can I bypass the air solenoid on a cutmaster51

[mustangbill]

Due to bad air both my cutmaster units are not firing due to it says low flow
I and have stripped the air valves out and got flow after putting through some degreaser but it still says low flow by the lights on the front
I know I have better than 100psi measuring at the input to the machine

can I bypass the valve in any way that I can get the machine to fire

any advice welcome
mustangbill

[jimcolt]

The Cutmaster 51 uses a blowback start torch. When you trigger the torch the air flow increase causes the electrode to move which ionizes the gas and forms the plasma arc. If you bypass the solenoid for continuous flow....the torch will never fire.

I suggest you contact Thermal's (Victor) tech service and get your flow issues solved. I strongly suspect the problem is in your air delivery system, not the plasma cutter. I suggest installing a pressure gauge physically mounted on the inlet air fittings. Watch the gauge with no torch air flow.....when you activate the torch flow you will see the gauge drop. If it drops much below 85 psi....then that indicates you have a flow restriction in your air line.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[mustangbill]

Thanks Jim, Will call them today

[mustangbill]

well air problem is resolved everything back to normal, it was a sticking tip that was the problem
my fault for not checking carefully I guess that's what happens when you are rushing to do stuff

mustangbill

[mike 1948]

Just curious what "tip" was sticking? Or was it the start cartridge, had that a few times.

Mike