Max20 Torch Question

[fatal-exception]

Hi, I've attached a picture of the inside of the Max20 torch. This torch is no longer working properly, even with brand new consumables.

The question I have is, is there supposed to be a large volume of air exiting the top of the torch when the trigger is pressed? (as depicted by the arrows) There's a little plunger with a snap ring that prevents it from exiting the front of the torch when the consumables are out. It has a pretty tight fit in it's hole, but when the trigger is pulled, lots of air blows back around the plunger. Is this normal?

Also, what effect will a worn out swirl ring have on the torch? I know that this piece has never been replaced. We checked the tiny holes, and they are all open, but at this point we are unsure why this torch dosen't cut well anymore. Could a worn out swirl ring be the cause for angularity in cutting?

If you pull the trigger in the air, you can see the plasma stream swirling around the tip of the nozzle, making an oscillating sound as it does this. This causes a very poor quality cut.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Paul

[jimcolt]

A small amount of air is supposed to leak past the plunger for cooling.....if the torch is damaged or worn out.....the leak can be excessive, and it will affect operation.

The electrode must slide freely inside the swirl ring...if it binds, the torch will not fire.

Call Hypertherm tech service....it is free, the people that answer the phone are experts....and they will steer you in the right direction to repair the unit. I think that torch is rebuildable......

Jim Colt