 1, using two sheet metal
10
Hub Cap
Wheel
Wood Block
For Support
Plasma cutter
set on its side
Ground or Other
Hard Surface
Figure 4. Install Second Wheel
9.Install the remaining washer followed by the
remaining wheel on the protruding end of the axle
as shown.
10. Using a hammer, pound the remaining plastic hub
on the end of the axle.
11.Gently tip the cutter upright onto its wheels and
support foot.
12. Position handle as shown in Figure 5 and secure it
in place with the 4 machine screws (blunt ends).
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Figure 7. Install Foot, 20 Amp Cutter
3.Using a hammer, pound one of the plastic hubs
onto one end of the axle (see Figure 2).
4.Slide a wheel onto the axle followed by one of the
flat washers (see Figure 3).
5.Slide axle (with wheel on it) into the hole on the
one side of the cutter, through the cutter, and out
the hole on the other side of the cutter (see
Figure 8).
Handle
Remove Screw
(2) and Discard
Figure 6. Install Cutter Handle, 50 Amp Cutter
ASSEMBLE 20 AMP CUTTERS
1.GENTLY, tip the cutter over onto its back on top of
the front side of the carton saved in the unpacking
section.
2.Slide the tab of the molded plastic support foot
into the slot in the bottom of the cutter, then fasten
with the two screws that have flat ends. See
Figure 7.
Figure 8. Install Axle, 20 Amp Cutter
6.Slide remaining washer over the protruding end of
the axle followed by the remaining wheel.
7.Using a hammer, pound the remaining plastic hub
onto the axle (see Figure 4), then gently tip the
cutter upright onto its wheels and support foot.
8.Position handle as shown and attach with the 4
screws with pointed ends (see Figure 9). Tighten
securely.
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Table 4. Voltage Conversion Chart
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Figure 9. Install Handle, 20 Amp Cutter
POWER INSTALLATION
These cutters are designed to operate on a properly
grounded 230 or 208 volt, 60 Hertz, single phase,
alternating current (ac) power source fused at 50 amps.
Have a qualified electrician verify the actual voltage at
the receptacle into which the cutter will be plugged and
confirm that the receptacle is properly fused and
grounded.
CAUTION
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the cutters if the actual
power source voltage is less than 198 Vac or greater
than 240 Vac. Contact a qualified electrician if this
problem exists. Operating on inadequate or excessive
power will result in improper performance and/or
damage to the cutter.
CONVERT FROM 230 V TO 208 V
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CAUTION
IMPORTANT: Failure to set these cutters to
match the actual power source voltage (see
Table 1) will cause improper cutter
performance and can cause damage to your
cutter.
1.Remove the sheet metal access panel on the right
side (when facing the front, 50 amp only) of the
cutter or remove the cover (20 amp).
2.Locate the contactor inside the cutter (see Figure
10) and convert to 208 volt operation according to
the instruction decal on the back of the cutter.
3.Reinstall the sheet metal access panel.
CONNECT THE CUTTER TO POWER
SOURCE
Connect the cutter to the power source according to the
following instructions.
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OPERATION
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL!
To reduce risk of electric shock, make certain the
cutter is unplugged from the ac power source.
These cutters are factory set for 230 Vac operation for
actual receptacle voltages between 219 and 240 Vac. If
the actual receptacle voltage falls between 198 and 218
Vac, it will be necessary to convert the cutter to
208 Vac operation as identified in Table 4. Make the
conversion according to the following procedure steps.
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL!
WARNING
FIRE CAN KILL, INJURE, AND CAUSE
PROPERTY DAMAGE!
To reduce the risk of electric shock and fire, connect
only to properly grounded and fused outlets. NEVER
ALTER the ac power cord or power cord plug provided
on the cutter. NEVER ALTER an extension cord or
extension cord plugs.
