CAC, carbon arc gouge

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I built some racks and I decided the base was too small, so I had to cut em off and save the square tubing. Out came the arcair gouge.  I also have a plasma cutter that will gouge, but I don't have near the control.Carbon is 1/8", cost is less than $.25 each.  80 psi is plenty, it does use a lot of volume.  Maybe 8 CFM?I point the carbon in the direction I am cutting almost parallel to the weld air is blown under the rod to remove the slag.If you look at the top cut you can see a line.  Once you get to that parting line, just follow it.I wanted to salvage the tubing, so I sacrificed the plate.Last edited by David R; 08-17-2008 at 09:37 AM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I have never used one, but would like to. I heard somewhere that CAC is hard on the welder power source? Have any problems?Tim Beeker.
Reply:Next I make a second pass to remove the weld that was left there.  This just saves me a bunch of grinding.Next I did it with an electrode and blow gun to show it could be done. 150 amps, 1/8" carbon, 150 or so psi air.  The groove is not as smooth as it could be because I used too much air and it made the carbon vibrate in the holder.No disclaimer here, Do try this at home!DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by tnjindI have never used one, but would like to. I heard somewhere that CAC is hard on the welder power source? Have any problems?
Reply:Don't forget the good old scarfing tip!One cut was made with 300 amps and 100psi air. The other with a Smith O/A gscarfing tip. Attached Images
Reply:I will try and get a pic of a 3/8 carbon in some heavy steel, looks like the gouge grew there. Nice work as always Dave.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by tnjindI have never used one, but would like to. I heard somewhere that CAC is hard on the welder power source? Have any problems?
Reply:J Hall, I don't even have a scarfing tip.  I have used the torch  to cut off old welds, but if they are bird sh*t welds, you can't beat a carbon arc.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:The Arc Gouger is my favorite tool for removing metal. Clean Air, Correct Amperage, and it doesn't get much better. It only gouges where you put it. I always though if I ever wanted to get into sculpture, the Arc gouger and a big hunk of steel would be the way to go. Boy would the neighbors love that!Have a nice dayhttp://www.weldingdata.com/
Reply:CAC gouger is a very useful, handy tool, it's faster, better, easier and cheaper to use than a torch.  However, as Jeff pointed out, you never discount the value of an experienced hand with a scarfing tip.   Many times, if it's just a little quick gouge you need, or you have fire danger (air-arc throws sparks much further), whatever, the torch with a scarfing tip is very appropriate.  Pics show carbon rods, 3/8" round, and 3/16" x 3/8" flat.   The flat is very useful, for "washing"  off a piece of metal .....   I hate grinding ......Second pic shows, how to find and follow the fusion line .....    This is on a dozer blade I was reskinning .....    Note how I keep the cut flush with the part I'm keeping (the dozer itself), and do all the digging into the piece I'm throwing away.  Two things, first, no huge voids I'll have to fill later, second, no huge amounts of grinding necessary before welding on the new skin (I did mention, I HATE grinding ...).   ALSO, and very important, as long as you keep the original flush, makes it easier for yourself or the next guy, whoever he is, to find the fusion line.   I did this particular one with 3/8" round carbon, at approx 475 amps, could possibly have done a little neater and more efficient job with a 1/4" carbon, but the big speed increase, plus the fact one side (the old skin) I was throwing away anyway, made the bigger carbon the right choice here. Attached Images
Reply:I wish I had that many amps on tap to play with.
Reply:Originally Posted by tresiI wish I had that many amps on tap to play with.
Reply:Something nobody mentioned. Carbon arc works like a dream on stainless and cast iron. I've never tried it on aluminum but think it would work well. If you have a pump stuck in a stainless blast joint it is the only way to go for getting it out. Worked so well I quit using the scarfing tip to cut them out of steel tubing when I had the air available.My plasma is gouge capable, but the gouging tips are awfully expensive so I've never messed with it.Last edited by Jolly Roger; 08-17-2008 at 08:24 PM.Reason: left something outThe difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jolly RogerSomething nobody mentioned. Carbon arc works like a dream on stainless and cast iron. I've never tried it on aluminum but think it would work well. If you have a pump stuck in a stainless blast joint it is the only way to go for getting it out. Worked so well I quit using the scarfing tip to cut them out of steel tubing when I had the air available.My plasma is gouge capable, but the gouging tips are awfully expensive so I've never messed with it.
Reply:I have a syncrowave 350LX would it be able to CAC without damaging the machine? I would like to try it, it would be better then the torch for removing the cut edge from skid steer buckets.I have not tried the skerfing(sp) tip for the torch yet either.Tim Beeker.
Reply:I'd rather gouge a mile as grind a foot!Have a nice dayhttp://www.weldingdata.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by gaustinI'd rather gouge a mile as grind a foot!
Reply:Originally Posted by gaustinI'd rather gouge a mile as grind a foot!
Reply:Maybe a slight exaggeration, but a phrase I have used before. Have a nice dayhttp://www.weldingdata.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by tnjindI have a syncrowave 350LX would it be able to CAC without damaging the machine? I would like to try it, it would be better then the torch for removing the cut edge from skid steer buckets.I have not tried the skerfing(sp) tip for the torch yet either.
Reply:I love the carbon arc for gouging. Fast and easy and a lot quicker to become proficent with than the scarfing tip. But the scarfing tip is really handy. When you are out in the field and an air compressor isn't available the scarfing tip can make a difficult job easy. In the shop I used the arc but in the field I just put on the scarfing tip and got it done. With a little practice the tip will do about as good as the arc, just not as fast and doesn't blow the slag away as good.
Reply:I've used carbonarcing in lots of forms, from 1/8" carbon and 200 amps for little jobs like this one that require precision, to 1/2inch rods running 600-900 amps to cut through a 6" diameter shaft key that was entirely NickelCopper.  I backgouge 1 and 2 inch thick steel on a regular basis.  Unfortunately, they dont allow you to take pictures at my work  Carbon arcing doesnt care about the type of metal, which is why its so useful.  Ive used it on weird metals like NickelAluminumBronze before too.  WEAR A RESPIRATOR for this process, or do it outside or with good ventilation.  I made the mistake of not wearing one, and almost got cadmium poisoning back when i was a noob.  the fumes are definitley more dangerous than normal welding fumes.tips:-if you're going to try it on a small portable machine like that lincoln up there, be sure your hot start is set to off.  for some reason hot start seems to make cac more difficult, at least for me.  -more amps dont necessarily get the job done faster, and they burn up your carbon faster too.  find the right setting for the wire size.-usually about 120psi works the best for me."Real power is an arcair hand torch with a piece of 3/4 inch carbon and 1500 amps.  You feel like Zeus throwing a lightning bolt."
Reply:I spent all day Friday and half of Saturday on a ladder with a number 3 scarfing tip. I didn't think I would ever get done. I was sure wishing I'd had the time to get the new engine on my compressor. Now it looks like I may have to load the welding machines and run from a hurricane so no telling when that will get done, lol. Both are handy tools to have and can save you so much time on a grinder. I hate grinding and could go the rest of my life without ever touching another one, lol. My business partner on the other hand must love it as much time as he spends using one, lol.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.