Forney 317 User manual

PLASMA CUTTER
OWNER’S MANUAL
WITH BUILT-IN AIR COMPRESSOR
• Uses electrical arc and compressed air to cut
steel, aluminum and other conductive metals.
• Drag torch technology allows you to move
(drag) torch directly across the metal surface for
more precise cuts.
• Cuts up to 1/8” mild steel and severs up to
1/4” steel.
• Uses standard household 120 VAC current.
• Built-in piston driven compressor and
lightweight inverter power supply.
• Thermal overload protection
• Three diagnostic LED lights (power,
temperature, and torch energized/ready
to work).
• Post-Flow air cooling.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY 2
SAFETY RULES AND GENERAL WARNINGS 4
INTRODUCTION 4
ELECTRICITY 4
EYE AND BODY PROTECTION 5
CUTTING FUMES AND GASES 5
FIRE HAZARDS 5
NOISE 6
BURNS 6
EMC 6
GENERAL INFORMATION 6
LOCATION AND HANDLING OF THE POWER SOURCE 7
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION 7
EXTENSION CORD RECOMMENDATIONS 7
GENERATOR RECOMMENDATIONS 7
CONNECTION TO GROUND CABLE 7
TORCH CONNECTION 7
FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS 8
CUTTING OPERATION 9
PRELIMINARIES 9
CUTTING 10
A. Cutting with a Hand Torch 10
B. Piercing with a Hand Torch 10
TORCH CONSUMABLE PARTS SELECTION 11
OPERATING FAULTS 12
MAINTENANCE 12
UNIT 12
TORCH 13
TORCH BODY, HANDLE AND CABLE 13
TROUBLESHOOTING 14
UNIT PARTS LIST 15
UNIT PARTS BREAKDOWN 15
UNIT WIRING DIAGRAM 16
TORCH PARTS LIST 17
TORCH PARTS BREAKDOWN 17

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CAUTION!
BEFORE INSTALLING, OPERATING OR CARRYING OUT MAINTENANCE ON THE
PLASMA CUTTER, READ THE CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY, PAYING
PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE SAFETY RULES.
In the event of these instructions not being clear, please contact your supplier.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW PURCHASE!
YOU ARE NOW IN THE POSSESSION OF ONE OF THE SAFEST AND MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY
ADVANCED PLASMA CUTTERS ON THE MARKET.
FOLLOW OUR SUGGESTIONS AND YOU WILL BE GUARANTEED SAFE AND
PROBLEM-FREE OPERATION.
Your plasma cutting unit is fitted with sophisticated safeguards which block fun-
ctioning and therefore the cutting operations until all the safety conditions are
present. The plasma cutting technique requires dangerously high voltage for
pilot arc starting and during cutting, therefore the following safety rules must be
observed with great care.
ELECTRICITY
• Make sure that the unit is grounded and that the supply line has an adequate
ground connection.
• Make sure that the work bench has a satisfactory ground connection.
• Avoid contact between the material being cut and bare skin or damp clothes.
• Do not lean on the piece being cut or hold it in your hands.
• Do not carry out cutting operations in damp environments or on wet surfaces.
• Do not use the unit if the torch or cables appear damaged.
SAFETY RULES AND GENERAL WARNINGS
INTRODUCTION
CAUTION!
Repairs, maintenance and operation of the unit should be carried out by trained
personnel who are aware of the risks caused by the high voltage needed
to operate the plasma cutting unit.
The operator should work in compliance with current standards and abide
by all safety regulations.
CAUTION!
If during the cutting operation a slight electric shock is felt, stop work immediately and do
not use the unit until the fault has been discovered and resolved.
• Always turn the unit off before replacing the shield cup, air diffuser, tip or electrode.
• Always switch the unit off and remove the power cable from the mains socket before carrying out any
maintenance inside the unit.
• Do not operate with cover removed.
• Do not touch live electrical parts.