Do not alter the ac power cord or power cord plug on
this cutter. If the ac power cord plug does not mate
with your existing receptacle, have an NEMA 6-50R
receptacle installed by a qualified electrician in
accordance with National and local electrical codes and
ordinances. Do not use any adapters between the ac
power cord plug and ac power source receptacle.
12
1.Make sure the POWER switch on the front of the
cutter is OFF.
2.Plug the power cord plug into the ac power source
receptacle.
EXTENSION CORD USE
For optimum cutter performance, an extension cord
should not be used unless absolutely necessary. If
necessary, care must be taken in selecting an
extension cord appropriate for use with your specific
cutter (see Table 5).
Select a properly grounded extension cord that mates
directly with the cutter ac power cord and ac power
source receptacle, without the use of adapters. Make
sure the extension cord is properly wired and in good
electrical condition.
Table 5. Extension Cord Chart
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INSTALL COMPRESSED AIR
pressure adjustments are to be made only with the
control regulator on the front of the cutter.
An air line filter with a drain trap is required for use with
this plasma cutter. An air filter alone, may not be
sufficient to capture all of the moisture and oil expelled
by the compressor. If the compressed air is still not dry
enough (clean and oil free), install an after cooler (either
air or water cooled), and a condensate drain along with
the filter and drain trap. The after cooler and
condensate drain take out 80% of the water and oil, and
by doing so, increase the life of consumables. In some
situations, where high humidity is present, the addition
of a refrigerated dryer may be required to remove
excess moisture.
When you install the air filter and drain trap, make sure
the trap is upstream from the filter. Having the drain
before the filter allows for moisture removal prior to
filtration. If an after cooler and condensate drain are
required, the aftercooler receives the compressed air
first, then the condensate drain, the drain trap, and
finally the air filter. If a refrigerated dryer is being
installed, it should be placed between the condensate
drain and the drain trap.
DO NOT USE COMPRESSED GASES OTHER THAN
AIR! Compressed gases such as Argon, Hydrogen, or
Nitrogen are not acceptable for use in cutting. USE
ONLY COMPRESSED AIR!
Table 6. Compressed Air Requirements
rettuCoTetaRwolFmuminiMHFC042
rettuCoTerusserPmuminiMisp07
rettuCoTerusserPmumixaM
)A02(isp021
)A05(isp002
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WARNING
GASES UNDER PRESSURE CAN EXPLODE
AND INJURE OR KILL
To reduce risk of death or injury from faulty
compressed air equipment, read, understand, and
follow the safety instructions in this manual. In
addition, make certain that anyone else that uses this
cutting equipment, or a bystander in the cutting area,
understands and follows the safety instructions as well.
COMPRESSED AIR REQUIREMENTS
The compressed air specifications for the plasma cutter
are provided in Table 6. This cutter uses only
compressed air. The compressed air is obtained from
an external compressed air source (not included) and
must be clean, dry, and oil-free. The 50 Amp cutters
come with a compressed air pre-regulator. The preregulator is preset at the factory and is not adjustable.
Do not attempt to change the regulator setting. All
CONNECT TO COMPRESSED AIR
SOURCE
1.Obtain a 1/4" male pipe thread fitting with the
other end designed to mate with your compressed
air system.
2.Apply pipe sealant or one wrap of teflon tape to
the threads of the fitting obtained in step 1.
3.Thread fitting into the air inlet port of the cutter and
wrench tighten.
4.Connect your compressed air line to the cutter.
PREPARATION
An important factor in obtaining satisfactory cutting
results is preparation. An organized, well-lighted, wellventilated work area should be available to provide
comfort, convenience, and safety to the operator and all
bystanders in the cutting area. It is a must that the
cutting area be cleared of all flammables and that a
type ABC chemical fire extinguisher is always close at
hand.
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OPERATION
The following paragraphs provide instructions for
operating your plasma cutter.
CONTROLS AND
I
INDICATORS
The POWER switch is a two position switch marked ON
and OFF and turns the plasma cutter on or off.
