It won't work!

[sophienee]

Recently got a used Esab plasma cutter 500i. In very good condition. However, the unit powers up and all but won't arc. Any suggestions? I guess it doesn't matter what it looks like if it don't work.
Jeff

[Hotfoot]

Crank air pressure up to 100 (just for a test start), or does this have on-board. Also, I bought a used Bluye Point (Snap On), and had the same problem, turned out that on that one you had to press the nozzle against the work, depressing it (spring loaded) , then it would arc.. Hey, you might try it, I am not familiar with the Esab.

[sophienee]

I'll give it a try. I'll let you know.
Jeff

[Terry Lingle]

What does the manual say? The manual will have the correct operating procedure and a troubleshooting guide in it . If you do not have a manual the esab site should have it available for download. I have no esab equiptment but it is very well thought of by those that do have it , Not sure if that is the same as the old VW bugs you could never find an unhappy owner but the woods were full of ex owners
Seriously esab is top drawer equiptment you will be pleased when you get it working. Terry

[realhfd]

When my dad's unit had a similiar problem, it had to have a circuit board replaced.

[ventureline]

The pressure is no more than 70 psi, the 500I's were very trouble prone. now does the fault light come on and stay on, or does it blink indicating a fault with the air or gun parts in place circuit.

When you press the trigger does air come out but nothing else , or imediately shut down?

I'm an ESAB warranty tech

[sophienee]

Thanks for all the help guys! Turns out...well...It's just that I'm a Moron
It's working fine now thanks.
Jeff

[Zrexxer]

Oh, no, no, no... you don't get off with just making self-deprecating remarks... you gotta tell us what the problem was! (Also so that we don't make the same mistake in the future )

[sophienee]

Okay, for humility sake. You have to hold the trigger button down. Oh well. I guess I figured the tip would just be energized.
Your humble student,
Jeff

[Zrexxer]

Ahh, live and learn. I won't tell you how many times I've stubbed wire with my MIG only to find the ground clamp laying on the floor We all do things like that.

[tinkerer]

Don't feel bad. When I got my miller 125c plasma cutter, I thought it was busted on the first cut because it continued to run when I released the trigger....after a brief minute of confusion, it seems the manual agrees with the machine...cuz who really reads the user guide?