How to Get Pilot Arc - Easy Pilot Arc Conversion

Do you have a non-pilot arc plasma cutter? But is there a diy plasma cutter pilot arc mod? I will teach you in this video how to do a pilot arc conversion with a non-pilot arc plasma cutter by modifying the torch leads. In other words, you can now use your non-pilot plasma cutter using your non-pilot arc plasma cutter torch and make it work like a pilot arc torch. (BUT DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK AS I MIGHT DAMAGE YOUR MACHINE)
But before that, let’s answer first what many people are asking - what is a pilot arc plasma cutter? Pilot arc means when you pull the trigger on your plasma torch a flame comes out of your torch before you touch the metal you want to cut with it. But with a non-pilot arc you must touch your torch on the metal before it will start to cut. This can cause rapid consumable wear and is also difficult to cut painted or rusty still without cleaning it first.
To understand how a plasma cutter works, you must also understand what is plasma? Plasma is an ionized gas composed of free electrons and positive ions that when heated with electricity becomes a super-heated ionized gas that can cut through metals. So the process of how plasma can cut through metal goes like this. When electricity flows through the electrode which is located inside the torch and the gas or air from an air compressor passes through it, this gas becomes ionized. Ionized gas when heated with electricity will produce hot plasma which we call plasma arc.
And because the tip of the torch is constricted, the release of hot plasma is more controlled and more concentrated making the plasma hotter and more efficient in cutting metals. So a pilot arc plasma cutter is a machine that produces a hot plasma arc and utilizes its plasma cutter torch as the main cutting tool.
In our videos, we are only using compressed air from our air compressor which we have connected to our non-pilot arc plasma cutter. We are also demonstrating two types of torches - the pilot arc and the non-pilot arc torch.
The pilot arc plasma cutter torch can be able to release super-heated plasma at the press of a button. However, the non-pilot arc torch cannot release hot plasma without conducting electricity so it needs metal to create a spark followed by the release of hot plasma.
The main goals of this video are two. One is how to do a pilot arc conversion when your available machine is a non-pilot arc and your torch is also a non-pilot arc. And two, how to use your pilot arc torch on a non-pilot arc cutter by basic modification.
To specify, I am demonstrating here how your non-pilot arc plasma cutter torch can be converted into a pilot arc plasma cutter torch by only using a small earth clamp. As I’ve said in this video, I am not an expert electrician and don't recommend doing this.
Simply, it’s up to you if you want to try what I’m showing you here or you can also consult an expert. Yet, the good thing about learning pilot arc conversion can be essential if you are only using a basic plasma cutter. With my suggestion, you won’t need to buy another cutting machine to use your other torches.
I also have other videos on how to cut metals using a non-pilot arc plasma cutter torch without the need for any pilot arc conversion if you are cutting up a painted, rusty or dirty metal. Watch these and you can have an easier job with your non-pilot arc torches. If you want to know more about pilot arc plasma cutter torch and how to save money using them, particularly about its consumables, I also have other videos on what to remember when buying your plasma cutter accessories.
How to Get Pilot Arc - Easy Pilot Arc Conversion : • How to Get Pilot Arc -...
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Pilot Arc vs Non Pilot Arc - What Is Pilot Arc ???? : • Pilot Arc vs Non Pilot...
Pilot Arc Plasma Torch Teardown / Pilot arc conversion : • Pilot Arc Plasma Torch...

[@donaldhalls2189]

Thanks again Pete more useful information, for a later date, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@petestools]

Thanks mate

[@PatrickGodreault]

Finally... answer to my questions. Thank-you... for all your informations... have a great day!

[@petestools]

You are so welcome!

[@qfdforme]

Pete,
Thanks, I like your enthusiasm.

[@petestools]

Thanks for watching!

[@not-pc6937]

Brilliant Pete 👍

[@petestools]

Cheers mate

[@eddiebowens1919]

Thank you sir, you help me out.

[@petestools]

Welcome

[@andrewlister9387]

Excellent video's Pete very informative, all the best for 2024.

[@petestools]

same to you my friend.

[@j.b.arnold8916]

Not only have I got a pilot arc plasma cutter thanks to your fantastic hack Pete, but I also now have the latest high tech oxy/acetylene torch lighter 🤩

[@petestools]

Ha -Ha thanks for watching mate

[@boltonky]

Thanks Pete, just watched a bunch of videos and got a few tips...What i don't recommend is holding the contactor inside the machine down haha, haven't quite worked out if its my torch or the machine just doesn't like me (well maybe the old printed circut board) as its a game of russian roulette if it will work or not.

[@petestools]

HA-HA sounds like something I would do .LOL

[@richardzenzola652]

Great videos Pete. What do you think of the 3 in 1 machines. Flux core. Solid wire, stick welder.

[@petestools]

I like single mode machine because if it breaks down you still have others to use.

[@stefanm5636]

Hi Pete, is it possible to use same methode for tig machine that is lift arc, I mean to trick the machine, so it thinks it touched the object of welding. Thank you for sharing you knowledge with us.

[@petestools]

never thought of that

[@aristosuratman4783]

Hi Pete, the torch fitting for Cut40 (M14) and Cut 50 (M16) has different size ... it is ok to use crossover M14 X M16.

[@petestools]

Hi mate give it a go

[@spmsj]

Great video, thanks. I have a reverse question though. Can you use a small non pilot arc torch on a pilot arc machine? There are times i will need small torch.

[@petestools]

Hi Steve will give it a go and let you know,

[@vedatkurt9558]

Thanks

[@petestools]

Welcome

[@paulhaywood5197]

Bloody good

[@petestools]

Cheers

[@j.w.perkins6004]

Great video Pete! Where can I find the link to the modification fitting you made. I've gotta do this! When I bought my PrimeWeld Cut-50 I had no idea how handy a pilot-arc is. This may solve the issue. Worst-case, it'll blow up my machine and give me a reason to buy a pilot-arc machine!!! Thanx for the video mate!!

[@j.w.perkins6004]

I found my answer Pete, thanks mate!!

[@petestools]

th-cam.com/video/a2q_KZYGSd4/w-d-xo.html

[@spottedquolloz]

How would I change my unimig machine to accept the p 50 tourch. The unimig tips are au$5 each.

[@petestools]

Hi my friend I don't know the plug setup of your unimig sorry .

[@ngenes1]

Pete, I know it’s quite expensive to show but, can this work on a cnc plasma table?

[@petestools]

ALWAYS wanted cnc table but like you say expensive

[@rogertaylor8615]

Just to ask couldn't you just run a little wire to the switch on the pt31 and make it a pilot arc torch

[@petestools]

good idea

[@feprs]

I have Huayuan plasma source for cnc, can I attach pilot torch with it ???

[@petestools]

Don't know the machine sorry

[@_Junkers]

Does this cause the tips to wear out prematurely

[@petestools]

Once started a cut just use as a drag tip Cheers pete

[@macrobionic]

Does that mean that you really don't have to clamp the earth lead to your work any longer?

[@petestools]

You still need the earth because once you start cutting it reverts to a drag tip again. Thanks pete

[@Mamarenthle1988]

Thanks pete.... Hiiiii..... Haaaa.... 👍

[@petestools]

Yee Haaa

[@qfdforme]

Much more robust design with heavier duty wire. Anybody else try. I have both types of plasma cutters - touch start and pilot arc start.

[@petestools]

Hi mate yea doesn't burn your hands when you touch wire lol

[@negromalunch]

Hiiii peteeeee

[@petestools]

Hi mate