Plasma Gouging or Carbon Arc Gouging? You decide.

Can an old dog learn new tricks? Lets find out. Follow along as I put this New Hypertherm Powermax 85 Sync to the test. I will be highlighting the advantages and capabilities of both processes, Carbon Arc and Plasma gouging. Hypertherm sent over their new unit for us to examine so sit down buckle up your seatbelts and breakout the popcorn.

[@charleswilson577]

Isaac, I've got 40 yrs in the welding industry. Heavy equipment, certified pipe welder aerospace and nuclear power stations. Your teaching skills,experience and work ethic etc make your videos the best on utube. Most of what you do can't be taught in a school. A wise youg man should watch what you do very closely if wanting to get in the welding industry. You da man.

[@7.3_boostbus69]

You make carbon arc look easy!! Haha, i just arc’d out some pieces on a stinger for a semi trailer yesterday, and i am just amazed at your skill. With all that you do. Love watching your videos

[@NenadKralj]

yeah it blasts trough weld with it (in one pass) 😁😎

[@ernestmurphy3898]

Good air supply, i use a roofing compressor and i have to stop to let the air build up again before continuing.

[@troymiller8940]

I am dumbfounded by his ability with a torch saw a vid of him burning out king pin bushings... CLEAN!! i wouldn't even attempt it if it were on my gear. And he makes it look like nothing...

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

It's nice that Hypertherm has recognized you and provided equipment!

[@markpeterson5479]

Great and fascinating video. Had an opportunity to take a welding class in the Industrial Education dept at U of MN, Duluth way back in the 1970s (yup I'm that ancient). Oxy-Acetylene was the way to cut. Or soak a 6011 1/8" rod in water for about 10 minutes and run it at 180 Amps. Plasma looks a lot easier and gives a nicer cut. CAG works great, too.

[@SSCREAM100]

I've only ever gouged with am Oxy set. Never had to use Carbon or Plasma and always wondered how too. Unfortunately the company I did my Apprenticeship through only did online training so I missed out on a lot. But from watching your videos pal I've been able to pick up both bits of kit and just give it a crack with excellent results. Truly appreciate the time and skill you put into your work. It helps suckers like me do better.

[@MrKotBonifacy]

"Relax, I've seen a lot of YT videos" - Sir, are you suggesting something...? ;-) "Wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more, say no more!" ;-) EDIT: I also have to add that it was a very "in depth comparison" of those two methods, something I always wanted to see. Very informative indeed. Thanks a lot.

[@LukeA_55]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the arc shots, especially at 13:27. That made it so much easier to see what's going on in there

[@BruceBoschek]

Absolutely!

[@RC-Heli835]

How about 17:05 ? That was quite a lot of weld removed down to the seam in two quick passes!

[@ChevyConQueso]

I just noticed this right off, and am wondering what lens he used, as well as what camera. The cleanliness of it and the light blue tint look just like it does through my Lincoln Viking 4C lens in my hood. (Lincoln 3350). The Jackson Balder lenses are the same. Super clean image, and well focused. After using that hood for a long time, I can hardly stand anything else, so be warned if you get yourself one; you'll be spoiled.

[@LukeA_55]

​@@ChevyConQueso could be but he uses the 2x4 lenses and it looks a bit lighter (when off) than the Lincoln 4c. I noticed he was using a TrueArc HD lens to film the welding in an older video but it had a greenish tint. I wonder if he got the blue lens TrueArc came out with recently

[@LukeA_55]

​@@ChevyConQueso I tried a bunch of 2x4 auto-darkening lenses when I was in welding school and I found a few that were slightly better than the Lincoln 4c. Weldtube sells a really nice one called the Clearview HD lens that had a purple hue with orange weld, makes it really clear. My favorite was the TrueArc Gold lens, the gold blocked a lot of the heat and it was very clear

[@markmunro8753]

Thank you Isaac. I just added two torches to my wish list.😊

[@dr.feelgood2358]

i must have picked up something from watching your skillful technique... about a month after watching this video, there was an large excavator bucket showed up at the fab shop i work in, and i agreed to remove a cracked tooth adaptor with the carbon arc. i had less than 10 mins prior experience using it, but i impressed the hell out of the boss, by doing it fairly quick, and for not gouging into the base metal. by the end of the day i got a 2$/hour raise. keep making great videos, you're awesome man!

[@ICWeld]

That is awesome!

[@ChevyConQueso]

1 year late, but that is absolutely awesome. Hope you're making more now.

[@212kody212]

Your "I've seen a lot of KZbin videos" joke was very funny, and very relatable

[@trace6402]

I cannot afford either one so I guess it really doesn't matter. But I do enjoy watching people do things I cannot afford. Pumping gas is my latest fantasy.

[@ChevyConQueso]

Great comparison, and great editing and arc shots. I think they both have their place, and are both extremely capable. I'm about to use plasma gouging on Monday at work. I've had a Hypertherm 45XP since they came out several years ago, and still haven't used the gouging function. I have a handful of smaller welds to take care of, and I think it can remove them 100x as fast as a grinder can.