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• Leather gloves
• Leather aprons
• Shin-guards
• Safety shoes
• Safety mask (or even better helmet) large enough to cover the whole of the face, equipped with safety
lenses able to filter all the radiation and reduce the intensity of the light absorbed by the eye.
CAUTION!
A further hazard for eyes is the risk of splinters or particles which may be
detached during the cutting operations or during grinding, brushing or
hammering away of the scale.
Always wear goggles or protective shields with transparent lenses during these
operations to prevent splinters or other foreign bodies from entering the eye.
FIRE HAZARDS
• Prevent sparks or hot scale from producing flames
• Remove inflammable or combustible materials from the cutting area.
• Make sure that fire-fighting equipment is located near the work area.
• Situate the unit in an area where the air can be sucked in and exhausted from the grilles on the panel
CAUTION!
Do not cut fuel or lubricant containers even if these are empty.
Do not cut containers or casings which contain inflammable material.
Never cut in environments which are polluted by inflammable gas or combustible liquid
vapors (such as petrol).
CUTTING FUMES AND GASES
Harmful fumes and metallic powders are produced during the cutting operation. Metals which are painted
or coated or which contain mercury, cadmium, zinc, lead and graphite may produce harmful concentrations
of toxic fumes during cutting.
To protect the operator or other persons from exposure to possible toxic fumes, fume respirators should be
worn and work areas should be adequately ventilated.
When working in enclosed environments, suction units should be fitted below the cutting area.
CAUTION!
When halogenated solvents or degreasing agents are present, the material to be cut
should be cleaned properly to prevent the formation of toxic gases.
Some chlorinated solvents may decompose in the presence of the radiation given out
by the arc and may generate phosgene gas.
CAUTION!
Never, under any circumstances, look at an electric arc without eye protection.
EYE AND BODY PROTECTION
One of the hazards during the welding/cutting process is the emission of electromagnetic waves due to the
electric arc. The length of these waves ranges from infrared to ultraviolet. If these rays hit the eyes, they can
cause various complaints such as conjunctivitis, burns to the retina, deterioration of sight, etc. Moreover a
high concentration of ultraviolet rays can burn the skin. It is, therefore, extremely important that the operator
uses adequate safety equipment and clothing, such as:
IMPORTANT: safety screens should be installed around the welding area to protect other people, who
may be working in adjacent areas, from the radiation given out by the arc.

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NOISE
Noise is generated during the cutting process. The noise level depends on the cutting parameters used.
CAUTION!
Noise can damage hearing
Wear adequate hearing protection.
BURNS
The operator should be adequately protected during cutting operations. This should be routine practice.
CAUTION!
Do not point the torch jet at people or foreign bodies.
EMC
Before installing the plasma cutting unit, carry out an inspection of the surrounding area, observing the
following guidelines:
• Make sure that there are no other power supply cables, control lines, telephone leads or other equipment
near the unit.
• Make sure that there are no radio receivers or television appliances.
• Make sure there are no computers or other control systems.
• Make sure that there is no-one with a pacemaker or hearing aid in the area around the unit.
• Check the immunity of any other equipment operating in the same environment. In certain cases additional
protective measures may be required.
Interference can be reduced in the following ways:
• If there is interference in the power supply line, an E.M.C. filter should be inserted between the mains
and the unit.
• The output cables of the unit should be kept close together and stretched along the ground.
• All the panels of the unit should be correctly closed after carrying out maintenance.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PLASMA ARC AND BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF PLASMA CUTTING
• Plasma is a gas that is heated to an extremely high temperature and ionized so that it becomes a con-
ductor of electricity.
• This cutting procedure utilizes the plasma to transfer the electric arc to the metal workpiece, which is
melted by the heat and then separated.
• The torch uses compressed air from a single source, for both the plasma and cooling and protective gas.
• The start of the cycle is determined by an arc, called the pilot arc, which is struck between the mobile
electrode (negative polarity) and the torch nozzle (positive polarity) due to the short circuit between these
two elements.
• When the torch is brought into direct contact with the workpiece to be cut (connected to the positive po-
larity of the power source) the pilot arc is transfered between the electrode and the workpiece itself thus
striking a plasma arc, also called cutting arc.
• The duration of the pilot arc is set in the factory at 3 seconds; if the transfer has not been made within
this time, the cycle is automatically stopped except for the cooling air which is kept on.

