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B-6
PILOT ARC DISCUSSION
The PYTHON has a smooth, continuous pilot arc.
The pilot arc is only a means of transferring the arc to
the workpiece for cutting. Repeated pilot arc starts, in
rapid succession, is not recommended as these starts
will generally reduce consumable life. Occasionally,
the pilot arc may sputter or start intermittently. This is
aggravated when the consumables are worn or the air
pressure is too high. Always keep in mind that the
pilot arc is designed to transfer the arc to the work-
piece and not for numerous starts without cutting.
When the pilot arc is started, a slight impulse will be
felt in the torch handle. This occurrence is normal and
is the mechanism which starts the plasma arc. This
impulse can also be used to help troubleshoot a "no
start" condition.
PROCEDURE RECOMMENDATIONS
When properly used, plasma arc cutting or gouging is
a very economical process. Improper use will result in
a very high operating cost.
General - In All Cases
• Follow safety precautions as printed throughout
this operating manual and on the machine.
Thin Gauge Sheet Metal:
Torch Standoff
DRAG thru 1/16"
Standoff
1. OUTPUT SET BELOW 45 AMPS.
• The nozzle may be dragged on the metal sur-
face, touching it lightly to the surface after pierc-
ing a hole.
2. CURRENT CONTROL SHOULD BE SET BELOW
THE MID RANGE.
• Do not allow cable or body to contact hot sur-
face.
OPERATION
Machine Output Setting
3
Output Setting
Min. thru Mid. Range
THICK SECTIONS OF METAL:
Torch Standoff
1/8" thru 3/16"
Standoff
1. OUTPUT SET ABOVE 45 AMPS.
• The best quality and consumable life will be
obtained by holding the torch off the surface
about 3/16". Too long an arc may compromise
cut quality and consumable life.
2. THE NOZZLE SHOULD NOT BE DRAGGED ON
THE WORK.
• Failure to drag on the work will result in short-
ened consumable life.
• Use of the S22151 Drag Cup will maintain the
proper standoff and eliminate nozzle double
arcing.
• If piercing is required, slowly lower the torch at
an angle of about 30° to blow the dross away
from the torch tip and slowly rotate the torch to
a vertical position as the arc becomes deeper.
This process will blow a lot of molten metal and
dross. Be careful! Blow the dross away from
the torch, the operator and any flammable
objects.
• Where possible, start the cut from the edge of
the work piece.
• Keep moving! A steady speed is necessary.
Do not pause.
• Do not allow torch cable or body to contact hot
surface.
PYTHON
B-6
Machine Output Setting
3
Output Setting
Mid. thru Max. Range
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