The mode switch is a two position switch marked RUN
and SETUP. When set to SETUP, the air will flow
through the cutter and torch, but an arc will not start.
When set to RUN, the cutter is ready for operation.
The 50 Amp cutters have an amperage selector switch
with three set positions for selecting cutter outputs of
30, 40, or 50 amps. The 20 Amp cutters run at a single,
fixed current and do not need an amperage selector
switch.
The air regulation knob allows the operator to adjust the
air pressure through the cutter and torch. Turning the
knob clockwise (right) increases the pressure and
counterclockwise (left) decreases it. The air should be
adjusted when the mode switch is in SETUP to a level
between 61 and 65 psi, as required for operation.
The cutting torch and the parts on the end of it are
extremely important to the cutting process. For this
reason, it is best to know a few things about the torch
and the torch parts before operating the cutter.
THE TORCH
pressure and flow are correct, a plasma arc will be
established at the end of the torch. When the trigger is
released, the plasma arc will be shut off, but the air will
continue to flow for a few seconds to cool the torch.
If the trigger is pressed for less than two seconds and
then released, the trigger can be pressed again and the
arc will be immediately reestablished. But if the trigger
is pressed for longer than two seconds and then
released, retriggering will not reestablish the arc until
after the air completes flowing for the normal cooling
cycle.
TORCH CONSUMABLE PARTS
All the parts on the end of the torch (consumables) are
replaceable by hand with no tools required. Unscrew
the nozzle cap and access is obtained to the nozzle,
electrode, swirl ring, and o-ring. See Figure 10.
O-Ring
Swirl Ring
Electrode
Nozzle
Nozzle Cap
Stand Off (Optional 20 A)
Figure 10. Torch Parts (Consumables)
WARNING
PLASMA RAYS CAN INJURE EYES AND BURN
SKIN!
• Do not look at an electric arc without proper protection.
A cutting arc is extremely bright and intense and, with
inadequate or no eye protection, the retina can be
burned, leaving a permanent dark spot in the field of
vision. A shield or helmet with a number 8 shade filter
lens (minimum) must be used.
• Wear protective clothing and welding gloves. The
intense light of the cutting arc can burn the skin in
much the same way as the sun. The cutting arc is an
open flame and will burn exposed flesh.
The torch is designed to be held comfortably in most
positions. The trigger on the 50 Amp cutters is on the
bottom of the torch. To press the trigger, slide your
hand forward under the yellow safety latch and pull the
trigger. The trigger on the 20 Amp cutters is on the top
of the handle and is easily pressed with the thumb.
When pressed, within a fraction of a second air will
begin to flow through the cutter and the torch., if air
14
REPLACING CONSUMABLE PARTS
During the cutting process, the parts on the end of the
torch are slowly consumed. To prevent premature
consumption of some torch parts and to prevent
damage to the torch itself, it is necessary to replace the
consumable parts in a timely manner.
Note:Consumable life estimates are approximations
made for mild steel, under ideal conditions only.
Your actual times may vary. Variations in
materials and user technique can add to or
diminish from consumable life. When cutting
aluminum, expect about one-half the nozzle
and electrode life.
NOZZLE – The 50 Amp plasma cutter consumables
have an expected life of up to 30 minutes of actual
cutting time (time that the arc is established).
Consumable life may be greatly reduced when cutting
thicker materials. The 20 Amp cutter consumables
have an expected life of up to 45 minutes of actual
cutting time (time that the arc is established). As cutting
time accumulates, the hole in the nozzle becomes
larger and distorted and will cause the cut to wander.
Untimely replacement can lead to shorter electrode life
expectancy. The 50 Amp cutters, only, have a high
current nozzle and low current nozzle (see Figure 11).
One nozzle is best suited for materials that require
higher amperage settings. The other is best thinner
materials, that require lower amperage settings.
