Carbon Arc Gouging Question

[Davidbrown]

Nothing about gouging is inherently hard on machines, like using old skool pipe warmers is. Just pay attention to the duty cycle, and don't push it. CAG gets a bad rap because people jump on it, and try to get the job done without thinking about the machines' limits, because most of the time they dont have to. I have run the setup with the carbon in one hand, blow nozzle in the the other, and I think it works better than the CAG rigs. I have cut a big old SS tank to pieces this way with my Airco 250. 3 minutes on, 10 minutes off.

[Stick-man]

Originally Posted by Davidbrown

Nothing about gouging is inherently hard on machines

I am guessing the reason CAG-A gets its bad rap is because when gouging, alot of times you will be choppy instead of a long smooth gouge. And you are using the upper amperages of the machines. So when it's choppy, your machine is going from high amp output, to no output, and right back to high output. I think this is what makes it so hard on equipment. I hope that came out correctly.

[Scott Young]

Originally Posted by Stick-man

I am guessing the reason CAG-A gets its bad rap is because when gouging, alot of times you will be choppy instead of a long smooth gouge. And you are using the upper amperages of the machines. So when it's choppy, your machine is going from high amp output, to no output, and right back to high output. I think this is what makes it so hard on equipment. I hope that came out correctly.

I think the reason is not to do with the AC current going back and forth, but the low duty cycle on the upper ranges. I have used AC gouge even on the little cracker boxes and was just mindful of the time I was gouging. With a transformer welder it all boils down to duty cycle. if you go past the duty cycle then it is toast. if you stay within the limits they your'e gravy.

I do most of my gouging at home on a single phase millermatic 250/300

[TozziWelding]

I have gouged on Syncrowaves, old Idealarcs, XMT inverters, my Trailblazer, SA200 and SA-250 and they all still run fine. Just don't beat the bag off of the machine and you will be fine.

[Brand X]

Originally Posted by TozziWelding

I have gouged on Syncrowaves, old Idealarcs, XMT inverters, my Trailblazer, SA200 and SA-250 and they all still run fine. Just don't beat the bag off of the machine and you will be fine.

I have one of these, and it's a great match for smaller machines.. The air required is way less then the 4000 model, and well suited for a home shop/etc....


http://store.cyberweld.com/arcaarcgotok.html

[TozziWelding]

Originally Posted by Brand X

I have one of these, and it's a great match for smaller machines.. The air required is way less then the 4000 model, and well suited for a home shop/etc....


http://store.cyberweld.com/arcaarcgotok.html

Exactly the CFM requirement is the big difference between the torches, most people will buy the big one and wonder why it works like crap.

[claymans13]

wow, those are pricy. We just unloaded a gangbox with about 100 of those in it at work.