[@chetbiddlecom6016]

Excellent video! Why, because you show and teach others that there is "always" a learning curve when doing something new. Even a trained person as yourself takes the time to practice and understand something new. A great lesson for all.

[@ryanmurray3598]

We have an 8+ year old hupertherm powermax 45 that gauges and its just been abused its whole life, wet air, the lot and its never skipped a beat. Excellent machines. Has eaten a few tips, mind.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

If you turned the amps up. I was wondering if the arc from the plasma torch would be long enough where the nozzle wouldn't hit the pin boss. And you could maneuver the gun around the boss. Great Job sure a nice unit.

[@darwin9141]

Wow the technology and your skill is amazing.

[@rogerbeck3018]

Brilliant demo of different techs. Your finesse/accuracy is very impressive to a keyboard expert like me. Thanks

[@GTL77]

I’ve always been a carbon arch guy an I like to use plasma, the plasma would be good for small quick jobs, heck I still gouge with a torch lol but this was a very insightful video 👊🏽

[@chauncey5962]

Torch an easy to get to space arc in corners is my preference

[@bigmikex2333]

Awesome video! Hand torch is 75 degree, straight torch is 18 degree.

[@neiltryhard1307]

That's awesome thanks!,Always I always learn something from your video. Very cool

[@antonioaparicio2316]

I prefer the carbon electrod performance. Thanks for a great video. Blessings.

[@bennyogden4524]

I watch a lot of the jobs that you do and you're very good at it and you are a very funny man

[@themechanic1867]

Your the best welder I ever seen sir

[@tda2806]

Thank you for sharing once again. To be honest, everything you do is a little magic to me and I would not have been surprised if all you did was tap the ear 3 times with your leatherman and it disassembled itself in respect. 😀

[@rickhaass1133]

Very good video - this is the first time I have actually been able to see what was going on in the puddle - thanks.

[@bostedtap8399]

Excellent demonstration, putting aside the new process to you. Great work and video, thanks for sharing.

[@glennb2006]

You make it look so so easy. Very impressive.

[@samuelscragg7052]

Thank you for your comparison of the two ways of gouging. Your skill and knowledge is amazing and your sharing is very appreciated.

[@PatriotWeldFab]

I have a Hypermax 45xp and I've been using the Hyaccess kit for most of my gouging needs. They work great!

[@jimsvideos7201]

Thank you for taking us along for the first steps with the new machine; I've never tried either but I'm glad I have some insight now.

[@fltchr4449]

Thank you for the video. A lot of good information and a quality camera setup.

[@garsonprice3441]

Excellent welding description, excellent video production with proper background music and volume. Two thumbs up from New Brunswick, Canada, IC. Subscribed!

[@ICWeld]

Thank you very much!

[@johnquinn3899]

Excellent comparison and a fair discussion of the plus & minuses of both. Thank you !!!

[@robpeters5204]

Like every machine, each has a specific purpose. You handle each piece like a pro! You are really master of your craft! Keep up the incredible work!

[@thebarleymow]

I have arc welded over the years and have plasma cut at times but never had to gouge any metal. Your really well produced video shows quite clearly to me that the carbon arc is a much better system. Thank you and well done.

[@stevenfeser4907]

I’ll admit, I haven’t seen every one of your videos, but I do think that is one of the first times I’ve seen you use a chipping hammer rather than your trusty gerber. Great video as always!

[@hfraat25]

Always like watching you do your work. No doubt you will be getting a machine like the new one. Take care.

[@davidmunro1469]

Thank you for sharing. I learn every time I watch you.

[@terrycannon570]

Welding has come a long ways since I did it for a living. I did what you are doing in the early 70's

[@johnwesner3935]

Great comparison! As you stated, most of the work we tradesman do is based on years of perfecting our skills. I had to laugh at your " just watch it on KZbin" comment. Our better educated friends think that's all there is to it!:) Much respect!

[@kiljoysvnzr0]

Thanks for posting this. I found it interesting and informative!

[@outoftheirskulls5676]

I come to this channel for the music. And along the way, I pick up some metal working and welding Tips & Tricks. 😎

[@ICWeld]

Rock on!

[@elmeromero1794]

For those wondering about air coming out of the handle when arc gouging. You must have some kind of air supply such as an air compressor when using it and of course a welding machine.

[@somewhat-32W3R]

There are airless gouging rods available too.

[@jameskerr31]

This is awesome, plasma cutters have come along way when I used to use them. I used to do this 15 years ago but making sure I cut on a shallow angle cutting off the top of the weld. Awesome work 😊

[@campgas5344]

I have sold two of those units already. One was a 65amp hand unit, one was a 105 on a 4x8 koike table. The customer was totally inpressed with the performance on the table. Hypertherm says the cartridge should last 11/2 - 2 times longer than a standard comumable stack. Check out thier flush cut from hypertherm. It was designed for just what you are going to do, cutting those ears off. Good work !!!

[@SteadArcFab_Ministries]

Great video IC! It’s neat to see the pros and cons of any process! Thanks for the awesome video! I always learn so much!!! Blessings from Michigan! 👊

[@ICWeld]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaellacey6259]

Great arc shots! Really clear viewing.

