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Carbon Arc Torch question

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Bill

01-26-2001 21:32:05

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Does anyone have any thoughts as to the merit of using a carbon arc torch for heating metal for bending and ect. In my area no one uses them, gas is used instead. However I had the chance to see one used with power coming from a 225 buzz box and was impressed. The person using it said it was a lot cheaper for him in many instances to use the carbon arc torch instead of his gas, and quicker to boot. If anyone is using one I would be interested in your thoughts as to its use and limitations.

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Tom R

01-28-2001 05:20:09

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Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to Bill, 01-26-2001 21:32:05

Since I got a Torch set my carbon arc only gets used on large nuts and bolts as Franz mentioned. If you do use the arc cover up good or you may get the mother of all sunburns.
Tom R

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Brian G.

01-28-2001 16:36:35

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Re: Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to Tom R, 01-28-2001 05:20:09

I forgot to mention the "sunburn".....been there, done that!

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Brian G.

01-27-2001 18:59:10

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Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to Bill, 01-26-2001 21:32:05

I have a carbon arc torch that came with a 1964 Forney 180 amp AC welder (Copper wound BTW) which I use occasionally because I don't have a torch set. I picked up a whole box of 6" copper-clad carbon sticks from a movie house that no longer needed them. That's what used to provide the nice bright white light for the projectors in them old days; maybe yet today? Anyway, like someone said, it works very well on frozen nuts. It also works fairly well on heating metal for bending. However, my brother (who is very good with torches) can do a much better job with Oxy/acetylene. For one thing, you can direct the heat to a much finer point with the torch. If you have only an occasional use as I do, and you can get the carbon arc torch for a song, it is probably the next best thing to an oxy-acet set and you won't have to deal with the tank rental issue. If you've also got a brother or close friend (like I do) with a set of gas torches for the cutting jobs, life ain't too bad.

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Roy MI

01-27-2001 14:45:55

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Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to Bill, 01-26-2001 21:32:05

using a carbon torch with air makes a good
cutting torch.

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Franz

01-27-2001 12:59:02

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Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to Bill, 01-26-2001 21:32:05

Bout the only thing that arc torch is good for is heating frozen nuts. Set the machine on AC, put one carbon on each side of the nut, and have the helper switch the machine on. DO NOT draw an arc, just watch the nut heat up. Using AC seems to set up a vibration in the nut, and it spins right off. For other applications, carbon arc torches are way too much screwing around. Carbon everdure you only need a single carbon in the stinger, not an arc torch.

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T_Bone

01-27-2001 01:14:44

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Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to Bill, 01-26-2001 21:32:05

Hi Bill, I never tried carbon arc for heating but it should work well. Cost effective? Nope! I've ran cost studies for different applications and any time you use electricity for heating it's very costly. The last engery costs I ran was on a heating system, Electric $2.74/hr, heat pump $.86/hr, natural gas $.34/hr for this application and would be in line with carbon arc heating although not exact figures but in the ball park.

Welding machines are also used for thawing out froozen water pipes. If you've ever talked with someone using this method they will tell you it sure ruins a good welding machine after a short time.

A typical buzz box only has a 20% duty cycle. I really can't see it heating a very thick piece of metal without exceeding the duty cycle and shortening the life of the machine drasticly. In 10 minutes, there should be 2 minutes welding and 8 mintues machine cool time.

Cold metal forming is very effective and a cost effective approach.

What I have used carbon arc for is seal welding high pressure galvanized SM blow pipe with everdur filler rod. Very fast and easy to apply. I've also used carbon arc for air gouging welds out, also very fast.

T_Bone

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ltf in nc

01-27-2001 07:43:09

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Re: Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to T_Bone, 01-27-2001 01:14:44

T Bone, with the recent increases in gas prices you need to do a comparison with geothermal heat pumps. I have one and it is the cats meow. I am heating at 60% of the price of my friends with natural gas.

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T_Bone

01-27-2001 08:16:01

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Re: Re: Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to ltf in nc, 01-27-2001 07:43:09

Hi ltf, Ahh yes but your not comparing apples with apples. Had I done a comparison with a geothermal unit at the time I would think it would also be less cost.

I would like to know what area you live in and what do you have as a geothermal heat source? And if you know it your SEER rating of your unit?

Just west of me about 35 miles they have some fresh water wells pumping 130F water but here in Arizona for what little heating is required it doesn't make sence to try and tap the source for heating. The locals do use it for heating tho. What we need is some 35F water for the summer time and that would payback very quick. Our average deep well water is 70F plus. We don't have shallow wells here and average is 400ft.

T_Bone

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ltf in nc

01-27-2001 13:40:49

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to T_Bone, 01-27-2001 08:16:01

T Bone, read the following and I will get back to you later as I am short of time at the moment.
Link

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Paul J. Decker

01-27-2001 05:31:37

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Re: Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to T_Bone, 01-27-2001 01:14:44

Carbon arc is not as convienient as gas but if you do not use it a lot each month, it will be cheaper than tank rental

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rhudson

01-27-2001 07:45:00

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Re: Re: Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to Paul J. Decker, 01-27-2001 05:31:37

i have wondered if the carbon from the rods would combine with very hot metal to form a case hardning situtation. anyone with experience? thanks

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T_Bone

01-27-2001 11:07:44

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Carbon Arc Torch question in reply to rhudson, 01-27-2001 07:45:00

Hi rhudson, The carbon is copper coated so I don't think there would be a problem.

T_Bone

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