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My Airforce 500i has started giving me grief. It has worked flawlessly untill yesterday. It comes [cuts] on, but for no longer than about 2 seconds then immediately shuts off but will come on again after releasing the trigger and then depressing trigger again. I have replaced all the torch consumables twice but no improvement. I checked voltage input and all is well there. I'm not an electrician and have no testing tools except a voltage tester. The only item I haven't replaced is the outer screw on cup. It is in rough condition, especially the outer rubber protective covering. Thoughts anyone?
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Last edited by Hunter55; 01-31-2021, 10:41 AM. -
First make absolutely certain you have a clean electrical path at the work clamp; no paint or rust. -
The ground connection was the first area I checked, I was on the finishing end of repairing a trailer and was cutting off a section of rusted tubing and the unit was performing like a champ, when all of a sudden it lost its arc but not the air. I released the trigger then depressed it again, got an arc but it was not a good one. I kept having to repeat the process until I finished. I have replaced the torch consumables twice with Hobart consumables, but the problem persists. Air pressure is good even after losing the arc. The arc is not as robust as before, it will just barely penetrate 1/8. When the unit was at its best, I had no trouble with 5/16 or even 3/8. I always grind a clean area for the ground clamp and I wire brush the clamp contact points each time, thats the first thing I learned when I purchased the unit.Comment
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Don't feel bad. I am an electrician and I wouldn't know where to start to diagnose it. Hopefully one of the techs comes by today now that the work week has started. You can probably call them today, too, and maybe get an idea.Originally posted by Hunter55 View PostComment
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Do you have any status lights on? How does the cable look going into the ground clamp? Sometimes you can have wires break right where it attaches to the clamp.Comment
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No orange lights are coming on, I did remove the ground wire from the clamp and found nothing suspicious. I even clamped the disconnected lead directly to the work piece and the results were the same. I even opened the gun and saw nothing out of order. I will take another peak at the aforementioned again today. The unit acts as if there is a relay or some type of switch that open and closes during operation. The arc last only about 1-2 seconds, then shuts off, air pressure remains constant.The arc is not very robust at all. I will also remove the cover and make as good an inspection as I can. I rely heavily on this unit and it has served me well.Last edited by Hunter55; 02-01-2021, 09:05 AM.Comment
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It sounds to me like you're only getting the pilot arc and its never fully going into cut mode. I think you may need to take it into a service location and have it checked out. I would be very cautious about opening the machine - there are very high voltage caps that can hold juice for a long time.Comment
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I am sooooooo embarrassed. It was a ground issue. As I was moving the unit I noticed that one part of the ground lead was moving and another part wasn't. Somehow it got pinched enough during the trailer repair and I didn't notice it and a slight movement this morning finally separated it entirely. My fault without a doubt. Thanks to both of You for Your input. I'm not going to blame the 'GROWING OLD" thing, but it really does "SUCK" and it sure ain't for sissies. hanks again Guys. And keep up the good work HOBART, all my HOBART tools have served me well.Comment
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Glad you found the issue!Comment
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Don't beat yourself up.... You found problem, you rectified it... Move on....
Dale
"Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns" - Thomas Jefferson..Comment
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