Carbon arc gouging questions

[Memmeddu]

I'm studyng about carbon arc gouging.
I have few questions about...

First the power supply
how much tension?
how much amperage? (minimum)
I know that the minimum is 200A can works also whit less current?
AC-DC or only DC?

Second the holder /torch
I see that there are different amps but i see also that there are different rods (flat,round)
It's possibible use the same older for the different rods?
The design of this holder /torch is similar for many productors, but is possible turn the air jet nozzle to different positions for best work confort?
It's better a holder/torch that use a single hose/lead (air and current in a single hose as plasma torches) or one that use a air hose and a lead?
How can i properly call this strument? Holder?torch?clamp?

Thirth rods
Wich differences beetwin flat or round rods? What kind of works?
I see on ebay 4mm carbon rods, rated for max 250amps...
How much current can i use for (minimum)?
How use this rods?
They have a not covered zone, is it the first part that must touch the work piece?

Modus operandi

How strike an arc?
Drag?
Push?
Air pressure?
Wich works it's better do whit carbon arc and wich whit a plasma cutter?
There are some tricks?

Thank you
I hope to not been boring, but i would learn something about.
I'm Sorry for grammar mistake and or for bad world location.
There are some guide for carbon arc or i'm the first that ask to much about

 

[backpurge]

I'm studyng about carbon arc gouging.
I have few questions about...

First the power supply
how much tension?
how much amperage? (minimum)
Depends upon rod size, you will be running flat out so you also need to consider duty cycle
I know that the minimum is 200A can works also whit less current?
Depends upon the rod size, be guided by the manufacturers recommendations, running at too low amps and they will not work properly
AC-DC or only DC?
I've only ever used DC but again go by manufacturers recommendations

Second the holder /torch
I see that there are different amps but i see also that there are different rods (flat,round)
It's possibible use the same older for the different rods?
No, if the holder is designed for round rods this is all it will take, a good contact with the electrode is critical
The design of this holder /torch is similar for many productors, but is possible turn the air jet nozzle to different positions for best work comfort
All the ones I have used have been adjustable
It's better a holder/torch that use a single hose/lead (air and current in a single hose as plasma torches) or one that use a air hose and a lead?
I prefer to have them all in a single casing, it is neater and the air hose is less likely to get damaged
How can i properly call this strument? Holder?torch?clamp?
Air arc torch

Thirth rods
Wich differences beetwin flat or round rods? What kind of works?
Prefer round as they are more versatile
I see on ebay 4mm carbon rods, rated for max 250amps...
How much current can i use for (minimum)?
Go by the manufacturers recommendations, too low a current and they will not work properly
How use this rods?
They have a not covered zone, is it the first part that must touch the work piece?
Yes

Modus operandi

How strike an arc?
Same as a MMA electrode
Drag?
Push?
Air pressure?
Manufacturers recommendations
Wich works it's better do whit carbon arc and wich whit a plasma cutter?
Carbon arc for gouging, plasma for cutting
There are some tricks?

Thank you
I hope to not been boring, but i would learn something about.
I'm Sorry for grammar mistake and or for bad world location.
There are some guide for carbon arc or i'm the first that ask to much about

 

[Memmeddu]

So....
It's a wonderful answer

 

[dannyp]

First the power supply Constant current supply
how much tension? contant current supply but 60+ ocv seems plenty
how much amperage? (minimum) smaller rods = less current but smaller rods not so usefull
I know that the minimum is 200A can works also whit less current? goudgeing is a nasty blasty prosses thats power hungry sub 200a its probaly getting pointless
AC-DC or only DC? only every tryed it with dc

Second the holder /torch
I see that there are different amps but i see also that there are different rods (flat,round)
It's possibible use the same older for the different rods? torch is just a clam and air jets so i say yes
The design of this holder /torch is similar for many productors, but is possible turn the air jet nozzle to different positions for best work confort? the contact containg the air jets in mine rotates
It's better a holder/torch that use a single hose/lead (air and current in a single hose as plasma torches) or one that use a air hose and a lead? mine is singel flex from torch for about 6 ft, it then breacks out to a dinze and pcl
How can i properly call this strument? Holder?torch?clamp?

