[weldin mike 27]

Hey,


I might be able to grab an ebay bargain of a 300amp 3phase mig machine. Power source only. My question is, is it possible to turn this into an air arc gouger? I have it in my head about adding a contactor switch and remote amp control. Is this way off? I do get delirious sometimes .... I know that big machines of this brand, 600 amp, have an inbuilt set up where you flick a switch and away you go. But im not sure about this one. Maybe its crazy?

Mick

[noddybrian]

Not crazy at all Mick - I do it when there is no engine drive available & it works fine ( got a 500 amp with contactor latch ) - the torch does'nt care where the power comes from - my only comment would be 300amps is very low for gouging - two issues - on amps alone your looking at 5mm carbon - maybe 6mm max & it's going to give the duty cycle hell - but is workable for shorter runs - the real issue is if you have enough OCV to sustain the arc - my 500 has an OCV of 51volts maxed out which is fine & about the same as using an engine drive - your 300 is going to be significantly lower - only trying it will confirm if there are enough volts to maintain a usable arc - by nature those torches splutter a bit - actually I think Lanse / Pete did this with a smallish set & got it to work to a degree - I found on the Flair 600 torch I have the air consumption was way more than it required to work effectively - so I actually welded shut some of the air holes as I was using it in the shop from an electric compressor - not a diesel drive.

[weldin mike 27]

Hey,

Thanks for that, all pipe dreams at the moment, but for a possible bifd of 20 bucks, it may be too good to turn away from.

Mick

[Wazzagee]

300 amps would be sufficient enough for gouging making sure you have some smaller gouging rods, I normally use around 300 while doing fine work it blows away the metal perfectly

[weldin mike 27]

Sweet mate,

The only reason im looking into it is the machine is a 20 buck special testd second hand, so maybe could be a winner.

Knowing my luck ill forget the auction ....

[noddybrian]

A whole 20bucks worth of welder ! can't wait to see it - never seem to get bargains like that here - still - if it works just as a power source for gouging it's a good buy - best leave a snipe on it - ( Goofbay over here works great ) - was thinking about it - 300 amps must work - I've used the 305 Diesel Ranger in the past for it - I think with 6mm carbon - still not sure the volts will be high enough to work well - but Lanse did a bit with only a 240amp machine - here's the video.


zSzcCEcSoYo

[weldin mike 27]

We shall see. I reckon i could get a cheap wire feeder from work, so if the gouger project fails, i can rebuild the mig and sell it on, or hold it for the day i have 3 phase....lol.

[Jason_alex]

If you get a Hobart mega mig it will already have the switch.

[weldin mike 27]

If i canfind one for $20, ill get it haha.

[weldin mike 27]

Hey,

Didnt get it. Went for a whole $22.50. lol with 8 seconds to go. No chance to change bid. Ah well, probably for the best. Im a king at starting projects and not finishing them.

Mick

[Superiorwelding]

Mick,
Bummer I was looking forward to seeing how this came out. I know what you mean about the projects. I have a saw that I thought I could rebuilt and use at the shop. It has been in my garage for over a year and I haven't even touched it.

[weldin mike 27]

Ive got two for when the weather cools down, 2big bashing stands, Not an anvil but not for accurate work either. And a steel vice thats half done. But thas for the projects thread .

Mick

[noddybrian]

Sorry you missed it - could have been an interesting project for little outlay - the important lesson here is don't show your bid ! use "Goofbay" or whatever sniping service you prefer down under !

[weldin mike 27]

i know that its the way to get stuff, but it is not honest in my opinion . but then again, nice guys finish last...

mick