Ques on Arc Cutting

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Hey dere;I got some Cutting rods to be used with an arc welder. Would like to hear suggestions on usage and recommended settings, so on...tanks
Reply:Hey Horvik, I am thinking those rods you have are carbon arc electrodes that need air pressure to work.  Check out an air arc outfit if you want to use these.  I had one for years on my hobart tr 250.  They take lots of amps depending on size.  They cut steel like butter, but be ready for a ton of sparks and a real blast of flaming drama.  Best, Ralph
Reply:I bought some Hobart cutting rods at Northern Tool the other day. Haven't had a chance to use them yet.Lincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:i've probly 10#s also....i wonder if they have a shelf life also , probly few years old....i also dont want to hurt my lincoln cutting with tthem , i heard it's not good for your machine.        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3
Reply:I have used these for years on plate and rivets. Much easier on yourself then using a Hoedog. In the shop we ran the big 3/8 or more. I could wash the rivet head down to a thin slice, find the "crack" and it would drop off without touching the base metal.They are building girders now that have 1 inch thick webs. Full pen welds with SAW ~ flip it, auto air arc it and sand blasting before welding the 2nd side.Carbon copper clad rods....shelf life. NAClassic 1D 200SAE 30086 SA 200Hyperthem 45Jancy Mag Force O/A Victor-GossCable's remote2-12" Mathey Dearman bevelersLN 25Miller Auto Set 211Wendy's Pancake/Jackson PipelinerNew Holland LS 180Great story man....tell it again!
Reply:I have a hunch that Horvic is describing a coated steel electrode, not a carbon rod.If so Horvic, all I can suggest is straight polarity and as high a current as the rod will take without going limp, use a sawing motion. For long-reach piercing, I sometimes use this process, although I just use common electrode that's maybe aged or not identified; everyone has a junk shelf full of 'em.  Soaking the electrode in water seems to help.Good LuckLast edited by denrep; 03-19-2011 at 11:51 PM.