Plasma cutter trouble shooting

[tlevan03]

I have a Miller Spectrum 375 that has always been fantastic and dependable. Last night, I was going to cut some 1/4" plate and the machine didn't perform. I changed my tip and electrode this week. The machine was showing no faults. The arc would start but wouldn't cut all the way through the plate, and the arc would cut out after 3-5 seconds. The material was a little rusty, I cleaned off a spot for the ground. I ended up having to use a cut off wheel to get it done. Any tips and tricks?

 

[rlitman]

Sounds like the pilot arc works, but not the main arc. Are you sure your ground was connected?

 

[tlevan03]

Sounds like the pilot arc works, but not the main arc. Are you sure your ground was connected?

The ground was on there. I think I may try and clean up the ground clamp.

 

[FANTM58]

Make sure the air pressure is up to specs !

 

[The Cobbler]

Make sure the air pressure is up to specs !

this. I had same problem with a plasma cutter and the air pressure was too high.

 

[rlitman]

this. I had same problem with a plasma cutter and the air pressure was too high.

Air pressure certainly could be it too.

 

[jubilee]

X3 or 4 on air pressure. My Miller has a filter screen on air that causes your exact problems when partially plugged. Took me a couple of years to find it. As long as **** in filter was dry everything was ok, but when it got a little damp from incoming compressed air everything went south

 

[Frank2918]

Adding a desiccant filter helps with issues like that.