New to the Forum and CNC Plasma cutting. We finished assembling our Torchmate and Powermax 65 cutter two weeks ago. My limited experience makes me more qualified than anyone, so I am the one working with it. I am impressed with the machine and the learning curve is not as steep as I expected.
I am having an issue with the torch hitting the workpiece after piercing and knocking it from the magnetic breakaway. Misaligned....not completely off. I measured the cut and pierce heights with feeler gauges and adjusted the controller settings to compensate. It will run through fine if the cut is off. I did the speed and voltage tests. The best speed always comes out 20 - 30 ipm slower than the Hypertherm cut charts(1/4" mild steel 65). Voltage is close. Increasing the voltage seems to solve the problem. For example, increasing to 160 from the tested 130 enabled me to cut a number of pieces at the end of the day. The next morning however, the torch was again hitting the workpiece despite the same settings as the previous afternoon. I didn't try increasing the voltage again
I suspect the issue is the AVHC compensating for something. The troubleshooting section says the torch will dive into the workpiece if the voltage is too low which explains why increasing the voltage helps. Doesn't explain why it was OK one day, but not the next. An Ohmmeter shows continuity between the groundclamp and the workpiece. I didn't try a jumper ground from the clamp to the workpiece. . Perhaps I am trying to work with a damaged electrode?? It appears OK, but then, I have no experience to know for sure. Will change and try next time at work.
Greatly appreciate any suggestions in the meantime. Thanks!