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What is the minimum size machine that can effectively arc gouge mild steel? I've been trying to gouge with a 250 amp machine and it's just not going. I was told by an instructor once that you need about 400 amps to do it productively, and should try to use a 600 amp machine so you don't beat up the machine too much. All the gouging I've done was on an R3R-400.
Reply:What size carbon rods are you using? How many CFM of air is available? MikeOl' Stonebreaker "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:I didn't take a close look at the size. They're alot smaller than any carbon rods I've used before, probably 3/32" or 1/8". I don't think the air is a problem. What happens is the rod will arc for about one, maybe two seconds, then either stick or drop the arc. I tried swapping the polarity around and even AC. I was able to make the action worse, but not any better.
Reply:You can arc gouge with as little as 200 amps but it is very hard on the machine. I would not recommend doing much on a 250. Use as small a carbon as you can get. You need at least 80 psi and most gouges run over 100. Volume is very important. If you have a tough time starting just skim the surface plowing no deeper than an eighth of an inch at a time. The molten metal should fly out as you skim along. You can do small strokes about one to two inches long. The glowing end will illuminate the area each time you lift off and go back for another stroke. Make sure your air jets in the holder are on the underside and aimed properly at the end of the electrode. The electrode should not stick out more than three or four inches if your setup is limited. You push the tip of the rod along on the surface and the air does the rest. |
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发表于 2021-9-1 00:58:42