how much compressor for carbon arc gouging?

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I want to be able to run 1/4 carbon rods, I've just scored a great deal on a lincoln 270SX power source which should be enough to run a 1/4 rod (I normally run them at 250 amps)but how many CFM do I need? I've done a fair bit of carbon arc but always on shop air with some beast compressor running it in the background.I have two real options, either a 15 CFM diesel compressor, or a 32 CFM diesel, I would need to spend a few grand having my vehicles suspension upgraded to carry the bigger compressor though so I'm hoping I can get away with the smaller one even if it isnt ideal.
Reply:The 15CFM compressor will be brought to it's knees in just a couple of minutes (meaning the sustainable air pressure will fall below 80psi).  You could extend the time if you run a pilot valve and the compressor is running all the time.  Most carbon arc torches I've looked up need 25 CFM+.

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Reply:I have ran it from 3, will run from 5 but i keep my finger on the button and manage the air.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:

Originally Posted by Oscar

The 15CFM compressor will be brought to it's knees in just a couple of minutes (meaning the sustainable air pressure will fall below 80psi).  You could extend the time if you run a pilot valve and the compressor is running all the time.  Most carbon arc torches I've looked up need 25 CFM+.
Reply:

Originally Posted by ttoks

I want to be able to run 1/4 carbon rods, I've just scored a great deal on a lincoln 270SX power source which should be enough to run a 1/4 rod (I normally run them at 250 amps)but how many CFM do I need? I've done a fair bit of carbon arc but always on shop air with some beast compressor running it in the background.I have two real options, either a 15 CFM diesel compressor, or a 32 CFM diesel, I would need to spend a few grand having my vehicles suspension upgraded to carry the bigger compressor though so I'm hoping I can get away with the smaller one even if it isnt ideal.
Reply:It all depends just how long you expect to run it continuously.  Quick short bursts will help the compressor/tank keep up with demand for sure.    If you limit it to 60psi and give the system a chance to catch up, then the 15 CFM compressor should be up to the task I think.

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Reply:Myself, I run 1/4" at 300-325 amps. I use 3/8"x5/32" flat carbons as well at similar amps.
Reply:I used 3hp 80 psi compressor But drawback was grass and fire 🔥. Dave

Originally Posted by ttoks

I want to be able to run 1/4 carbon rods, I've just scored a great deal on a lincoln 270SX power source which should be enough to run a 1/4 rod (I normally run them at 250 amps)but how many CFM do I need? I've done a fair bit of carbon arc but always on shop air with some beast compressor running it in the background.I have two real options, either a 15 CFM diesel compressor, or a 32 CFM diesel, I would need to spend a few grand having my vehicles suspension upgraded to carry the bigger compressor though so I'm hoping I can get away with the smaller one even if it isnt ideal.
Reply:

Originally Posted by M J D

A lot depends on which gouger you have. An arcair 4000 will require lots of air, but for the most part it's an intermittent use. I've seen previously on this forum where some dudes restricted some of the orfices and it worked well. I would try the smaller and see if it will get you by. I've ran my 4000 on a 25 or so cfm unit and it was fine for short periods with 1/4" carbons.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Oscar

It all depends just how long you expect to run it continuously.  Quick short bursts will help the compressor/tank keep up with demand for sure.    If you limit it to 60psi and give the system a chance to catch up, then the 15 CFM compressor should be up to the task I think.
Reply:

Originally Posted by ttoks

right now I don't have a gouging handpiece, so I guess that is a question as well, I will be buying one, so if I can get one that's more efficient in how it uses the air that might help.
Reply:

Originally Posted by ttoks

right now I don't have a gouging handpiece, so I guess that is a question as well, I will be buying one, so if I can get one that's more efficient in how it uses the air that might help.
Reply:They stopped making the K 2000 a few years ago.  Unless you can find a used one.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Josey

They stopped making the K 2000 a few years ago.  Unless you can find a used one.
Reply:I run an arcair4000 7' cable,  use 3/16 - 4/16 - 5/16 carbons. I have a 14hp (gas) 30gal tank, Ingersoll Rand 24cfm @175psi. My reel hose and compressor plumbing is ALL 1/2"id, with various 3/8" whips. Using 80psi (sorta dry air) I don't have any problems. I've gouged for hours (IR 1.7gal fuel tank will last 4-5 hours). Even while playing spit the carbon stub in the bucket. lolLast edited by Freebirdwelds; 12 Hours Ago at 03:14 PM.Reason: SpeelingLincoln 330 MPXModified TombstoneLincoln LN-25X-TVTMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool Gun¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A / OFG-ASMAW FCAW GMAW Air Carbon Arc Gouging#Freebird Welds
Reply:

Originally Posted by ttoks

I have two real options, either a 15 CFM diesel compressor, or a 32 CFM diesel, I would need to spend a few grand having my vehicles suspension upgraded to carry the bigger compressor though so I'm hoping I can get away with the smaller one even if it isnt ideal.
Reply:Say ttoks, have you heard of exothermic torches? This one uses a 12 volt battery and oxygen. I know an iron worker that was telling me about it recently. He said they never even charged the car battery for a week and one day they left connected.  They were using it for bridge work at night (less freeway traffic).  The pros is you don't need all that CFM and diesel fuel.  The cons is it uses oxygen but you probly already have that stuf.
Reply:

Originally Posted by M J D

It's still listed on arcairs site.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Insaneride

Say ttoks, have you heard of exothermic torches? This one uses a 12 volt battery and oxygen. I know an iron worker that was telling me about it recently. He said they never even charged the car battery for a week and one day they left connected.  They were using it for bridge work at night (less freeway traffic).  The pros is you don't need all that CFM and diesel fuel.  The cons is it uses oxygen but you probly already have that stuf.
Reply:For those who haven't seen one here's a pic of mine.....



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Reply:

Originally Posted by Lis2323

For those who haven't seen one here's a pic of mine.....



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