[storeman]

I need some help. Last July I bought a like-new PCM 500i from a Ricmond, VA pawn shop. It had a blue factory shield, original swirl ring and unknown tip, presumably OEM. The unit looks like it was rarely used. It had no extra consumables with it but performed as well as could be expected for an absolute newbie using it. I couldn't find consumables locally so ordered some off the web. First batch did not work as the nozzle was too deep to allow the electrode to activate the plunger and initiate air and current. Bad item is on the right below. Left nozzle works....kind of.

Anyway, the factory blue shield gave out at the business end and lost ceramic and would no longer hold the nozzle in. Swirl ring was also damaged.

So, I switched to all Chinese consumables, including swirl ring. See the condition of the nozzles below and other pictures in the next posting.

This is a standoff mechanism I fabricated from plastic rod mount and TIG tungstens because it seemed to help early on. I've not been able to find a drag nozzle or standoff attachment for this torch.

Continued.

 

[storeman]

Next are shots of the machine and the last cut I made with it. Looks horrible, I know but the machine was barfing sparks everywhere and I couldn't do a steady curved cut on this 1/4" mild steel plate. Was cutting an opening for my smoker. Finished up with an angle grinder and slicer blade.

I have the owners manual and the machine seems to be fully functional. I think I just need to get right with OEM items. Would appreciate any advice as well as a source for a consumables kit, blue shield and OEM swirl ring. Am not sure but believe it to be the PT 31xt torch

Thanks,
Jerry

 

[Brand X]

I never ordered from Plasmadye. The torches were PT-31 XT and a PT-31 XTPC You have to use the factory (New shape) blue shield, and blue swirl ring.(Mandatory) 80 psi flowing.. Jim used his yesterday and was impressed as always.. Those white aftermarket shield cups do not work.. He has the correct 30-40 amp tips in the box, along with a bunch of factory Esab, and L-tec stuff.. 20862 electrode and 30-40 amp tips. This and one other place seems to work just fine.. he sold off his Hypertherm 600 that he bought brand new,because of how his Esab works so much better for him..Maybe he will chime in and give you details. Never had one issue you are having. Of course I warned him about the shield cups, and swirl rings. He kept to factory there.

Your consumables look like they came out of a china made cutter.. If you look at your cup, it does not even screw on correctly.. looks like your torch took a real beating too. Jim's look like new after using the aftermarket tips, and nozzles. You can get the blue stuff on line, but faster would bite to bite the bullet, and order it through Airgas or something. At least they can get you the right stuff.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PT-31XT-Pla...-20862-20860-30Amp-20PK-/400226770685?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d2f5fdefd

 

[ManoKai]

@ storeman - will relay your thread to my contacts at ESAB (Hanover, PA). Should be able tp get you up and running. Brand X's input looks very informative and should aid you. Aloha.

 

[storeman]

Thanks to both of you. The swirl ring in the unit when I got it was pink, IIRC. There is a blue ring? Brandx, do you sell the better Chicom consumables? If not, where do you recommend?
Jerry

 

[Slob]

My cups are blue and swirl ring is pink. Both are original to the torch too. I remember when my plasma was the shiney but not for a long time...... Mine has Esab emblazoned on the sides also.

 

[Brand X]

Thanks to both of you. The swirl ring in the unit when I got it was pink, IIRC. There is a blue ring? Brandx, do you sell the better Chicom consumables? If not, where do you recommend?
Jerry

No, I don't sell them..

Pink is right. just had blue in my mind.. The link was some of the ones that worked well. Also these worked well..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PT-31XT-pla...nozzle-tip-20860A-20pcs-/151301807459?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item233a4a5d63

 

[storeman]

My cups are blue and swirl ring is pink. Both are original to the torch too. I remember when my plasma was the shiney but not for a long time...... Mine has Esab emblazoned on the sides also.

I removed the side graphics on that side because the graphic has been damaged. Other side still has it. I really want this unit working right. It seems to be high quality.
Jerry

 

[storeman]

No, I don't sell them..

Pink is right. just had blue in my mind.. The link was some of the ones that worked well. Also these worked well..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PT-31XT-pla...nozzle-tip-20860A-20pcs-/151301807459?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item233a4a5d63

My error. Missed the link. Thanks.
Jerry

 

[jimcolt]

I'll stand behind using the OEM consumables for a variety of reasons. The temperature on the end of the electrode of an air plasma torch is right at 3000 F. The arc going through the nozzle orifice can be over 25,000 F. Copper melts at around 1000F, hafnium at around 3100F.

