Your Plasma Cutter Not Arcing, Here are 5 Solutions!

If your plasma cutter is not arcing, chances are you have some issues happening with your torch. So this video will tell you some of the most common issues and plasma cutter troubleshooting. How to fix a plasma cutter that is not producing arc can be one of the most annoying things that can happen with your welding jobs and repairing a plasma cutter that is playing up will put anybody to the test
I can usually find the cause of the problem is when my plasma cutter is not arcing properly . For the first issue, as I have shown you in this video, the problem of not arcing can come from the earth clamp. If the end of the wire that is attached to the earth clamp is not securely connected, there will be an incomplete cycle of current which stops the torch from producing the arc because of the lack of ground connection to the workpiece.
Plasma cutter troubleshooting in this case, you should always check the wire that is attached to the ground clamp if it is securely attached inside the clamp.
Second, check the ceramic cap of the torch. If there is a crack or a hole anywhere in the ceramic cap, there will be an uneven distribution of the plasma around the cap which can hinder the production of arc. So how to fix a plasma cutter with a broken ceramic torch is simply replacement of the cap.
Third, check carefully the swirl ring. If the removable swirl ring also has a crack or if it’s chipped, there will be an uneven distribution of air inside the torch so even electricity that will come out of the electrode spark will not be produced. Other torches have their fixed swirl ring inside the torches which cannot be removed. When this happens, there will be a short circuit between the swirl ring and the electrode and this will not produce a spark on the outside of the torch. So repairing a plasma cutter with a broken fixed swirl ring can be challenging but generally requires a replacement of the torch head.
For the fourth tip to solve the problem of the plasma cutter not arcing particularly the PT-31 torch, check the fitting that holds the removable electrode by removing the ceramic cap. If the edges around the electrode holder feel rough, most probably this was caused by a vibrating electrode that won't produce an arc. To solve this problem, you can sand the edges of this holder to make it smoother.
Lastly, check if there is no plasma coming out of the plasma torch. To test this, unplug the 2 pin switch cable of the torch from the machine and insert a screwdriver into the slot to make a short to see if it's the torch switch. ONLY DO THIS IF ITS LOW VOLTAGE.
My amazon links and reviews of machines below
If your in the market for a great plasma cutter Checkout my best plasma cutter choices that I have reviewed .
Flame Weld 50 amp Plasma Cutter Review : • Pilot ARC Plasma Cutte...
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Bestaec Machine : amzn.to/3Vzw270
PLC 55 pro Machine : amzn.to/3CLfL6g
PLC 55P Pro Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter (CNC capable) Review : / zx5ixu96ga

[@ReZipped]

My little Plasma Cut 50 owes its life to you. It was almost thrown across the shop.
I was fortunate enough to watch your video here in the shop after going nut trying to get the cutter to arc. I cleaned the ground for 30 minutes to no avail. The consumables turned out to be the problem. Good video. Thank you.

[@petestools]

No worries my friend .

[@donaldhalls2189]

😅 thanks again, great tip's to look at, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@petestools]

CHEERS

[@liveandlearnwithmike]

Great video

[@petestools]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gradyjones5537]

Hi pete new subscriber
thanks great video

[@petestools]

Thanks for the sub!

[@brianflaherty7785]

It was the switch! Thanks for making it way easier...

[@petestools]

cool

[@markpinther9296]

G’day! My cut50 has a grounding lug on the back of the machine. Do you see any need to use that when it’s already grounded with the 220v plug I am using?

[@petestools]

Not really

[@steveberg8612]

Thanks Pete, Steve Berg Cranbrook B.C.

[@petestools]

Thanks Steve

[@leewiesner2724]

hey Pete. I have a btc500dp, but the pilot arc stopped working.. i just got all new consumables in it with no change... any thoughts?

[@petestools]

Hi are you running it on 240 volts ?

[@fromscratchideas4592]

@@petestools hello pete, same as mine, my torch is ipt60. machine is running 220V. ground clamp is in good condition, but air only coming out when pressing trigger. I hope you help me out. Thanks!

[@anthonymorrison2167]

hey pete got a cut 50 of ebay no fire and no air amp gauge flashes 000 the fan runs and it is carrying air pressure you fool with these alot thought you might have an idea thanks and merry christmas.

[@petestools]

Send it back

[@anthonymorrison2167]

@@petestools tried that warranty is up they wont help I"m stuck with it thanks for the reply.

[@dannymelyea]

Got a plasma cut

[@dannymelyea]

Plasma cut50 blows breaker soon as you turn it on any idea what it could be thank you

[@petestools]

what amp is your breaker ?