Cutting rods

[ab56452001]

Hi , ive heard that it's possible to buy cutting rods for arc welders ( to use on mild steel approx 4mm plate ) , can anybody tell me how accurate/fine they can cut , as i dont have an oxy set or plasma cutter i was thinking of using them , perhaps using a thick steel straight edge , how many amps , what metals they can cut etc would be helpfull , thanks..

 

[pedrobedro]

You can get gouging rods for use with arc welders but they are very messy and not accurate (When I used them anyway) If you are cutting straight lines use a cutting disk in an angle grinder, preferably 9".

 

[dai]

ive heard soaking rods in water works

 

[wyn]

As Pedro says , they are only accurate to an inch or two or three and a grinder with cutting disc could be better on 4mm steel.

 

[Hitch]

When i have been stuck, i have cut small bits with normall rods, just wind up the power and melt through, messy though!

Theres a thread here

 

[ab56452001]

Thanks for replies , i have an old carbon arc attachment laying around that i had completly forgot about , together with some fat copper looking carbon rods , used it years ago to cut off a bolt , pretty rough by memory ! , cant remember how many amps to run ?........

 

[Bsmith]

Thanks for replies , i have an old carbon arc attachment laying around that i had completly forgot about , together with some fat copper looking carbon rods , used it years ago to cut off a bolt , pretty rough by memory ! , cant remember how many amps to run ?........

These rods are used for air-arc. I would say 350 - 400 amps, you need a compressed air supply as well.