The designers of the torch understand the gas flow requirements and the gas swirl requirements as well as well as the heat transfer (to air) needs. They also understand that these parts all stack and have strict stack up tolerances...that if exceeded will throw the heat transfer and the arc attachment points out of whack. If the air swirl is not close to perfect....expect the nozzle orifice to quickly over heat. Also....there are special copper alloys used for better hafnium heat transfer as compared to free machining copper. Bottom line, it takes longer to machine the consumables to the proper specs and with the proper consumables.....99% of the aftermarket consumables are "caliper engineered"....with no knowledge of the engineers stack up tolerances and no desire to use the copper that is harder to machine.

That is why you should use genuine consumables in a major brand manufacturers torch. The consumables will last longer (and that makes them cheaper) and the consumables will be less likely to take the torch with them when they catastrophically fail. My advice....go back to the original specified parts from the manufacturer for that torch....you likely will be surprised with how well it will cut!

Jim Colt

 

[storeman]

Thanks Jim.
That is where I'm heading. I just wish there was some outfit cheaper than Airgas on a kit. They get $138 plus about $14 shipping plus sales tax, That is steep, but they seem to be the only game in town. I have an account but no discount. Maybe someone out there with a good discount can PM me and we can work a deal.

Jerry:dizzy:

 

[Brand X]

The china consumables that I posted work just as well, and last just as long as Esab ones.. They do not blow out like the ones you had. Cut quality is exactly the same. The PT-31 XT torch is the only one I would use the China tips in.. I bought a new 25 ft torch for $75 on Ebay for back up.. The cut quality is excellent no matter what people say. (Without even trying it.) save about 90 % over Esab ones, and it will pay for a torch fast. even if you are so scared of your own shadow.. go for it..:laugh:

 

[storeman]

Brandx,
My search may be poor but all I'm finding are much cheaper torches. Apparently you got a great one time buy. Congrats!
Thanks.
Jerry

 

[Brand X]

The real torches show up every now, and again. Worth picking up if you can find a deal.. I understand if you use the China consumables in a modern esab, or Thermal etc. you will see a tremendous drop in cut quality, and consumable life. I buy factory on Ebay for my one torch, for the same price as the China ones. Win win on that one..

 

[storeman]

I hope I can find a deal.

 

[storeman]

I never ordered from Plasmadye. The torches were PT-31 XT and a PT-31 XTPC You have to use the factory (New shape) blue shield, and blue swirl ring.(Mandatory) 80 psi flowing.. Jim used his yesterday and was impressed as always.. Those white aftermarket shield cups do not work.. He has the correct 30-40 amp tips in the box, along with a bunch of factory Esab, and L-tec stuff.. 20862 electrode and 30-40 amp tips. This and one other place seems to work just fine.. he sold off his Hypertherm 600 that he bought brand new,because of how his Esab works so much better for him..Maybe he will chime in and give you details. Never had one issue you are having. Of course I warned him about the shield cups, and swirl rings. He kept to factory there.

Your consumables look like they came out of a china made cutter.. If you look at your cup, it does not even screw on correctly.. looks like your torch took a real beating too. Jim's look like new after using the aftermarket tips, and nozzles. You can get the blue stuff on line, but faster would bite to bite the bullet, and order it through Airgas or something. At least they can get you the right stuff.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PT-31XT-Pla...-20862-20860-30Amp-20PK-/400226770685?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d2f5fdefd

Am not sure who you are referring to as Jim. I don't know his screen name.

I'm working on a couple alternatives. Have found swirl rings at Netwelder for $12 each (ordered two) and am searching for the shield. If I can find the shield at a decent price, that part should make me functional. Have corresponded with Grainger. They have a 20282 heat shield, sold under their house name (I guess). Applicability is to the ESAB 15XL, another machine I know nothing about. Please take a look at this link and give your opinion. Maybe someone from ESAB can chime in.

http://www.grainger.com/search?nls=1&searchQuery=20282

Do you know the difference between the 31XT and the 31XTPC? I think I have the 35XT torch but there are no markings on it.

Thanks for your help.
Jerry

 

[Brand X]

Jim,
is the guy that bought my Powercut 650 The PT-31 XTPC is the torch it had on it. Same consumables as the PT-31XT (Like I had on my 380 Handyplasma)

Call American torch tip, and ask them about the shield. Good products for sure..

 

[storeman]

Will do. I had never heard of them. Impressive website.

 

[ManoKai]

@ storeman - talked with my ESAB contact this afternoon. Awaiting feedback for you.

 

[storeman]

Thanks Kai. Checked out the Grainger shield and American Tip. Both are white versus blue but "said" to be made to ESAB specs. It appears there is no outlet other than airgas. Maybe they would be willing to sell a kit direct to get this show on the road?
Jerry