Welding Tips and Tricks

Earlier in the day I finally received my Everlast PowerPlasma 80s 80 amp plasma cutter. It's been Christmas Eve for me every night since my order went through, lol. My only problem is, I cannot get the pilot arc to light. At first I thought that maybe I wired the plug wrong, but my father informed via phone that it was in the proper orientation.
I have proper air flow, power, and grounding. I checked the manual's troubleshooting section, all leads to a blown fuse. This is what had me intrigued, THE FUSE WASN'T BLOWN!!! So, from there I checked to see if possibly it was a problem with my consumables. They were all in the correct fashion, safety prongs on the torch depressed. Still nothing. So I decided to see if I was getting power to the torch. I was getting my post-flow air purge after releasing the trigger but I wasn't sure if I had power to the electrode. I started at the very edge of a 1/4" thick 2" strap and squeezed away. It blazed through the strap like nobody's business. So I clearly have a pilot arc issue. Trafimet S75 blowback torch.

I noticed in the sphere fire pit post that mcoe uses an Everlast pc. I was wondering if he or anyone had any suggestions or light to shed on this situation I am in. Thanks in advance guys.

Cole

It's the consumables. I have this problem all the time with my machine. The first time it did it I checked the fuse and like you saw it wasn't blown. I took the tip off and checked to see if my contact tip was loose and twisted on it and it worked after that for a few cuts. Come to find out the contact tip had moisture on it from wet air and I had to dry it off. Every time mine acts up I take the nozzle off rub the tip on my jacket sleeve and put it together and keep going. Another thing is when they wear down they will do this. The only thing I don't like about my machine is the torch and consumables. I hope this helps.
Another thing you have to hold the trigger for a few seconds then the air will rush and THEN the pilot arc will light. Forgot about that. How long were you holding the trigger?

There were a few times in my futile attempts that I held on for almost 30 whole seconds. But I'm gonna go in the garage here in a minute and give her the ole wipe it off on your sleeve trick and let you know how I make out. I appreciate your help man

That's new.

I don't recall EVER having a "conductivity/moisture" issue with the consumables causing a failure to pilot-arc, with several brands of plasma-cutters (though I've not used Everlast).

There may be a conduction problem, and I'd look at the part the tip connects to. It should be spring-loaded, to push against the contact tip as it's installed. I'm not sure a failure here would prevent a pilot-arc, though.

When you sort it out, please share your problem and solution, as I'm sure you won't be the last to encounter this.

Steve S

Will do, Steve. I'm also not sure that the spring loaded contact would be a failure either as I was still able to arc when direct (no pressure applied) contact was made.

Hindsight2020 wrote:There were a few times in my futile attempts that I held on for almost 30 whole seconds. But I'm gonna go in the garage here in a minute and give her the ole wipe it off on your sleeve trick and let you know how I make out. I appreciate your help man

Did it make a high pitch whine noise when holding the trigger? If so then give it a wipe down if not then there may be a problem.

She didn't make a single noise while the trigger was depressed

The high freq should whine. Did you change the fuse or just inspect the one in it and put it back?

If you can't get it call Mark from Everlast he is very helpful and knowledgable of the products and can probably give you a fix. His number is 229-457-2598.

I changed the fuse completely. Its become a family affair between Braehill, Greintime, and I lol. Got one more thing to try. Have to check grounding, we're thinking that for some reason the torch might not be getting its ground. I thank you Sir

Wait a second Steve is "sir" I am Matt lol

Lololol duly noted Matt

Pretty sure "Sir" was Sidney Potier, in "To Sir, With Love."

As R. Lee Ermey said in "Platoon",

"Don't 'SIR' me, boy, I WORK FOR A LIVING.

I'm nobody's "sir". I'm just a voice in the crowd.

Steve S

IS THAT A JELLY FUCKING DONUT PYLE?!?!

Get off my obstacle course Pyle

I will PT you till you f:%+ing die!