Sorry for the slow response:( Been busy and have not had time to cut much. I just ordered new consumables to try on the next cut as well as the others suggestions. Going to try and adjust my plunge rate next.
I will attach a .nc file I created for my next cut if anyone would be kind enough to give it a look over. I have set the settings to what I think they should be, to the best of my knowledge, using Fusion 360’s cam software. I have still been doing this sporadically for a couple of months. Any tips would be appreciated.
rask racing.nc (92.9 KB)
You are making me have to think with the metric numbers but it looks appropriate:
Plunge rate is set for 100 in/min (2540 mm)
Pierce ht is at 0.15 inches (3.81 mm)
Cut ht is at 0.043 inches (1.092 mm - don’t know how this squares with your test calibration of cut height)
Springback is at 0.02 inches (0.5 mm)
Pierce delay of 0.7 seconds
It should work. Make sure that you set your work zero and program origin are set to the same point. Then go to work zero before you start the cut.
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Perfect thanks. I have no issues with the work zeroing and such as I am familiar with that process. Still just trying to figure out my bad cut performance. I should add that I am cutting 14 gauge mild steel. Thanks again
Update on my latest cut. I changed the electrode and nozzle and cut the file I previously uploaded. It cut really well. I made a second one and this time I got some of the same issues. This seems to me like it was my consumables then. Should I be expecting longer than ≈15 minutes of run time for these consumables? Some other things I notice was the air drop again. Watching the regulator on my razor weld, it sots at 80psi before cutting and as the torch fires it drops to almost 50 psi and stays there. I am confident in my air supply. Could this be a regulator issue on the plasma unit? Maybe just needs adjusting?
This is a video of the air pressure during the cut
That is either your internal regulator, or your air supply. Need to verify with a gauge before the plasma. If an air pressure gauge installed on the air line right at the back of the plasma cutter still shows 80psi or more when you are cutting, and the internal gauge shows 50, there is your problem.
How much air line (feet) between your compressor and your cutter?
What size air line?
How many filters between the air compressor and cutter? This includes the regulator, moisture traps, etc.
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I have roughly 20 feet of .5 inch air line going to a desiccant filter and regulator that consistently stays at 80 psi. Then about another 10 feet of .5 inch line to the plasma cutter.
RW45’s are known for regulator issues. I took the cover off and cranked mine all the way up and now control mine with a external regulator. Some people remove the internal regulator completely, that might be the better way to go.
Show some pics of your consumables after you started having bad cuts
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Ok I have found similar threads talking about razor welds. I will share images later when I get them. I know the answer is it depends, but how long should I be expecting consumables to last even on the short end?
Ideally in a perfect 15% humidity world, with a refrigerated air dryer…1k pierces.
Reality sucks.
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I wish! I have have 80 plus % for the last couple months… Those perfect world days are few for me too.
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I don’t have a RW torch any more but I think I would get 300-350 pierces. Refrigerated dryer and large
Desiccant dryer. Also decent size compressor that does not run very hot.
These are my nozzle and electrode after 2 signs that were roughly 30”x30”. I would estimate 50-75 pierces. The cutouts were sticking by the end of the second sign.
Those dont look to bad in my opinion. Maybe @mechanic416 will take a look
Hey Wbittmann, I finally got some time to do further testing. I was still getting the same issues as you were originally. I had my buddy bring over a new RazorCut 45 to compare and we did some tests.
We first went over table, checked for grounding issues, IHS switch and general condition of connections etc.
We then went through air pressures consumable etc all good, so we tried a cut with the original plasma machine and got the usual story.
Same with the brand new machine.
So we went over everything again and as I was checking the earth lead I noticed it felt mushy near the Dinse 10-25 plug. I grabbed the new cable for the new plasma and viola!
We dissected the old cable to find that it ha not been seated correctly at manufacture and eventually had lost some conductivity. Both machines were burning plate as expected. I may not be your issue but with similar issues worth a check.
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That’s great I’m glad for you! Can you send a picture of the cable? Was there any noticeable damage to it
Others have found this same problem, not common but not rare either.
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Ok I might try that to see if it helps. Where would be a good place to get a new cable? Straight from langmuir or from a aftermarket source?