Electrodes burning too fast

[nikolakuzzz]

Hello guys, I have an issue with my electrodes burning way to fast, getting 80-100 pierces per electrode on a 50 amp cutting. In the picture i posted you can see a worn electrode I've used 1 year ago(right), vs a worn electrode I've used these days(left). As you can see the color on the new electrode is way different, like it's overheating or something. In the meanwhile I've changed torches, from handheld to pen style. Could that be the issue?

20231107_190602.jpg

[weldguy]

That will be contamination in your air supply causing that. You can see the moisture swirling around the electrode and staining it as it burns up and overheats the electrode. Drain your compressor on a regular basis, use good air filtration and drying equipment, and you should see that start to get better over time with clean dry air. It will take some time though since your lines and torch lead will be contaminated.

[acourtjester]

I would look at the air supply, you may have oil in the air from the compressor. you can put a clear water/oil separator in the air line and check it after running air through it.