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  1. #1
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    Default Carbon Arc 'Torch' Electrodes

    Hi guys. I have a torch similar to the one pictured, which runs off a stick welder. It takes two carbon electrodes and produces a sort of electric 'flame' for heating. I'm trying to source electrodes. I'm nowhere near an actual welding supply shop so I'm shopping online. All I can find in aus is gouging carbons. I asked one ebay seller if they could be used in my torch and he didn't know. Can anyone confirm or deny compatibility? The only source I can find for the correct rods is in the UK.
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  2. #2
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    I think you'll be fine using gouging rods, they look identical to the electrodes in the torch pictured, right down to the copper jacket, I use the gouging rods in my stick welder, I shove one in the hand piece and one in the ground clamp and work with both hands.

    What are you using it for?

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by NedsHead View Post
    What are you using it for?
    Loosening rusty nuts & bolts on farm implements.
    I like your style.

  4. #4
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    Could be a bit of a trap here for young players.

    Carbon arc torch "elctrodes" not to be confused with arc air gougers that had two variants of electrodes - 1 for DC ,1 for AC.

    Air arc machines worked at huge amperage s and were the ruin of a many a good power source due to overheating .

  5. #5
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    From what I've read online the carbon arc torch below is meant to be run at lower amperages, say 40-50amp DC?, I've been running my gouging rods at 110 amps so that I can reach 2200 °C, at those amps the rods do erode quickly and it's a bit of a strain on my small inverter welder, but it gets the job done

    These are the gouging rods I've been using https://www.boc.com.au/shop/en/au/bo...ouging-carbons.

  6. #6
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    Default Carbon Electrodes

    Quote Originally Posted by Bryan View Post
    Hi guys. I have a torch similar to the one pictured, which runs off a stick welder. It takes two carbon electrodes and produces a sort of electric 'flame' for heating. I'm trying to source electrodes. I'm nowhere near an actual welding supply shop so I'm shopping online. All I can find in aus is gouging carbons. I asked one ebay seller if they could be used in my torch and he didn't know. Can anyone confirm or deny compatibility? The only source I can find for the correct rods is in the UK.
    Bryan
    I have a packet of 2 new Carbon Arc Electrodes & 2 partly used ones, in the original Lincoln plastic bag, designed for the original Carbon Arc Torch.
    If your interested I could post them to you for $12 (includes postage)
    These have good life & are very handy for heating,.... very high temp.
    Bruce

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grahame Collins View Post
    Carbon arc torch "elctrodes" not to be confused with arc air gougers that had two variants of electrodes - 1 for DC ,1 for AC.

    Air arc machines worked at huge amperage s and were the ruin of a many a good power source due to overheating .
    Graham, I find your first sentence confusing. I think you are saying gouging carbons come in AC or DC, but heating carbons don't. I have an AC welder so does that mean I can use AC gouging carbons in my existing handpiece at low currents for heating? I don't want to buy the special gouging torch.

    Quote Originally Posted by Abratool View Post
    Bryan
    I have a packet of 2 new Carbon Arc Electrodes & 2 partly used ones, in the original Lincoln plastic bag, designed for the original Carbon Arc Torch.
    If your interested I could post them to you for $12 (includes postage)
    These have good life & are very handy for heating,.... very high temp.
    Bruce
    Thank you Bruce, that's very kind. I will send you a PM.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bryan View Post
    Graham, I find your first sentence confusing. I think you are saying gouging carbons come in AC or DC, but heating carbons don't. I have an AC welder so does that mean I can use AC gouging carbons in my existing handpiece at low currents for heating? I don't want to buy the special gouging torch.



    Thank you Bruce, that's very kind. I will send you a PM.
    I've done my fair share of gouging, but never carbon arc heating or brazing, although the theory is cemented in my memory bank quite well. It was recommended to run the carbon on the positive side of the circuit one size bigger than that on the negative due to the uneven heat characteristics of the DC welding circuit (2/3 on the +'ve, 1/3 on the -'ve ). Probably not too big an issue at low amps though. AC current requires different electrodes that contain rare earth elements that sustain the arc during the period while the current reaches zero in the sine wave form of AC current. Owners of pilot arc welders with working HF can probably disregard this. I would imagine that the requirement for arc stabilising elements would be the same for either gouging or carbon arc heating. Both electrodes can be the same diameter for AC current as there is a 50/50 heat distribution.

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