ESAB PT-26, Instruction Manual

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7. When cutting, maintain the torch stand-off at a distance of between 3/16" - 1/2" (4.8 - 12.7 mm). When cut-
ting thinner plates, the stand-off should be closer to the lower end of the range and it should be closer to the
upper end of the range for thicker plates. Maintain a cutting speed which gives a cut of the desired quality
and produces a stream of molten metal emitting from the bottom of the workpiece.
8. When gouging, maintain an angle and speed which causes the desired amount of metal to be removed on
each pass. Maintain the torch angle so that all the molten metal is blown directly away from the torch, along
the top surface of the plate or down the groove of the previous pass. Gouging at too steep an angle will
cause molten metal to fly directly back at the torch.
9. If the main arc is lost during the cut (or gouge), the pilot arc will immediately reignite as long as the torch
switch is depressed. At this time the torch should quickly be repositioned at the workpiece to re-establish
the main arc or else the torch switch should be released.
10. The main arc will automatically extinguish at the end of the cut as the torch is moved away from the work-
piece. The torch switch should be released immediately to keep the pilot arc from reigniting.
11. When cutting (or gouging) operations are completed, wait a few minutes before placing the power switch
on the power source in the OFF position to allow the fan to remove heat from the unit. After this time, shut
off the primary power at the main disconnect switch.
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