arc gouging.....

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I am wondering if anyone here arc gouges? I have been dreaming for a Lincoln 250 or 300 engine driven, multi-process welder. I am wondering how much air it takes to successfully blow the molten metal away from the work piece. I obviously would have to buy a better compressor too, but don't know what the requirement for air PSI or CFM is. Does anyone use a unit to gouge, and if so how much air does your unit take? Thanks.Dad.
Reply:I don't remember the specs of the compressor we had at one shop I used to work, but the hose from the manifold was 3/4", then reduced to a 3/8" whip to the connector on the holder.
Reply:I do not know the actual required air volume, But I would think if you do a search for Air Arc, you would find their web page and it will contain the specifications. I have used Air Arc a lot in the past, and it uses tremendous amounts of air. I would say if you could put a standard blow nozzle on your air line and hold it open for 10+ minutes, without serious reduction in volume, you should do OK. My Gas drive compressor is a large single cylinder engine (12 HP?) with a twin cylinder air compressor. It works just great.Just my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:check this link little buddy-http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...&WT.svl=280290
Reply:Hey dad, If you’re gouging for crack repair you can probably get by with a smaller compressor than it first may seem. You, the leads, and your power source may not be 100% duty cycle when gouging! Do something else, (like rub your ears and scalp) while you are waiting for the compressor to build up pressure.  On a high yield job, or to try it out, instead of a compressor, use a tank of nitrogen. Maybe your buddy at the welding store will loan you a nitrogen cylinder if you buy the contents. It's fairly cheap.
Reply:It depends on the gouge torch you are using, the current you are running at, and the job you are doing. We regularly gouge with only the 30CFM compressor running, and it isn't exactly killing itself. For reference, the other week ran at about 300 to 350A removing full pen butt welds on 3/4 material with the air set at the torch to do the job. Compressor was cycling, not running full out.
Reply:My10 horse gas drive doesnt have any problem keeping up with a K 4000 air arc.
Reply:Here's a good reference also http://www.thermadyne.com/uplFiles/p...89_250_008.pdfHope this helps, HenryA bad welder makes a good grinderA grinder and paint makes a welder that ain't!If you can't put a good weld on it, put alot of weld on it!
Reply:Thanks guys!! Your help is greatly appreciated!  DAD.