Operation; Controls And Indicators; The Torch; Torch Consumable Parts - Century Tool 118-009 User Manual

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The following paragraphs provide instructions for
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operating your plasma cutter.
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CONTROLS AND
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INDICATORS
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The POWER switch is a two position switch marked ON
and OFF and turns the plasma cutter on or off.
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The mode switch is a two position switch marked RUN
and SETUP. When set to SETUP, the air will flow
through the cutter and torch, but an arc will not start.
When set to RUN, the cutter is ready for operation.
The 50 Amp cutters have an amperage selector switch
with three set positions for selecting cutter outputs of
30, 40, or 50 amps. The 20 Amp cutters run at a single,
fixed current and do not need an amperage selector
switch.
The air regulation knob allows the operator to adjust the
air pressure through the cutter and torch. Turning the
knob clockwise (right) increases the pressure and
counterclockwise (left) decreases it. The air should be
adjusted when the mode switch is in SETUP to a level
between 61 and 65 psi, as required for operation.
The cutting torch and the parts on the end of it are
extremely important to the cutting process. For this
reason, it is best to know a few things about the torch
and the torch parts before operating the cutter.

THE TORCH

WARNING
PLASMA RAYS CAN INJURE EYES AND BURN
SKIN!
• Do not look at an electric arc without proper protection.
A cutting arc is extremely bright and intense and, with
inadequate or no eye protection, the retina can be
burned, leaving a permanent dark spot in the field of
vision. A shield or helmet with a number 8 shade filter
lens (minimum) must be used.
• Wear protective clothing and welding gloves. The
intense light of the cutting arc can burn the skin in
much the same way as the sun. The cutting arc is an
open flame and will burn exposed flesh.
The torch is designed to be held comfortably in most
positions. The trigger on the 50 Amp cutters is on the
bottom of the torch. To press the trigger, slide your
hand forward under the yellow safety latch and pull the
trigger. The trigger on the 20 Amp cutters is on the top
of the handle and is easily pressed with the thumb.
When pressed, within a fraction of a second air will
begin to flow through the cutter and the torch., if air
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OPERATION

pressure and flow are correct, a plasma arc will be
established at the end of the torch. When the trigger is
released, the plasma arc will be shut off, but the air will
continue to flow for a few seconds to cool the torch.
If the trigger is pressed for less than two seconds and
then released, the trigger can be pressed again and the
arc will be immediately reestablished. But if the trigger
is pressed for longer than two seconds and then
released, retriggering will not reestablish the arc until
after the air completes flowing for the normal cooling
cycle.

TORCH CONSUMABLE PARTS

All the parts on the end of the torch (consumables) are
replaceable by hand with no tools required. Unscrew
the nozzle cap and access is obtained to the nozzle,
electrode, swirl ring, and o-ring. See Figure 10.
Figure 10. Torch Parts (Consumables)

REPLACING CONSUMABLE PARTS

During the cutting process, the parts on the end of the
torch are slowly consumed. To prevent premature
consumption of some torch parts and to prevent
damage to the torch itself, it is necessary to replace the
consumable parts in a timely manner.
Note: Consumable life estimates are approximations
made for mild steel, under ideal conditions only.
Your actual times may vary. Variations in
materials and user technique can add to or
diminish from consumable life. When cutting
aluminum, expect about one-half the nozzle
and electrode life.
NOZZLE – The 50 Amp plasma cutter consumables
have an expected life of up to 30 minutes of actual
cutting time (time that the arc is established).
Consumable life may be greatly reduced when cutting
thicker materials. The 20 Amp cutter consumables
have an expected life of up to 45 minutes of actual
cutting time (time that the arc is established). As cutting
time accumulates, the hole in the nozzle becomes
larger and distorted and will cause the cut to wander.
Untimely replacement can lead to shorter electrode life
expectancy. The 50 Amp cutters, only, have a high
O-Ring
Swirl Ring
Electrode
Nozzle
Nozzle Cap
Stand Off (Optional 20 A)