4-8
O
PERATION
Operator Manual
Cutting
• Do not fire the pilot arc into the air needlessly—doing so causes a significant reduction of the
nozzle and electrode life.
• If arc transfer to the workpiece does not occur within 5 seconds, the pilot arc will shut off. Re-
lease the torch trigger and press it again to reset the pilot arc timer.
• Start cutting from the edge of the workpiece (Fig. 4-6). To penetrate fully and cut cleanly
through the workpiece, pause momentarily at the beginning and at the end of each cut.
• When cutting, make sure that the sparks are coming out of the bottom of the workpiece. If they
are spraying on top of the workpiece, you are moving the torch too fast, or you do not have
sufficient power to fully penetrate the workpiece.
• Hold the torch lightly on the metal (if using shielded consumables) or just above the metal.
Holding the torch firmly to the workpiece causes the shield to stick and makes smooth cutting
difficult. The arc transfers to the workpiece once the torch is within 1/8 inch (3 mm) of the
workpiece.
• Pulling the torch through the cut is easier than pushing it.
• Hold the torch nozzle at a vertical position and watch the arc as it cuts along the line (Fig. 4-8).
By lightly dragging the shield on the workpiece, you can maintain a steady cut. For straight-line
cuts, use any straight edge as a guide.
• When cutting thin material, reduce the amps until you get the best quality cut.
• To cut circles, use a template or a radius cutter attachment (Fig. 4-7).
Figure 4-6 Starting a Cut
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