Low Current
Nozzle
Use On
30 Amp
Settng
Figure 11. High Current & Low Current Nozzles
ELECTRODE – The electrode has a life expectancy of
approximately 45 minutes of actual cutting time. As it
deteriorates, the arc will become weaker and break up
of the arc may occur. Untimely replacement can lead to
shorter swirl ring life expectancy.
SWIRL RING – The swirl ring has a life expectancy of
approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of actual cutting
time. It needs to be replaced when visual evidence of
cracks, chips, or burn spots begin to occur.
NOZZLE CAP – The nozzle cap should be replaced
when any cracks or any burn through holes begin to
develop. Always inspect the swirl ring when replacing a
nozzle cap and replace both, if necessary.
TORCH STAND OFF – The torch stand off allows you
to set the spacing between the nozzle and the work
piece to be cut. It attaches to the nozzle cap and
should be adjusted so the gap between the nozzle and
the work is 1/16 inch. This gap is extremely important
for clean cuts in thicker materials when cutting at the 40
or 50 amp setting. The torch stand off is also useful for
following patterns or guides when cutting.
O-RING – The o-ring is very important to cutting
performance and must be replaced when it flattens or
takes a physical set due to pressure. To extend o-ring
life, lubricate it with the silicone lubricant (packed with
your cutter) every second or third time that the nozzle
cap is removed. The lubricant should be applied only to
the o-ring after it is in place on the torch. Be careful not
to get lubricant on any of the other consumable parts or
they may be destroyed. Always wipe excess lubricant
from fingers before handling any of the other
consumable parts.
Identifying
Line
High Current
Nozzle
Use On
40 and 50
Amp Settng
HINTS FOR INCREASING LIFE OF
CONSUMABLES
1.Use clean, dry, oil-free compressed air only.
2.Establish and maintain a good electrical
connection with the ground clamp to the material
being cut.
3.Establish and maintain a consistent distance of
about 1/16 inch between the material being cut
and the torch nozzle.
4.Establish and maintain proper movement speed.
The optimum torch movement speed for
maximum consumable life is that which results in
the main shower of sparks trailing approximately 5
degrees behind the main axis of the torch as
depicted in Figure 12.
Direction Of Movement
Workpiece
5°
Figure 12. Torch Movement
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The following paragraphs provide the information/
instructions necessary to operate your plasma arc
cutting torch.
TORCH MOVEMENT
The proper movement speed will vary with material type
and thickness. Moving the torch too fast and/or not
cutting completely through the metal while continuing to
move the torch will result in shorter consumable life.
1.Hold cutting starts to a minimum. Starts wear on
the nozzle and electrode more than actual cutting.
2.Use the highest air pressure setting, typically
between 61 and 65 PSI, that will work for you.
ARC STARTING
When the trigger is pressed, compressed air flows
through the torch. When it reaches the end of the torch,
the electrode is pushed back away from the nozzle by
the force of the air. When the gap between the
electrode and nozzle becomes great enough, an arc is
created and quickly becomes a plasma arc.
DUTY CYCLE
The duty cycle rating is expressed as a percentage of
an industry recognized cycle, based on a 10 minute
working time period. The duty cycle rating of a plasma
arc cutter tells the operator what portion of the 10
minutes of working time the cutter can be used for
cutting and what portion of the time the cutter must be
allowed to rest and cool. The 50 Amp plasma arc
cutters have a duty cycle rating of 40%. This means
that out of the 10 minute working time period, you may
cut for four minutes, but must allow the cutter to cool for
the remaining six minutes of the working time period.
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The 20 Amp plasma arc cutters have a duty cycle rating
of 20% meaning that out of 10 minutes, you may cut for
two minutes, but must allow the cutter to cool for eight
minutes.
SAFETY INTERLOCKS
I
When air pressure is not sufficient to blow the electrode
back from the nozzle, current will not be allowed to the
torch for cutting. Some common reasons for low air
pressure are:
1.The compressed air source pressure or the air
regulator on the cutter is set too low.
