i run a koike plate pro, and find it a very easy machine to run, except for piercing. Does anyone have any tricks, ive messed with every setting possible. Its when i pierce from 1-2 inch, generally the tip has to come out after every pierce. After 2 inch forget it, i have to pre-drill.

Thanks

What is the model of the plasma? What per the torch manual is the piercing capacity of the torch. There are very few plasmas rated to pierce above 1" material. Are you able to do "running pierce"? This allows the torch to move away from the molten puddle caused by the pierce. Are you using auto height. Typically auto-height is shut off during pierces of thicker materials and manual height control is required by the operator.

sorry i forgot to mention its with the oxy/acet control whic is koike

pre-heat at cutting height, pierce at 1 to 1 1/2 in. ramp in.
cross fingers!........ praying sometimes helps too! :)

Use real koike tips and you will never have a problem.

LOL............If only it were that simple!

I use nothing but genuine, but it seems to be more then just science. The machine is also equipped with a "soft start" valve, but i just can't get the right combo.

I use propane for fuel gas, it takes longer for your preheat time but in my case the cost savings is worth it.
Make sure you are preheating long enough..........
For 2" plate I have good luck with a # 4 tip (Koiki of course)
210 sec. preheat time,
1.5 sec. pierce delay,
1 1/2" pierce height,
55 to 60 psi cutting oxy pressure.
But I still cringe every time it fires!
I would love the soft start valve, I think once you get it figured out you'll be glad you took the time to do it.
Good Luck, Steve

210 seconds!!! maybe thats my problem i pierce at a maximum 50-60. How high do you preheat? i preheat 3/8"-1/2" off the plate then when i hit cut, i rise to 1-1/2 - 2" off the plate.
I am running the 102 tips which are a triple seat tip #4 like you say. Its got an extra solenoid for high-preheat. I hate cleaning tips mid-cut, it takes so little to ruin a cut. I experimented with 102-D7's which can cut amazingly high off the plate at 100 psi cut, but they take even less to get dirty. I just can't believe the 6-12" thick donut shaped plates i order in from Carbon Steel that cost so little, that they must peirce to save time. I wish the manufacturer had some starting guidelines, but i was told they are not welders/fitters just machine makers??

Your preheat sounds a little short to me but then I use propane..... I like to get the heat as far through the plate as I can, within reason.
Can you set a pierce delay?
Try your cut height a little higher.
Also does the plate have much mill scale on it? That can pop off and foul a tip quickly.
The cleaner the plate the easier it is to pierce.
Good luck, Steve