Quote Originally Posted by travis View Post
Ok so how would you cut useing the pilot arc only? Is it just the standoff that keeps the torch going?
When you press the trigger the pilot arc runs, as long as the work clamp is on the metal to be cut, the main arc will take over when the tip is close enough.
In other words the pilot arc runs continuously when the trigger is pressed but the main arc replaces it when you start the cut. If you forget to put the work clamp on, the pilot arc will continue to run without the main arc. Since the pilot arc is about 20 amps, it will cut 1/8" steel, just not very clean and isn't intended for that purpose. The pilot arc burns off paint and rust to allow the main arc to start... as I understand it.