2.The consumable parts at the end of the torch are
not installed at all or not installed properly.
3.The O-ring needs replacing.
4.Any filter being used with the cutter is plugged and
needs to have a new filter element installed.
A thermal switch is also provided in the cutter to prevent
overheating. Overheating is normally caused by
exceeding the cutter duty cycle rating, or holding the
torch more than 1/6 inch from the workpiece. If the
thermal switch should shut the cutter off, wait about ten
minutes. The thermal switch will reset automatically
and cutting power will be restored. Cutting materials
without providing a ground to the workpiece will add
heat to the internal components causing the duty cycle
to be less than the listed rating. Whenever possible,
always provide a solid ground to the workpiece.
SETUP FOR CUTTING
1.Begin with the POWER switch OFF and the
power cord unplugged from the ac power source.
2.Check to make sure that all consumable torch
parts are in good condition and properly
assembled on the end of the torch. Correct as
needed.
3.Select the proper cutting nozzle for the amperage
setting selected. For 50 Amp cutters ONLY: in the
30 amp setting, use the nozzle without the
identifying line (Figure 11). For 40 and 50 amp
settings, use the nozzle with the line.
4.Connect the ground clamp to the workpiece
making sure that the connection site is clean and
free of dirt, oil, rust, scale, and paint.
WARNING
PLASMA RAYS CAN INJURE EYES AND BURN
vision. A shield or helmet with a number 8 shade filter
lens (minimum) must be used.
• Wear protective clothing and welding gloves. The
intense light of the cutting arc can burn the skin in
much the same way as the sun. The cutting arc is an
open flame and will burn exposed flesh.
Note:The torch may cut without having the ground
clamp connected to the workpiece. But cutting
without grounding the workpiece will add heat
to the plasma cutter internal componentse and
may cause damage to the unit. The additional
heat will cause the duty cycle to be lower. The
cutter will perform much better and
consumables will last longer when the cutter
ground is properly connected to the workpiece.
5.Plug power cord into the ac power source
receptacle.
6.Set the POWER switch ON.
7.Set the mode switch in SETUP and allow the air to
flow for two to three minutes, purging the air lines
of condensation and contaminants. While the air
is flowing, adjust the regulator on the cutter to 65
psi.
Note:IMPORTANT! Selecting the proper air
pressure setting is critical. An air pressure
setting that is too low will result in shorter
consumable life or the failure of the arc to start
at all. A setting that provides too much air
pressure will cause the arc to blow out while
cutting. At pressures lower than about 55 psi, a
safety interlock in the cutter will shut off the
cutter output current. A special tune-in
procedure is provided later in these instructions
to help you determine the air pressure setting
that works best with your cutter.
8.Set the mode switch to RUN. The plasma arc
cutter is now ready for use.
WARNING
PLASMA ARC CUTTERS CAN CAUSE
SERIOUS BURN INJURIES
Make certain the POWER switch is OFF before setting
the cutting torch down. This will prevent the cutting
torch from accidentally triggering when it is not being
held. If the trigger were to be bumped, in any way,
while not being held, a plasma arc could accidentally
start. Serious PERSONAL INJURY to you or
bystanders in the cutting area could be the result.
Such an incident could also result in property damage
due to fire.
SKIN!
• Do not look at an electric arc without proper protection.
A cutting arc is extremely bright and intense and, with
inadequate or no eye protection, the retina can be
burned, leaving a permanent dark spot in the field of
16
HOLDING THE TORCH
1.You may hold the torch with either one or two
hands. The object is to be comfortable and steady
with the torch.
2.It is best to position the torch so that the nozzle is
at or near a 90 degree angle (perpendicular) to the
workpiece (see Figure 12).