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POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION
The machine must be connected to a Line-Neutral system with a “PE” protected grounding wire. Check
that the relevant socket terminal is actually connected to the distribution system grounding.
This machine is shipped with a power cord complete with a 120V/15Amps (NEMA 5-15P) plug.
CONNECTION TO GROUND CABLE
Connect the ground cable clamp to the piece to be cut or to the metallic workbench. Take following pre-
cautions:
• Verify that there is a good electrical contact particularly if insulated or oxidated coated sheets are cut.
• Make ground connections as close as possible to the cutting area. The use of the metallic structures which
are not part of the workpiece, such as the return cable of the cutting current, may endanger the safety
system and give poor cutting results.
• Do not make a ground connection on the piece which has to be removed.
WARNING!: Use torches specified in this instructions manual.
CAUTION!: Disconnect power source before disassembly of the torch.
AVERTISSEMENT: couper l’alimentation avant de désassembler la torche.
WARNING!: Before starting the cutting operations verify that the parts are properly assembled
by inspecting the head of the torch as shown on paragraph “Torch Maintenance”
LOCATION AND HANDLING OF THE POWER SOURCE
• Choose location verifying that there is a good air flow and no dust, smoke or gas is present.
• Place the unit on a flat and stable surface.
• Make sure that obstacles do not prevent the cooling air flow out of front and rear openings of the machine.
• Arrange an open space of at least 5m around the machine.
• In the case the machine has to be moved, always disconnect the plug from the outlet and gather the
cables so as not to damage them.
TORCH CONNECTION
CAUTION!
A circuit capable of 15 Amps, 120V is required for proper operation. Protect the
circuit with appropriately sized time-delay fuses (20A) or circuit breakers.
EXTENSION CORD RECOMMENDATIONS
Avoid using an extension cord unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, use an extension cord of an ap-
propriate wire size for the cord length and system voltage. Use a cord that meets national and local cods.
Input Voltage Phase Recommended cord gauge size Length
120VAC 1 12 AWG up to 33 ft (10m) - suggested
up to 50 ft (15m) - maximum
GENERATOR RECOMMENDATIONS
When using a generator with this machine, it should produce 120VAC.
Engine Drive Rating Output Current Performance
2,5KW 20Amps Full Arc Stretch

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1.ON/OFF Switch – In the ON position the machine is ready for normal operation. All system
control circuits are activated. OFF position deactivates control circuits.
2.Green LED– It blinks for a few seconds to show that capacitors are being charged and that
the unit is getting ready for operation. It turns ON when input voltage is applied within
normal range – blinks slowly when input voltage goes above 135Vac, or below 85Vac.
3.Yellow LED– Turns ON when the thermal protection is activated.
4.Red LED–Turns ON when torch is triggered. Blinks quickly during 3 second safety pre-flow
prior to pilot arc ignition. Blinks slowly if cutting arcs not initiated after 3 second pilot arc
ignition.
5.Work cable with clamp
6.Torch
7.Input power cable
FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS

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CUTTING OPERATION
PRELIMINARIES
CAUTION!: Disonnect power source before disassembly of the torch.
AVERTISSEMENT: couper l’alimentation avant de désassembler la torche.
• Check and follow instructions as foreseen in the paragraphs “Safety and Installation” of the present in-
structions manual.
PARTS OF THE TORCH
• Check the torch for proper parts assembly order and installation (refer to Section called Torch Consuma-
ble Parts Selection). NOTE: The power supply will not operate unless the torch shield cup is fully seated
against the PIP (Parts in Place) pins in the torch head.
INPUT POWER
• Check the power source for proper input voltage.
• Make sure the power source meets circuit protection and wiring requirements.
• Plug unit in and close main disconnect switch to supply primary power to the system.
GROUND CABLE
• Check for a solid ground cable connection to the workpiece.
AUTOMATIC PURGE SYSTEM
• Place the ON/OFF switch to the ON position. The ON light will flicker momentarily as the system powers
up and then stays on. Activate the torch trigger to initiate gas purge (pre-flow) to remove any condensation
that may have accumulated in the torch and leads while the system was shut down. When the gas purge
is complete, pilot arc will be initiated.
• If during cutting there is still condensation exiting from the torch, stop cutting and turn unit off. Wait for
torch cooling to remove the shield cup. Dry the shield cup inside with dry air.
CHECKING AIR QUALITY
• To check air quality, deactivate the torch (post-flow) and place welding filter lens in front of the torch. Any
oil or moisture in the air will be visible on the lens. DO NOT initiate pilot arc while checking air quality.

