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4T.05 Gouging
WARNING
!
Be sure the operator is equipped with proper
gloves, clothing, eye and ear protection and that all
safety precautions at the front of this manual have
been followed. Make sure no part of the operator's
body comes in contact with the workpiece when
the torch is activated.
Disconnect primary power to the system before
disassembling the torch, leads, or power supply.
CAUTION
!
Sparks from plasma gouging can cause damage
to coated, painted or other surfaces such as glass,
plastic, and metal.
Check torch parts. The torch parts must correspond
with the type of operation. Refer to Section 4T.07,
Torch Parts Selection.
Gouging Parameters
Gouging performance depends on parameters
such as torch travel speed, current level, lead
angle (the angle between the torch and work-
piece), and the distance between the torch tip
and workpiece (standoff).
CAUTION
!
Touching the torch tip or shield cup to the work
surface will cause excessive parts wear.
Torch Travel Speed
NOTE!
Refer to Appendix Pages for additional information
as related to the Power Supply used.
Optimum torch travel speed is dependent on cur-
rent setting, lead angle, and mode of operation
(hand or machine torch).
Current Setting
Current settings depend on torch travel speed,
mode of operation (hand or machine torch), and
the amount of material to be removed.
Pressure Setting
Even though the setting is within the specified
range, if the torch does not pilot well the pressure
may need to be reduced
Lead Angle
The angle between the torch and workpiece
depends on the output current setting and torch
travel speed. The recommended lead angle is
35°. At a lead angle greater than 45° the molten
metal will not be blown out of the gouge and may
be blown back onto the torch. If the lead angle
is too small (less than 35°), less material may be
removed, requiring more passes. In some appli-
cations, such as removing welds or working with
light metal, this may be desirable.
Manual 0-5404
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
OPERATION
ESAB CuTmASTEr 100
Torch Head
Standoff Height
Workpiece
A-00941_AB
Gouging Angle and Standoff Distance
Standoff Distance
The tip to work distance affects gouge quality and
depth. Standoff distance of 1/8 - 1/4 inch (3 - 6
mm) allows for smooth, consistent metal removal.
Smaller standoff distances may result in a sever-
ance cut rather than a gouge. Standoff distances
greater than 1/4 inch (6 mm) may result in minimal
metal removal or loss of transferred main arc.
Slag Buildup
Slag generated by gouging on materials such as
carbon and stainless steels, nickels, and alloyed
steels, can be removed easily in most cases. Slag
does not obstruct the gouging process if it accu-
mulates to the side of the gouge path. However,
slag build - up can cause inconsistencies and
irregular metal removal if large amounts of mate-
rial build up in front of the arc. The build - up is
most often a result of improper travel speed, lead
angle, or standoff height.
35°
4T-7
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