3.Although it is acceptable for the nozzle to touch
and be dragged along the workpiece, consumable
life will be extended if a gap of no more than 1/16"
can be maintained between the nozzle and the
workpiece while cutting. When cutting thicker
materials, maintaining a 1/16’ gap will provide a
cleaner cut. Use the torch standoff (optional on 20
A models) attachment to maintain the spacing.
MAKING A CUT
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CUT until you have read and
understand the entire SAFETY SUMMARY. The
SAFETY INFORMATION is there to help you to know
how to reduce the risks of DEATH or INJURY to
yourself or bystanders in the cutting area, and even
from PROPERTY DAMAGE in the vicinity of the cutting
area.
1.Position the torch at the edge of the workpiece
over the point where you want the cut to start.
2.Lower welding helmet, goggles, or position shield
to protect eyes.
3.Press the trigger on the cutting torch and the
plasma arc will start. If the arc blows itself out,
follow the air pressure tune-in procedure below.
TUNING-IN THE AIR PRESSURE
1.Set mode switch to SETUP.
2.Decrease the air pressure by one psi (unless you
have reached 61 psi in which case, see CUTTING
PROBLEMS).
3.Set the mode switch to RUN.
4.Return to step A above and try a new cut. If you
reach the lowest acceptable pressure setting of 61
psi and the arc continues to blow out, see
CUTTING PROBLEMS.
5.When the plasma arc has cut through the entire
thickness at the edge of the workpiece, begin to
move the torch.
6.Release the trigger on the torch when you wish to
stop cutting.
TORCH MOVEMENT RATE
The torch movement rate is the speed at which the
torch is moved along the work piece and depends on
several factors such as the type and thickness of the
material being cut and the comfort or ability of the
operator to follow the desired cut line. It is important
that the rate of movement be slow enough that the
plasma arc cuts all the way through the work piece or
life expectancy for the consumables will be drastically
reduced.
The best procedure for determining the proper cutting
speed is to spend some time cutting on various types
and thicknesses of materials and observing the results
of different rates of travel and angles of cut.
As a starting point, see the cutter speed charts in
Figure 13 and Figure 14 for approximate torch
movement rates.
190
180
170
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
Inches Per Minute
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1/16"0
Mild Steel
Aluminum
1/8" 3/32" 1/4" 5/32"3/8"
Material Thickness
Figure 13. 20 Amp Cutter Speed Chart
200
175
150
125
100
Inches Per Minute
75
50
25
0
18GA16GA14
1/83/161/45/163/87/161/2
GA
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE
(MILD STEEL)
30 AMP
40 AMP
50 AMP
MATERIAL THICKNESS
Figure 14. 50 Amp Cutter Speed Chart
TYPICAL CUTTING PROBLEMS
There are two main problems that can occur during the
cutting operation.
1.The cut is not penetrating the material being
worked on.
a. Torch movement rate is too fast.
b. Nozzle is not being held perpendicular (at 90
degrees) to the work piece.
c.The torch being held too far from work piece
(should be about 1/16 inch).
d. Attempting to cut material that is too thick.
e. Using worn out nozzles or electrodes.
f.Using the incorrect nozzle for the amperage
selected (50 Amp cutters ONLY)
2.The cutting arc is breaking up or quitting
altogether during cutting.
a. Worn out nozzle and/or electrode.
b. Low line voltage.
c.Air pressure setting is too high.
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MAINTENANCE
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
This plasma arc cutter has been engineered and
manufactured to give many years of trouble-free service
I
providing that a few very simple steps are taken to
properly maintain it.
1.Inspect and replace all cutting torch consumables
in a timely manner. See PREPARING TO CUT for
details.
2.Periodically, unplug the power cord from the ac
power source and remove the cover (left side, top,
and right side) from the plasma cutter. Air-blow
any accumulated dust and dirt from the inside of
the cutter and reinstall the cover. Initially, this
should be done after the first six months of
operation. After that, do it more or less frequently
depending on what your cutter's environment
dictates.