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CUTTING
A. Pilot Arc: Starting the arc.
• Upon squeezing the trigger there is a three second safety delay to purge the torch air system. After three
seconds the pilot arc ignites, immediately transfer the arc to the work piece and begin the cut. If you
fail to transfer the arc within three seconds the pilot arc stop and it will be necessary to release and then
squeeze the trigger again to restart the sequence.
NOTE: REPEATED PILOT ARC STARTS WITHOUT CUTTING IS NOT RECCOMENDED AND WILL
SHORTEN THE LIFE OF CONSUMABLE TORCH PARTS. ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT THE
PILOT ARC IS DESIGNED TO TRANSFER THE ARC TO THE WORKPIECE AND NOT FOR NUME-
ROUS STARTS WITHOUT CUTTING.
B. Cutting with a Hand Torch
• The torch can be comfortably held in one hand or steadied with two hands. Choose the technique that
feels most comfortable and allows good control and movement. Position the index finger or thumb to
press the control switch on the torch handle.
• For edge starts, hold the torch perpendicular to the workpiece with the front of the tip on the edge of the
workpiece at the point where the cut is to start. - Fig. A. For piercing, angle the torch slightly to direct
sparks away from the torch until the pierce is complete. Fig. B
Fig. A Fig. B
• For drag cuts keep the torch in contact with the workpiece. For standoff cutting, hold the torch 2-3 mm
from the work.
• With the torch in starting position, press the control switch. After an initial gas purge (pre-air), the pilot
arc will come on and remain on for 3 seconds until the cutting arc starts.
• Once on, the main arc remains on as long as the control switch
is held down, unless the torch is withdrawn from the work or
torch motion is too slow. Keep moving while cutting. Cut at a
steady speed without pausing. Maintain the cutting speed so
that the arc lag is about 30° behind the travel direction. Fig. C
• If the cutting arc is interrupted, and the torch trigger is still pres-
sed, the pilot arc comes back on automatically after 3 seconds.
• To shut off the torch simply release the control switch. When
the switch is released a post-flow will occur. If the torch trigger
is pressed during the post-flow, the pilot arc will restart.
C. Piercing with a Hand Torch
Note: If necessary to make a cut on a metal sheet which is thicker than the maximum piercing
capacity (without an edge start) make a hole ø 6mm at least using an electric drill to start cutting.
• When piercing with a hand torch, tip the torch slightly so
that blowback particles blow away from the torch tip (and
operator) rather than directly back into it. Fig. B
• Complete the pierce off the cutting line and then continue
the cut onto the line. Hold the torch perpendicular to the
workpiece after the pierce is complete. Fig. D
• Clean spatter and scale from the shield cup and the tip as soon as possible. Spraying or dipping the shield
cup in anti-spatter compound will minimize the amount of scale which adheres to it.
Fig. C
Fig. D
Fig. B

