Carbon Arc Problems

admin

Today I tried to Carbon Arc a cutting edge off a bucket. Quickly realized something wasn't right. The arc is really hard to sustain. It wants to stutter a lot. Realized its been bout 15 years since I have done it. Don't remember it being this difficult. So Im here for a refresher course in the basics. I have a Miller Big 40g and an Arcair 200. Running at 350 amps and 40 psi with 1/4 and 5/16 carbons.  Been running dc-... is that right? Seems to work best with the carbon sticking out about 3 inches. Somebody want to cover all basics and procedures. Hoping there is something simple Im missing.Lincolin Power Wave 450, Lincoln Powermig 255, Lincoln Pro Mig 140, Lincoln Squarewave Tig 275, Miller Big 40 G(with Hobart Hefty suitcase), Thermal Arc 95S and Esab PCM875 in an already full machine shop.
Reply:Try more air, and make sure the nozzles in your Arcair are facing the right way.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:80 psi is recommended.
Reply:I believe the other gentlement have covered some of the important items. If you are looking for more detail consider a couple of other observations. Be sure that the rod is seated squarely and centered in the V-groove portion of the lower jaw(this is the one with the air holes in it), be sure that the air holes are oriented under the rod as much as possible as you are pushing the arc forward. Don't try to take too large of a bite while making a pass. As to rod angle, different folks have success with varying angles of attack, 30 to 45 degrees up off of flat generally works pretty good for me, but this angle can certainly be different for others. You will likely not always be able to adhere to the "ideal" angles and orientation that are recommended for this sort of thing as different jobs will often present different challenges. If you haven't worked with this process for a while there's always that crazy learning curve thing that tends to re-educate us. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Originally Posted by lotechman80 psi is recommended.
Reply:the carbon should be dc+   (reverse polarity).miller thunderbolt 250vlincoln square wave tig 175 prolincoln idealarc mig sp250everlast tig 210EXTeverlast power plasma 50chicago electric (hf) 130 tig/90 arcchicago electric 90 amp flux wire3 sets oxy/acet
Reply:I would still turn my air up and run dc+ as mentioned above.  I love CAC.  ear plugs in, hood down, and watch the metal disappear.  It is a zen thing.
Reply:I got your zen thing right here!!Just kidding. DC+ fixed it. Works much better now.  I was ready to chuck the whole setup across the parking lot. Now its just fun vaporizing metal at will.Lincolin Power Wave 450, Lincoln Powermig 255, Lincoln Pro Mig 140, Lincoln Squarewave Tig 275, Miller Big 40 G(with Hobart Hefty suitcase), Thermal Arc 95S and Esab PCM875 in an already full machine shop.
Reply:Glad you got it fixed. I have a copy of the Arcair guide book. It explains a lot in detail. If you would like a copy, PM me you e-mail."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Thanks Stick-manLincolin Power Wave 450, Lincoln Powermig 255, Lincoln Pro Mig 140, Lincoln Squarewave Tig 275, Miller Big 40 G(with Hobart Hefty suitcase), Thermal Arc 95S and Esab PCM875 in an already full machine shop.
Reply:Electrode positive, make sure the air holes are lined up on the bottom with the gouge. Don't grab the whole electrode, do 6 or 7" at a time.
Reply:propanehotrodEveryones recommendations are sage, and the Arcair guide is good for a start point.Equipment, skill, position, and parent metal conditions may render the guide  -  only a guide.When I have a discreet CAC operation to perform, to save time, I start with high amps, and high pressure on a test coupon that is representative of the actual cut, and reduce to desired result. In my experience: it is easier to dial down to the 'sweet spot' than it is to dial up.Opus
Reply:I never run one thru a regulator. I just use what the air hose will put out and go to work.