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Re: Inflation fighting plasma..

The problem with the cheaper plasma cutters with pilot arc is there is not the real deals on consumable with them.. Let me explain a bit, stepping up to a more modern torch really does make it a good reason to use quality higher cost consumables.. Most times the torch is larger, and kind of defeats the advantages of the little PT-31 setup.. The PT-31XL is a better torch, and consumables for the PT series, and I had a extra one at one point. (Real Easb setup) Smaller handle over this unit too) I probably will get the smaller style handle now that I know it works.. If I want to gouge, and make quality cuts on thicker metal, the SL-60 torch goes back on the machine.. The ATC adapter allows for fast change over.. Blasting holes in plate, and general plasma slumming the little cheap torches, and machines are perfect..So you blow up a nozzle with metal blow back. another $0.10 cents, and back at it.. Nice option that's all.. The old school Pakmaster is a surprisingly good power supply. It's pretty dang tough, and proving to be versatile on torch options.. Just another option over the smaller China units..Also pretty good deal if you pick one correctly. I had 4 Pakmaster 38XL, and the beat up cheap/dirty ebay unit cut as nice as any of the new 38XL units I had..

Re: Inflation fighting plasma..

I wouldn't pay that either. I think the with/without option on mine is around $60. The number of times I wished I had it are very few. I can see where expanded metal could be a pain though...

Re: Inflation fighting plasma..

My little Air-cut 15c has pilot arc, but it never worked.. The 120 volt plasma seems to cut a bit better without the pilot working..( had two that worked ) It takes a bit of power from the machine to make it work.. It helps on painted or expanded metal, but general cutting does fine, until it's really needed. I would prefer it worked right,but I saved $1000 on this unit. It's not worth a grand to have it..

Re: Inflation fighting plasma..

I do like the low cost consumables of the PT-31, but I find it keeps my hand very close to the heat (I know... wear the damn gloves) and mine doesn't have a lock. Holding that button down on a long cut can get annoying. Probably keeps me from going over the duty cycle and letting the magic smoke out though. My understanding of the pilot arc is that it just grounds the tip to fool the plasma into thinking it's made contact. I don't have it either, but not a deal breaker in my mind. Next piece of Chinese junk will probably have it. Nice work...

Re: Inflation fighting plasma..

Scott ,,nice upgrade having that extra reach

Re: Inflation fighting plasma..

I needed to do a bit of shielding inside the torch.. The CD start is pretty powerful. Few wraps of electrical tape stopped that issue.. It's not a pilot arc torch, but It might work if i can get the wire in the correct place.. Not a issue, because I have the SL-60 torch that does that on this machine.. For general cutting it works well.. The SL-60 cuts nicer in general, but the PT-31 clone works for what I want out of it..Consumable life is pretty good too..

Re: Inflation fighting plasma..

Huh, you are always braking the mold and making things work that were never intended to.

Inflation fighting plasma..

I decided to try to adapt a cheap China PT 31 torch head to a Thermal Dynamics ATC SL-40 lead . The SL-40 was finicky, but worked well most of the time.. I have all the SL-60 torch stuff to use on it, and a bunch of low cost China consumables for the PT-31.. I don't have the Pilot arc hooked up right now, but it cuts fine as is.. It's only to get bargin consumables, and smaller front end on the Plasma when needed. Success with the adapting to my 23 year old/ free Pakmaster 50

The 25 ft extension lead I nave now works with the 15 fr SL-40 lead.. Also the 35 amp Plasma is a good match to the small torch.. Handful of consumables are nothing to buy..Good swirl rings Keep it cutting well..