Any welders here?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 342
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From: British Columbia
Any welders here?
Could someone briefly explain how the Air Arc gouging process works and its typical industry uses. Also why don't you hear of this process being used by home users instead of other cutting methods?
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 749
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From: Phoenix, Az
The process is normally used to cut into the opposite side of a plate from where you have already welded one side in order to remove base metal and or slag to get clean metal with a groove for a full pen or X-ray quality weld. Depending upon the size of the electrode, the current used is very high, usually 250 amps+, with high pressure air directed at the arc site. Basically, the arc melts the metal, and the air blows it away.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 483
Likes: 1
Lots of fire and noisey too. As Dave said, high currents are used and used for backgouging and weld removal. It can blow molten metal 20 or more feet away. I have used them with up to 600 amps. The equipment and fire danger and power requirements make it impractical for most home use. And,, you probably dont need it unless you are building water towers or petrochemical tanks in you back yard.
Last edited by Sberry27; Jul 8, 2004 at 09:15 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
We generally used it for gouging to make a full weld, generally after the other side was welded up. This gives 100% penetration. It is very messy, and removes a lot of metal. The other main purpose we had was to remove bad welds. This was while I was building car crushers using T-1 steel.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 586
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From: Tottenham Ontario Canada
It's been many years since I've done it, but...
Wear leathers. The spark shower is unbelievable.
Wear hearing protection. The air blast is loud.
It's a lot harder to maintain a steady arc than when welding. Expect it to gouge in fits and spurts (it'll still do the job). Some people NEVER get the hang of it.
The carbon rod is used at a low (glancing) angle to the workpiece.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Eric
Wear leathers. The spark shower is unbelievable.
Wear hearing protection. The air blast is loud.
It's a lot harder to maintain a steady arc than when welding. Expect it to gouge in fits and spurts (it'll still do the job). Some people NEVER get the hang of it.
The carbon rod is used at a low (glancing) angle to the workpiece.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Eric
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: clementsport canada
like everyone says, it's not a userfriendly thing to do, you will get burnt. it's hard to get a good gouge going, and harder to keep it going. we use it for repair of large equipment, fixing cracks in 1" plate. or remove bucket bottoms for excivator, ect...
it maxes out our 300 amp hobart portable welder ( powered by a 6cyl ford 200 ci) to cut thick plate with it, but it does the job like nothing else in the price range.
it maxes out our 300 amp hobart portable welder ( powered by a 6cyl ford 200 ci) to cut thick plate with it, but it does the job like nothing else in the price range.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: SE Iowa
I recommend using some type of FULL head protection! Something that covers the back of your helmet. If you are removing weld from a corner, it will send sparks right around your helmet and into your face. Didot on the leathers. I have several nice scars due to chucks of material landing on my light-weight coat. Nothing like sacrificing your body for a good weld 
Stryder
Stryder
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