carbon arc torch

[Nathan128]

Hey all I was just wondering if those old school carbon arc torches (not the gouger) will run on dc and if so which polarity is better. I found one kicking around my dads farm and would like to play with it. Is it just an ac thing or can I run it in my lincoln pipeliner 200?

[weldonwelding]

Im pretty sure the rods determine the current... i used one a long time ago for about an hour

[kevin]

are you talking about carbon arc welding???????????

[USMCPOP]

The single-carbon torch is used with the carbon DC negative.

From Wiki: An AC supply is recommended for twin carbon arc welding. In case a DC supply is used, the positive electrode will disintegrate and consume at a much faster rate as compared to negative electrode, because two-thirds of the total heat is generated at the positive pole. This will produce an unstable arc and require frequent adjustment of the electrodes. In AC welding, because of alternate reversals of polarity, both the electrodes will be affected equally and present no problem.

[Nathan128]

Thanks for the replies guys. I was talking about the dual carbon rod that I'm pretty sure is more for heating and soldering. And that makes sense the one rod would burn out faster thanks Ill just play on the old ac welder

[USMCPOP]

And you need a special helmet if you are using a single carbon torch...

old school welding.jpg

[R W]

Carbons one size larger are used on the positive side, on a DC welder.