Hypertherm 1250 cut quality

[plain ol Bill]

I used my 1250 the other day on a 4x8 sheet of 16 ga. material and cut more than 2500 linear inches using fine cuts. Cut nicely at 150 IPM, good cut quality, no problems. Went to cut some 3/8 plate yesterday and had really poor results. I had cut 3/8 before nicely so what has changed I thought. Well for one thing I had never changed out consumables in my machine torch since it was new except for nozzles and electrodes (Note I did not say tips Jim ). So made a run to town, got all new consumables for 80 amp shielded use. Fired back up this morning and it cut nicely again. Did a little dialing in and my best quality was:
80 amps
.70 pierce delay (perpendicular versus arc lead ins and outs seemed to work best on this w/ less divot)
Pierce height .180
Cut Height .065
Plung rate 25 IPM
Arc Voltage 137 (checked cut height w/ gauge and it was right on)
Travel speed 51 IPM seemed to give the best cut quality and least slag
Using water table w/ water 1/4" below material.

Lesson learned = BIG difference between using fine cut nozzles versus shielded 80 amp cutting. Old consumables in trash can and will have to get another full set to keep on hand.

Jim - is there an O ring anywhere in my machine torch? I remember someone mentioning changing an O ring but that may have been another brand cutter. I did not see any reference to one in my torch parts breakdown book.

Love my Hypertherm!

[Loyd]

Yeah, I like my 1250 also!
Loyd