Expert help needed

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acourtjester
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Expert help needed

Post by acourtjester »

I am working with another DIY guy, and he has a problem that I have a question about. He is using a hand torch on a Hypertherm 30XP (I think). Since I have only used Machine torch on the tables I build is why I have this question. Sometime back I saw there was a jumper that needed to be added when using a hand torch, I assume it is to by-pass a safety on the hand torch not used on the machine torch. His problem is on the second cut in a G-code the torch will not fire as the air flow is still going. Once the air flow stops the torch will fire and cut.
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Re: Expert help needed

Post by weldguy »

I really don’t know Tom but I am interested to learn more about this. Definitely curious to know if it is in fact a hypertherm plasma or another brand. One thing i would check is that the electrode moves freely inside the swirl ring as it sounds as though something is hanging up and won’t release until air stops flowing.
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Re: Expert help needed

Post by adbuch »

acourtjester wrote: Sun Jan 12, 2025 5:14 pm I am working with another DIY guy, and he has a problem that I have a question about. He is using a hand torch on a Hypertherm 30XP (I think). Since I have only used Machine torch on the tables I build is why I have this question. Sometime back I saw there was a jumper that needed to be added when using a hand torch, I assume it is to by-pass a safety on the hand torch not used on the machine torch. His problem is on the second cut in a G-code the torch will not fire as the air flow is still going. Once the air flow stops the torch will fire and cut.
Tom - I have the 45xp with hand torch. I opened up the cutter and spliced into the purple trigger wire for the torch on/off control. For this setup, you have to add a zip tie to the torch trigger to hold it closed. Then it works fine under software control. As I recall, mine will fire and cut fine while the air is still flowing. Maybe the 30 is different.

David
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acourtjester
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Re: Expert help needed

Post by acourtjester »

Thanks David, it seems like my machine torch the air stopped as it got ready to fire for the next cut operation. Even when there was a short time between cuts. So I was puzzled when he said there was a problem with his (hand torch). I know there is no circuit to do this which added to the confusion. :HaHa :HaHa
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Re: Expert help needed

Post by adbuch »

acourtjester wrote: Sun Jan 12, 2025 9:25 pm Thanks David, it seems like my machine torch the air stopped as it got ready to fire for the next cut operation. Even when there was a short time between cuts. So I was puzzled when he said there was a problem with his (hand torch). I know there is no circuit to do this which added to the confusion. :HaHa :HaHa
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Let us know how he makes out.
David
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Re: Expert help needed

Post by NB Forrest »

I am the DIY guy with the second pull problem. Attached is a video showing how the second pull of the trigger will stop the air flow allowing the torch to start when the CNC control triggers it. It seems like something could be added to edit the PP but Tom has tried everything he can think of. BYW, I am using a Hypertherm 30XP. The attachment is a .MOV and the PlasmaSpider doesn't support .MOV. At anyrate, what I did to test was I had the CNC cut two squares. The first square cut beautifully but the second cut delays and doesn't cut until the torch has moved about 1/2 inch. So I ran the program again with my finger on the trigger. After the first cut had finished and was moving to the second cut, I bumped the trigger to stop the air flow. Then when the torch was triggered by the program the second cut was as perfect as the first cut.
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Re: Expert help needed

Post by acourtjester »

I have been snooping around and the 30XP is not setup for CNC use but many hove done it. I think his problem with it does not have the arc OK signal.
So the software moves before the arc is checked. There is a guy showing a 30XP on a Langmuir table but it only shows the arc voltage signal going into their controller and may be they develop the arc OK in there, not sure.
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Re: Expert help needed

Post by adbuch »

acourtjester wrote: Mon Jan 13, 2025 10:41 pm I have been snooping around and the 30XP is not setup for CNC use but many hove done it. I think his problem with it does not have the arc OK signal.
So the software moves before the arc is checked. There is a guy showing a 30XP on a Langmuir table but it only shows the arc voltage signal going into their controller and may be they develop the arc OK in there, not sure.
Tom - many have used the Hypertherm 30 with the Plasmacam table/controller with no problems, other than as I recall - there were no published mechanized cut charts for the 30. Perhaps the newer 30xp is a "different animal".

David
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