TD 38xl sputters

[aligater]

Just picked up a used 38 xl and the pilot arc has a machine gun action when the torch is not touching the work suface. Seems to cut fine but concerned that there may be a problem. does anyone have this unit and can they tell me what there unit does. Just want to make sure that this is normal operation or not. Otherwise it seems to be a great unit, thanks in advance.

[Scott V]

Just picked up a used 38 xl and the pilot arc has a machine gun action when the torch is not touching the work suface. Seems to cut fine but concerned that there may be a problem. does anyone have this unit and can they tell me what there unit does. Just want to make sure that this is normal operation or not. Otherwise it seems to be a great unit, thanks in advance.

Sounds normal to me. They had two different torches on that machine along the way. I put a SL60 one torch on mine and doubled the thickness it would cut. Although the first model torch (# excapes me now) had the smallest kerf of any air cooled torch Thermal has ever made.:cool:

[aligater]

so if i was to cut expanded metal or anything that required the arc to leave the work surface momentarily it would be a pain. I found that when i touch the ground clamp to the torch tip the arc was fine, made me wonder if the unit had a ground issue. I also noticed that the power cord was missing the ground prong. currently it is wired for 110V but i think i may switch to 220V later.

[jimcolt]

When you touch the torch tip (nozzle) to the work clamp....you are making the nozzle become the same potential that the plate is supposed to be...the arc transfers from pilot arc mode, which is at a lower current level, to transferred arc mode....and ramps up to cutting current.

The nozzle will only last for a few seconds if you have done this as it is absorbing the full output current / heat load!

I think the sputtering pilot arc is normal on your system.....although I am a Hypertherm guy...so not an expert on this particular machine!

Jim