Carbon Gouging Rod - How Big Do I Need?

In my previous videos, I have discussed much about carbon arc gouging including the arc welder setting for gouging. But in those videos, I was discussing how gouging carbons work including the comparison between plasma cutting and carbon arc gouging and also using the grinder against the gouging carbons.

However, I did not discuss that there are different sizes of carbon rods that are made for different sizes of welding jobs and I admit I’m still new to this subject. So in this video, I will be experimenting with the gouging rod size as well as the right amount of amperage for each rod size.

You see, knowing the gouging rod size is very essential when choosing the size of the welding job you want to work on and if this cheap welder carbon gouging stuff can really work. So what you’ll see in this video is not only how carbon arc gouging works but also the different sizes of the carbon rods and how to use them effectively.

And to make my experiment more effective, I have also shown here the different set up of amperage because presumably, the gouging rod size, to become efficient in its job need the right amperage for it to melt the weld., You will discover that low amperage won’t be able to produce the right melting point for the rods while too much amperage can overheat your rods. So gouging carbons is not that easy for the newbie and I should say it can take some practice to familiarize with these.

I will give you some tips about particularly how cheap welder carbon gouging can help you repair some of your old welding jobs. If you want to know more about arc welder setting for gouging, See below for my other videos.

You will also see here the homemade carbon arc torch I made so basically, you’ll have a carbon rod holder with a built-in air gun.

Here's a general Size Guide

approx. ELECTRODE DIAMETER

1/8 = 60-90 AMP
5/32 = 90-150 AMP
3/16 = 200-250 AMP
1/4 = 300 - 400 AMP
5/16 = 350-450 AMP

[gmsoptions]

Another use for the carbon arc is to just heat steel. So for me and my small welding machine the big carbon works very well for heat metal so that I can bend it. This does not negate your point I'm simply saying heating and pre-heating the big one works very well.

[bobprice]

we sometimes use those rods to backgouge . we just crank it to the max and fly with it. our average rod is 1/4inch. just use the plaz at 45 amps and tilt it at 30° or less and really fly with it.

[donaldhalls]

Thanks again, never really head of them before, but don't really seem that useful, I think a oxy/acetylene would work better? all the best to you and your loved ones