Note:All torch connections are located behind the
plastic nose piece (access panel) on the front
of the cutter. To replace a torch or check torch
connections, remove the plastic nose piece and
slide it away from cutter for clearance.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The following TROUBLESHOOTING tables are
provided as a guide to help resolve some of the more
common problems that might be encountered your
plasma cutter. Should you or qualified repair personnel
be unable to resolve a problem or determine which of
the possible solutions will remedy a specific problem,
call for service assiatance at: 1-800-328-2921. In
Minnesota call:
(612) 884-3211.
Note:IMPORTANT! Before calling for service
assiatance, have the cutter unplugged from the
ac power source, the cover (left side, top, and
right side) removed, and the telephone as near
to the cutter as possible.
1.Set the POWER switch OFF.
2.Unplug the ac power cord from the ac power
source before attempting service or adjustment.
3.Dial the phone for service help.
ALL SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS MUST BE
PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
ONLY.
The control circuit board contains 5 light emitting diodes
(LED’s) to help pinpoint problems. When the LED’s
light, it is an indication that power is being supplied to
the function listed below the circuit board diagram (e.g.
when LED designation D17 lights, incoming power to
the circuit board is supplied) . If a given function is
obviously not working, but the related LED is lit, check
the other components within that function (see
TROUBLESHOOTING).
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Incoming
Power to
Circuit Board
Trigger
Circuit
Complete
Full Power
Cutting Relay
Circuit On
Main Contactor
Circuit On
Air Solenoid
Circuit On
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20 AMP WIRING DIAGRAM
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50 AMP WIRING DIAGRAM
WHITE
RED
RED
WHITE
240VAC
CONTACTOR
STARTLEAD
RED
WHITESLEEVED
GROUND
GREEN
POWERCORD
24VAC
BLACK
WHITE
240VAC
WHITE
APPROX.
240VAC
THERMAL
PROTECTOR
RESISTOR
AC
AC
12
YELLOW
+-
MOV
170TO210VDC
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THERMAL
WHITE
CIRCUITBOARD
VIOLET
PROTECTOR
9-PIN
CONNECTOR
10-PIN
1
9
1
WHITE
ORANGE
RESISTOR
20VAC
ORANGE
CONNECTOR
10
WHITE
24VAC
CONTROL
BROWN
ORANGE
240VAC
TRANSFORMER
BROWN
WHITE
BLACK
ORANGE
BLUE
ORANGEYELLOW
YELLOW
RECTIFIER
WHITE
WHITE
ORANGE
BLUE
BLACK
BLUE
WHITESLEEVED
STARTLEAD
BLACK
BLUE
REACTOR
&THERMALBREAKER
BLACK
FINISHLEAD
240VAC
WHITESLEEVED
BLUE
FAN
MOTOR
FINISHLEAD
WHITESLEEVED
BLUE
BLUE
BROWN
BROWN
VOLTSDC
20TO24
GAS
SOLENOID
STARTLEAD
WHITESLEEVED
TRANSFORMER
SWITCH
PRESSURE
WHITE
WHITE
20VDC
BLACK
RELAY
240VOLTSAC
RUN
#1
ON
POWER
SET-UP
#5
#3
#4
OFF
SWITCH
SWITCH
LIGHTED-
CUTTINGAMP
SELECTSWITCH
240VOLTSAC
BLACK
CONNECTOR
TORCHPOSITIVE
RED
TRIGGER
TONOZZLE
CONNECTOR
BLUE
LEADS
VIOLET
TORCH
CONNECTOR
WHITE
TORCHNEGATIVE
WHITE
CONNECTOR
TOELECTRODE
CLAMP
GROUND
WORK
POSITIVE
VOLTAGEISPRESENTONLYWHENTRIGGERISPULLED.
VOLTAGEISPRESENTWHENMAINPOWERISON.
23
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