Thirth rods
Wich differences beetwin flat or round rods? What kind of works? only ever used round
I see on ebay 4mm carbon rods, rated for max 250amps...
How much current can i use for (minimum)?no idea
How use this rods?
They have a not covered zone, is it the first part that must touch the work piece?yep

Modus operandi

How strike an arc?touch the work
Drag?
Push?yes
Air pressure?here i use all of it, more air further it flings the dross 90+ psi seems good
Wich works it's better do whit carbon arc and wich whit a plasma cutter?ragging welds and cracks out arc goudgeing is king , cutting plasma is king
There are some tricks?become fireproof lots of leather and duck tape

 

[Memmeddu]

DannyP Thank you so much
Backpurge sorry for my reply but you put me upset whit him, but now i have understood my mistake so sorry

 

[Memmeddu]

DannyP Thank you so much
Backpurge sorry for my reply but you put me upset whit him, but now i have understood my mistake so sorry

I forgot to say that i put upset because i saw only quoted message so i didn't read and now i'm really sorry.

 

[backpurge]

I forgot to say that i put upset because i saw only quoted message so i didn't read and now i'm really sorry.

No worries, I'm not easily offended

 

[Memmeddu]

No worries, I'm not easily offended

For safety i had sent you an formal sorry message, and i sent in the same moment you sent your message

 

[dannyp]

might be of use to you. found it today as had to do a bit of air arc, wasent going over well on 8mm rods on the multipourpose set in the workshop, rods were oversized for it, it's a 400A mig machene but in it's arc mode it's 350A just so even with arc force wound right up it was only just managing it, but only had 8mm carbons as usally use the vantage as a powersupply

https://www.red-d-arc.com/pdf/Air Carbon Arc Gouging Data.pdf

get some 4mm carbons and off you go on a 200A supply accoring to that

 

[Jim Davey]

The round carbons are good for cutting or making a groove with a rounded bottom to it. The flat carbons depending on which angle you use them in can also either cut or be used to wash off a weld level with a surface (with practice) or to give a wider groove.

 

[Richard.]

It can be done with a constant voltage power source but then your only control over current drawn is simply how far you dig in. Constant current is better as it gives you the control over current applied. 200 amps doesn’t get you much done you need 500 really as a minimum which will get you going with 6mm carbons.
Carbon stickout is crucial. Too far away and the air pressure isn’t enough to blow out the material and too close you’ll be stopping every 2 seconds for a re length.
It’s a harsh process on everything
It batters Machines to death and it will also more importantly batter the user if you don’t protect yourself completely. Even your ears (120db plus).

 

[Kent]

Best avoided Imo. Tell them out don't know how, horrid job!

 

[Richard.]

Best avoided Imo. Tell them out don't know how, horrid job!

I’d sooner arc air it than cut it out with a 9”.

 

[Kent]

I’d sooner arc air it than cut it out with a 9”.

Depending what it is really. Quite happy with grinders on the appropriate job (which isn't gouging out big pins n such anyhow).

 

[Richard.]

Well yes they are very different tools for different jobs.
I don’t think the op would be asking about gouging if it was just nicking out a few welds. Point being saying, don't do it because it’s a nasty Process isn’t much help Kent because it might be the most practical process for the job. In which case crack on with it but protect yourself would be better advice.

 

[Kent]

Well yes they are very different tools for different jobs.
I don’t think the op would be asking about gouging if it was just nicking out a few welds. Point being saying, don't do it because it’s a nasty Process isn’t much help Kent because it might be the most practical process for the job. In which case crack on with it but protect yourself would be better advice.

But that's why keen younger lads exist Richard. It was the same when I was like that wanting to try everything .

 

[Richard.]

Oh Christ. I’m flogging a dead horse here I think.

 

[dannyp]

i like air arc. prime example is when have to swap backets on loader buckets or change a bucket edge.

bucket brackets, if you cut them off with gas theres loads of cleanup to do and the old brakets are unlikely to re useable. take to them with the 9" your there for ages grinding and banging with sledge wondering what the hell can possobly still holding it. air arc its literally minutes and there off and minamal cleanup as well

 

[WorkshopChris]

Propper gouging and bent offset cutting tips for the OA cutting torch make for a much tidier job than trying to get by with a conventional cutting nozzle.
Air arc is definitely a good process if you have a heavy machine dedicated to the job and set up ready to go if you have regular work to justify it.
But an OA set with the correct accessories takes a lot of beating for the cost, time, space and portability stakes.

 

[dannyp]

or when you meets some funky steels some wear pates will not cut with gas nor will the welds, the higher speck wear plates are normaly welded on with 312ss wire and OA really dosent like trying to cut that