Starting my 4x8 frame build, couple questions

[f_armer]

Very strange indeed like there is a loose connection. On that Powermax 45 does the work clamp push in and twist into the power supply or is it integrated? (removable?) When I have see issues similar it was the work clamp not being pushed in all the way into the plasma cutter.

Its integrated, I had the cover off and double checked all the connections inside, everything is clean and tight.

[f_armer]

Could it be the torch itself? When I fire the torch in the air it is suppose to be around 135v according to tom at candcnc, on the Mach screen. But it still shows 45-50. That's when it has a flame, I was firing it repeatedly and a couple times it just made a blip, and went out. When it did that, the voltage showed right around 130 in Mach. With no flame.
It's like the torch isn't fully firing.
It shows full voltage when it's cutting though, so maybe it's acting normal?

[f_armer]

I just read through jamscal's thread again, I must have missed it the first time through, but you told him that cut height should be at least .02 higher than the book says.
I have mine set at .06 according to the hypertherm manual, could this be part of my problem? That is the first time I read that anywhere.

[jeepsr4ever]

The only time that is a problem is when your in contact with the metal your cutting. For this reason we often suggest a cut start at .02 above book.

[f_armer]

Is it normal for the tip voltage at idle to be jumping around? If I watch it, it fluctuates from 0-20v on the mach dro.
0,3,14,19,0,2,20,3,9,12,0,1,5,9,18,0,3,7,0,1,17,.. ..... if you know what I mean?

[jeepsr4ever]

No, it is not normal. Does it do it with the cable unplugged from the torch?

[f_armer]

If I unplug the stereo jack it goes to 125v
If I unplug the torch lead from the PM45 it still does it.
If I unplug the CPC plug from the back of the PM45 it goes to 242v
If I unplug the ethernet cord from the PWM it goes to 0v
If I turn the PM45 off it goes to 0v

With everything hooked up normal it favors 0-5v but watching it now it will even show as high as 29v at idle.

[jeepsr4ever]

On the old PC?

[f_armer]

On the old PC?

Yes, I havent got the newer one yet.

Just noticed the PM45 has a very faint crackling or clicking sound coming from inside it near the back of it. It does not have the air hooked to it, so its not an air leak, but sounds similar. Not sure if that is normal??

[f_armer]

Here's how the voltage looks, it hits a high of 22 in this short vid
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vwvhe5ezsh...314_132124.mp4