Attaching the torch to the Z-axis

Maybe I’m just not looking in the right place, but are there any instruction form Langmuir on the correct way to install the plasma torch to the Crossfire table?

The system I purchased has the Z-Axis , IHS and THC. I’ll be using a Razorweld Cut 45 with a standard manual torch.

The table comes with this bracket for mounting the hand torch. It clamps on to the retaining cap:
image
Remember not to use any drag shield with the hand torch:
Dragshield

If you have a machine torch, you need to purchase or make a different holder such as this:


Here is the one sold by Langmuir:

When mounting the machine torch, you want to avoid clamping on the head of the torch:


Picture edited as there is some question about the Duramax mounting.

Thank you, but what I’m looking for is some direction on the set up.

I.e., Should the Z-axis be pre-positioned at the top or bottom or middle of the movement range?

Is there a recommended distance from the underside of the Z-axis trolley to the contact point on the torch?

How do I set up the Crossfire Z-axis control to know where the torch contact tip is positioned?

This strap affords lots of flexibility once the torch is mounted:
image

Once mounted, you want the tip of the torch for the lowest point, to be able to touch the slat of the water bed but not necessarily lower.

You might be over thinking it. Run the z-axis carriage to lowest point, then mount the torch mount and eyeball the torch in the torch mount.

You want the Z axis to have about 1/2" to 3/4" of travel left when the torch contacts the metal.

This is essential for the initial height sensing to work properly. If the Z axis bottoms out before the torch touches the metal, the initial height sensing switch will open too early and cause torch height issues.

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@ChelanJim - ironically the example photo of the machine torch mounted, is mounted in the “don’t do it this way” fashion.

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If you are talking about the Hypertherm torch, that section is referred in the operating instructions as the “mounting sleeve.” I could be wrong. But I will edit my post, just in case. :slightly_smiling_face:
image

Edit:
But this is interesting, in this literature the small coupler ring is referred to as the “mounting sleeve” but in both instances they are showing a delineation of the sections as being visible.

image

On my torch, there is no such delineation.

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As someone who has built a Duramax torch, I can tell you that the torch body is made up of two clamshell pieces that go from the cable exit down to the retaining cap. There is no separate section for clamping.

There are also no moving parts inside the torch body. The only part that moves in that torch is the electrode and it is housed completely inside the retaining cap(the skinny part at the end).

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If you are using a newer Hypertherm plasma cutter with the spring loaded electrode you can mount the machine torch almost anywhere. Just do not over tighten the lower clamp as you can jam up the PIP plunger or break the PIP switch.

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ds690 Has the answer your looking for!