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WARNING!
Disconnect primary power at the source and wait that the torch has cooled before disassembling the torch
or torch leads. Frequently review the Important Safety Precautions at the front of this Manual.
Be sure the operator is equipped with proper gloves, clothing, eye and ear protection. Make sure no part of
the operator’s body comes into contact with the work piece while the torch is activated.
CAUTION
Sparks from the cutting process can cause damage to coated, painted, and other surfaces such as glass,
plastic and metal.
NOTE Handle torch leads with care and protect them from damage.
TORCH CONSUMABLE PARTS SELECTION
WARNING!: Use torches specified in the this instructions manual.
WARNING!: Disconnect power source before disassembly of the torch.
AVERTISSEMENT: couper l’alimentation avant de désassembler la torche.
WARNING!: It is extremely important that you read carefully these instructions before choosing
the consumables for your torch. This will prevent damages to the torch and the plasma unit.
To change the torch consumable parts use the following procedure:
1. Position the torch with the shield cup facing upward to prevent these parts from falling out when the
cup is removed.
WARNING: Wait the torch has sufficiently cooled before replacing torch parts.
2. Unscrew and remove the shield cup from the Torch Head Assembly.
3. Remove the tip, gas distributor, and electrode.
4. Install the electrode, gas distributor, and tip.
5. Hand tighten the shield cup until it is seated on the torch head. If resistance is felt when installing the
cup, check the threads before proceeding.

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MAINTENANCE
CAUTION!
Never access inside the machine (panel removal) or touch the torch (disassembly)
without having disconnected power plug.
Any inspection performed under voltage inside the machine or inside the torch may
cause severe electric shocks caused by direct contact with parts under voltage.
Maintenance can only be carried out on the unit if the person in charge of this operation has the necessary
technical knowledge and the correct tools. If this is not the case, contact your nearest service center.
OPERATING FAULTS
During cutting operations performance faults may arise which are not caused by equipment malfunctioning
but by other operational faults such as:
Insufficient penetration :
• too high cutting speed;
• torch is too tilted;
• piece is too thick;
• cutting current too low;
• torch parts are worn out;
• non-genuine Manufacturer’s parts;
Interruption of the cutting arc:
• cutting speed too slow;
• excessive distance between torch and workpiece;
• AC line too low - reduce output current;
• torch parts are worn out;
• non-genuine Manufacturer’s parts;
• work cable is disconnected;
Excessive dross:
• too slow cutting speed (bottom dross);
• too fast cutting speed (top dross);
• excessive distance between torch and workpiece;
• cutting current too low;
• torch parts are worn out;
• non-genuine Manufacturer’s parts;
Tilted cutting (not perpendicular):
• Torch position not correct;
• asymmetric wear of nozzle hole and/or wrong
assemblage of the torch parts;
Excessive wear of nozzle and electrodes:
• air pressure too low;
• exceeding system capability (material too thick);
• contaminated air (humidity-oil);
• excessive pilot arc arc ignitions in the air;
• Improperly assembled torch;
• torch tip contacting workpiece;
• damaged or loose torch head components;
• non-genuine Manufacturer’s parts.
UNIT
Keep the cutting or gouging area and the area around the machine clean and free of combustible materials.
No debris should be allowed to collect , this could obstruct air flow to the machine.
Inspect the unit every 3-4 months (depending on how often the unit is used) and use compressed air to
remove any dust deposits.
CAUTION!
Only use dry compressed air for cleaning. Do not point the jet of air at the electronic circuits.

