Gouging

[kenwhite]

Is there any way to retrofit a SuperCut 50 so that it can gouge some welds off?

[geezer]

I doubt it, a better solution would be a K2000 carbon arc, if they didn't cost so much

[performance]

Or a MTS 400. lol

Super cuts should NOT be used to gouge.

[kenwhite]

So, I guess you guys don't think its possible, huh...



In general terms, what is does a gouging machine do different than cutting with the plasma? And, how is it acheived?

TIA

[geezer]

Anything is possible, but then is it practicle, you can do vertical gouging with just using a welding rod, gravity will do the work, or you could clamp a carbon in a stinger and blow it out with a air blower (done that it works pretty good,but messy, sparks every where), I have a PP 80 they say you can gouge with that, I use that for beveling edges which is sort of gouging, but for real gouging I still want to get a K2000 which is ideal for my type of work and it has the benefit of being built for the job with the air in a controlled position, still lots of sparks and molten metal flying around but at least in one direction which a hand held air blower doesn't do all the time.

[kenwhite]

Thanks geezer. I guess its going to have to be a cut-off wheel and some grinding...

[geezer]

Thanks geezer. I guess its going to have to be a cut-off wheel and some grinding...

Try some of those very thin zip cut disks, you can really do some v cuts fast with those, then just chisel out the weld with an air impact

[ScratchStart]

I've got this airarc, have had it for 3 or 4 years now, LOVE it! Being a heavy equipment mechanic I have rebuilt many buckets, and relined many haul truck beds. For these jobs an airarc is a MUST! makes it very easy to "unweld" the seams you need to get worn out panels out, and works awesome to smooth out and straighten edges on abrasion resistant steel that would take forever to grind down.
think I only paid about $150 for this one at my local airgas.

...forgot to mention, I have ONLY started 2 fires that were big enough to require the use of an extinguisher.... so, ya, watch out for that...

[geezer]

Scratchstart, that's a little larger than the one I want to get, the K2000 works at around 40 psi and uses 8cfm about the limit of my compressor.

you are right, I cann't think of a faster way to burn down the shop than with one of these. I just need it to knock off some welds when I repin and bush my bocat or tracked hoe.

Gouging is a two man job, one man gouging and the other on fire watch

[kenwhite]

Ok, you guys have convinced me...

[ScratchStart]

The only thing I don't like about it... I wish the air lead was a little longer and isolated from the power.

When I plug the air into mine I always wrap it with electrical tape, as the metal end on the airhose tends to arc out and I lose amperage and have to make another pass.

and the k3000 is BIG, but I run 1/4'' electrodes to cut down on time, most of the haul truck beds we have are 3/8 to 3/4 thick. And I am cutting both welds and panels with this thing.

you won't be sorry KEN. Takes some practice, and ear plugs for sure. The biggest mistake people make is not keeping the air at the bottom(under the electrode, not on top) it still works, but not nearly as well.

congrats, by the way on the greenbucks contest.