Tried earlier to post a lengthy reply. For some reason it disappeared before I
could submit. Hate when that happens. I have not been pushing Cut 60 at 100% duty cycle and do pay attention to duty cycle so don't think that is the issue with sloppy cuts, lots of dross and quickly burning up consumables. My PSI is accurate, so that is not the issue either. I did learn as I worked that the tips sometimes get loose so tighten with plier and recheck often for loosness. Might have had water in line, so did install 3rd air filter. Will try Mark's suggestion of not dragging to start and leaning tip to 45 degree (or less)angle instead of 90 to establish arc. I don't weld or cut every day but did carry my entry level welding certs for a year after going through a 10 month full time technical training program. I can Stick, MIG, TIG, Oxy/fuel and Flux core weld. I have an old miller stick/generator, a new Miller 252 Mig. Hope to buy a Tig later this year. I will be setting up a small bronze foundry this year to cast bronze sculptures. Just made and installed a large sculptural bike rack. It is an 8' l x 4' t x 6 ' w 3/16" plate, galvanized, blue powdercoated blue spider. It was installed at the Spokane, WA Performing Arts Center on Monday. I will attache a photo later today, seperate from this post. Hope to do some plasma cutting soon for 50' x 9' series of ornamental gates and fence for my garden. I will let the forum know how the suggestions Mark gave me work once I get to that project. I will use a combination of various thickness mild steel, some 3/16" plate, 1/2" rebar, 1" and 1 1/2" square stock, 1/2 round, some 1" pipe...and mixed media as well...some glass, brass and copper. This is a winter project for me so won't be done quickly. Any how will attach a photo of spider later.

betty g.