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TORCH
Periodically, according to its use or to cutting faults verify wear of the parts connected to plasma arc:
Shield Cup:
Unscrew manually from head of the torch. Clean throughly and replace if damaged (burns, distortions or cracks).
Verify integrity of superior metal sector (actuator torch safety).
Tip:
Check wear of plasma arc hole and of inner and outer surfaces. If the hole is widened compared to its original
width or if it is damaged, replace tip. If surfaces are particularly oxidized clean them with extra fine abrasive paper.
Air Distribution Ring:
Verify the are no burns or cracks or that airflow holes are not obstructed. If damaged, replace immediately.
Electrode:
Replace electrode when crater settling on emitting surface is about 2mm.
WARNING!
• Before making any operation to the torch let it cool at least all along the “postgas” period.
• Except for particular cases it is advisable to replace electrode and tip AT THE SAME TIME.
• Respect assembly order of torch parts (reserved compared to disassembly).
• Be sure that the Air Diffuser ring is positioned correctly.
• Reassemble shield cup tightening securely by hand.
• Never assemble shield cup without having assembled electrode distributing ring and tip beforehand.
• Timely and appropriate control procedures on torch parts are essential for safety and functionality of the cutting
system.
TORCH BODY, HANDLE AND CABLE
• These parts usually need no particular maintenance with the exception of a periodic inspection and an
accurate cleaning to be made WITHOUT THE USE OF SOLVENTS.
• In case of damages to the insulation such as breaks, cracks and burns or even a loosening of electric
conductors, the torch CANNOT BE USED FURTHER SINCE SAFETY CONDITIONS HAVE NOT BEEN
RESPECTED.
• IN THIS CASE, REPAIRING (EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE) CANNOT BE MADE ON SITE BUT NEEDS
TO BE DELEGATED TO A SERVICE CENTER TO MAKE SPECIAL REST TRIALS AFTER REPAIRING HAS
BEEN EXECUTED.
• In order to keep the torch and the cable efficient it is necessary to follow these precautions:
• DO NOT touch torch and cable with warm or hot parts.
• DO NOT strain the cable.
• DO NOT move the cable on sharp edges or abrasive surfaces.
• Gather the cable in regular coils if it is too long.
• DO NOT step on the cable.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM
GREEN LED OFF, Fan not operating. No Input
Power.
GREEN LED ON, YELLOW Over-temperature LED
ON. Unit is overheated.
GREEN LED ON, YELLOW Over-temperature LED
OFF, no air flow when torch switch pressed.
GREEN LED ON, YELLOW Over-temperature LED
OFF. Air flows, Pilot arc does not start.
Torch has pilot arc but does not cut.
POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY
1. Plug unit into 120V outlet.
1. Make sure the unit has not been operated beyond
duty cycle limits.
2. Air Flow obstructed.
1. Shield cup not properly installed on torch. Check
that shield cup is fully seated against torch.
2. Faulty Torch Switch or Parts Assembly in torch
holder. Refer to Maintenance paragraph.
3. Faulty Main PC Board Repair / Replace Power
Supply.
1. Faulty torch parts. Inspect torch parts and replace
if necessary.
2. Faulty main PC Board. Repair /replace.
1. Work lead not connected. Make sure work lead is
connected securely to bare metal.
2. AC input power too low. Use shortest distance to
breaker panel possible.
3. Faulty Main PC Board.Repair/Replace.

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UNIT PARTS LIST
UNIT PARTS BREAKDOWN
01 04600233 CABLE CLAMP 1
02 77650239 FRONT PLATE 1
03 21605023 RUBBER GROMMET 1
04 21690505 FRAME 2
05 05000225 COVER PANEL 1
06 33620217 INTERNAL PANEL 1
07 21600030 PLASTIC HANDLE 1
08 22735221 MOTHER + FRONT PANEL PCB 1
09 33700347 9005 LOWER PANEL 1
10 22200047 BIPOLAR BLACK SWITCH W/PROTECTION 1
11 04600234 CABLE CLAMP 1
12 43210150 GROUND CABLE 13’ W/CLAMP 1
13 22110007 GROUND CLAMP 200A 1
14 21690506 VENT-HOLES 1
15 33710590 9005 FRONT PANEL 1
16 23010083 PT-25C PLASMA TORCH WITH 13’ LEAD 1
17 04600054 COMPLETE FAN 110V 1
18 22920009 COMPRESSOR 60HZ 110V 1
19 21610027 RUBBER FOOT 4
20 21690509 VENT-HOLES 1
21 20220018 POWER CABLE 3X14 AWG 7.4’ WITH 5-15P PLUG 1

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UNIT WIRING DIAGRAM

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TORCH PARTS LIST
TORCH PARTS BREAKDOWN
23010083 PT-25C PLASMA TORCH WITH 13’ LEAD
01 23015183 PLASMA TORCH BODY 1
02 23015187 ELECTRODE 1
03 23015179 AIR DISTRIBUTION RING 1
04 23015189 TIP ø 0,65 / .025 1
05 23015182 SHIELD CUP 1
06 23015193 WRENCH FOR ELECTRODE 1
07 23015184 COMPLETE HANDLE 1
08 23015195 CABLE ASSEMBLY 1

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