PROCEDURE RECOMMENDATIONS
When properly used, plasma arc cutting is a very eco-
nomical process. Improper use will result in a very
high operating cost.
General - In All Cases
• Follow safety precautions as printed throughout this
operating manual and on the machine.
• If piercing is required, slowly lower the torch at an
angle of about 30° to blow the dross away from
the torch tip and slowly rotate the torch to a ver-
tical position as the arc becomes deeper. This
process will blow a lot of molten metal and
dross. Be careful! Blow the dross away from
the torch, the operator and any flammable
objects.
• The nozzle should not be dragged on the metal
surface. A drag spacer is provided to maintain a
consistant touch height. Refer to
Touch Parts
Configurations
in this
Section.
Torch Standoff
DRAG thru 1/16"
Standoff
1/16” Standoff
B-7
OPERATION
B-7
• Replace the nozzle when the orifice exit is eroded
away or oval shaped.
• After the problem is found, or if there is nothing
apparently wrong, the machine may need to be
reset by turning the power switch OFF and then ON
again. (It is possible for electrical noise to trip the
safety circuit on rare occasions. This should not be
a regular occurrence.)
• If the machine does not reset or continues to trip,
consult the Troubleshooting Section.
• Use the proper cutting procedures referred to in
Procedure Recommendations.
TOMAHAWK™ 1000
Applications:
Removing weld imperfections – cracks, porosity, inclu-
sions, etc.
Back gouging for welding preparation
Removal of temporary fit up methods – tack welds,
bracketing, etc.
TORCH
• Clean spatter and scale from the nozzle frequently.
• During operation, if the Parts in Place Yellow LED
light together:
• Check the assembly of the torch consumables. If
they are not properly in place, the machine will not
start.
Make sure that the shield cup is hand
tight. Do not use pliers or over tighten.
• Check the conditions on the inside of the nozzle. If
debris has collected, rub the inside of the nozzle to
remove any oxide layer that may have built up.
Refer to "Suggestions for Extra Utility from the
TOMAHAWK™ 1000 system".
• Check the condition of the electrode. If the end has
a crater-like appearance, replace it along with the
nozzle. The maximum wear depth of the electrode
is approximately .062”. A green and erratic arc will
indicate definite electrode failure and the electrode
should be replaced immediately.
PILOT ARC DISCUSSION
The TOMAHAWK™ 1000 has a smooth, continuous
pilot arc. The pilot arc is only a means of transferring
the arc to the workpiece for cutting. Repeated pilot arc
starts, in rapid succession, is not recommended as
these starts will generally reduce consumable life.
Occasionally, the pilot arc may sputter or start inter-
mittently. This is aggravated when the consumables
are worn or the air pressure is too high. Always keep
in mind that the pilot arc is designed to transfer the arc
to the workpiece and not for numerous starts without
cutting.
The TOMAHAWK™ 1000 does not utilize high fre-
quency starting. When the pilot arc is started, a slight
impulse will be felt in the torch handle. This occur-
rence is normal and is the mechanism which starts the
plasma arc. This impulse can also be used to help
troubleshoot a "no start" condition.
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL.
•
Turn off machine at the disconnect
switch on the rear of the machine
before tightening, cleaning or
replacing consumables.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING
Summary of Contents for 1000
Page 4: ...NOTES ...
