Gouging with a PowerArc 300

[DaveO]

Others go blindly through life.

Yup, I'm with ya, 100%. One way I avoid going blindly through life is by questioning what I read on the internet.

Is there a right and a wrong way to use carbon rods, so you don't put stress on the machine? Should Arcair change their company motto to "Destroying your welder, one carbon rod at a time"?

[fdcmiami]

Should Arcair change their company motto to "Destroying your welder, one carbon rod at a time"?

thanks for the laugh. can i forward that to Victor Technologies?

[Shield Arc]

Is there a right and a wrong way to use carbon rods, so you don't put stress on the machine?

Not that I'm aware of, other than using small rods, and stay well within the welders specs. But to get any production you'll need at least a 400-amp machine, and 150-PSI of air. Carbon arcing is just plain hard on welding machines.
Like I said most welders wouldn't know the difference in the quality of arcs to start with.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php...uging-Question

[DaveO]

Like I said most welders wouldn't know the difference in the quality of arcs to start with.

I'll let you know if I run into anyone like that.

[TheGary]

I have done carbon arc gouging several times. I would suggest an arcair K2000 head for a small welder. The K2000 can use 1/4 round and 3/8 flat rods and it works with 40 psi of air . If you get the larger heads they take a lot of air to use them. On a 300 amp machine the K2000 will do all the machine will let it. Carbone arc for those who have not used it is very messy. I would suggest full leathers, and clear all combustables in the area to at least 50 ft. Have a good extinguisher ready and put ear plugs in your ears ( for the noise and for the slag that will want to find its way into your ear cannal). There are times when it is definatly the tool for the job. It is just very limiting as to where you can do it because hot slag goes everywhere. I would not do it in a garage either because there is a considerable amount of smoke involved also. The best place to gouge is in a large parking lot with nothing else around . It can remove old welds very quickly and is good to prep cracked areas that you want to weld on large thick pieces .

[Stuckmotor]

TheGary,
Your advise is noted and appreciated.

[Rambozo]

And of course the PA 300 doesn't do price gouging.