Thermal gouging that uses an arc cutting process variation to form a bevel or groove. See STANDARD WELDING TERMS. See also ARC CUTTING.
When the compressed-air carbon arc process is used, the metal to be gouged or cut is melted with an electric arc and blown away with a high-velocity jet of compressed air parallel to the electrode. A special torch directs a stream of air along the electrode and external to it. The torch is connected to an arc welding machine and any compressed-air line which delivers approximately 690 kPa (100 psi) of compressed air. Since this pressure is not critical, a regulator may not be necessary.
The electrode is a special composition of carbon and graphite and is usually copper clad to increase its operating life.