[@arthurmandel6541]

Great demo learn some things you do great work, thanks for the video.

[@yvesf5355]

Great Video Isaac ,you make it look so easy .

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

You are an absolute artist with the carbon arc!

[@ronriehle1337]

Any time is a good time for gouging videos. Who doesn't want to see you make the sun on earth !

[@tomlee7966]

always great to see a skilled tradesman at work good job brother

[@zygomaticoramagood9021]

Yes I confirm, for using it every day, it is a great tool. I can't do without it anymore. Very good work Man.

[@theonlyengineer2585]

Great video. Very enjoyable and informative especially to me who has never welded or worked with metal. Thank you.

[@ICWeld]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@regsparkes6507]

Good and educational video, and it just goes to show that practice makes perfect ( or as near as ) . Thanks for your video time here too, Isaac.

[@gilbertromero7738]

Great video as always Isaac can't wait to watch you install the new pieces.

[@wayoutwest4944]

Remember the TV commercial where a good Samaritan shows' up to a crowd and a sick person, and someone says are you a doctor? The good Samaritan says, no but I stayed in a Holiday Inn. The new commercials should say are you a welding, gouging, plasma expert, yes, I am, I saw it on You Tube.

[@keithparady2594]

I grew up working with the older generation and the carbon arc gouging is the way to do it especially like when removing the scraper blade on a big bucket that moves wood chips as fuel at this energy plant I used to do shutdowns at I could do it all day and got to be pretty good hand at it and the guys would always come to me it’s all about figuring out how it works and just paying attention to what the rod is telling you keep up the good work man

[@ICWeld]

Agreed. I enjoy arc gouging. once you get the hang of it, its so fast and easy!

[@drive42]

I have never carbon arc gouged anything, but I see how it works after watching your video. Very good camera work! I have plasma gouged a fair amount of heavy aluminum weldments and for aluminum, I have found nothing better than plasma gouging.

[@nopatience1417]

Awesome video thanks for settings on welder it gives me a starting point to practice

[@philvaughan4091]

Very fair and informative video. As with any tool, each has the application where they “shine” and the situations where they don’t. As always I enjoyed the video…. Y’all stay safe…

[@walterfletcher6897]

First time I’ve ever seen a plasma used for gouging. Very cool!

[@tuffy16]

Carbon Arc for me all the way, usually i blow up the mig and the plasma arc the first day.. lol So I just stick with the arc welder Carbon arc and a cutting torch, they always work. good vid!!

[@edwarddavis507]

Thank you Isaac! Awesome video and I learned a lot!

[@mongomay1]

Hello IC, great learning video. Once you get used to speed of travel and play with the arc force (amps) settings you will have it made. I used the flat cups on the old machines for flat work, but joints or cutting thick sheets. The cone shaped cups I used for weldments and tight areas by raising the arc force (amps) to hold a longer arc while still blowing material away. Give it a try to see what the torch is capable of doing while you have the practice machine. Thank you for your time again IC.

[@Johnditit]

I like it! I can see an added benefit of not using up consumables that would save money. Both technologies would have their place and time. Like them both. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidsullins6225]

Nicely done

[@erichill5208]

Very interesting video. I have done quite a bit of airark gouging over the years doing heavy equipment repairs. I have used a plasma torch for cutting and like the way plasma cuts. That’s the first time I have seen plasma used to gouge out a weld. With your experience using stick air ark clearly that proses looked a bit cleaner. But maybe with practice plasma gouging could look as clean. Also I liked that you used the 2 different plasma tips. Very interesting. I enjoyed this one 👍

[@derrickguthrie4704]

Great video as always. I have wondered if the air comes through the rod or out the handle... Now I know. The plasma was cool but for some reason I think the arc gouging looks more fun, and cleaner.

[@mariolarouche5318]

Air arc is my favorite mainly when outdoors

[@maxandsherrywike2984]

Love your channel, keep up the good work !!!

[@TimTurner115]

Sounds like that one is gouging for dummies you can learn instantly. Or almost. Of course you make it look easy. Thank you keep up the great videos

[@BMGProjects]

That plasma gouging is pretty precise. Nice!

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Great review thanks for sharing Isaac 👍

[@ktate2002]

I never wanted to sit in the front row while in school. That has changed with you as the teacher. Moreover, now I want to stay in class after the bell rings!

[@ICWeld]

Rock on!

[@mcfwelding]

awesome video they both have their place and probably are both good to have in the arsenal

[@robertbrady5009]

Great video and sure want to see the rest of this project completed

[@cedarman211]

Liked and subscribed -- I enjoy your videos! thanks for taking the time to do them for us!!

[@ICWeld]

Thanks for the sub!

[@andrewmantle7627]

Good seein' you Isaac. Always good content.

[@dondelbianco6172]

Enjoyed your vedios keep them coming

[@ldhdesigns7391]

Relax. I stayed at the local Holiday Inn. Now, hold my beer and watch this.

[@donsmith9081]

Hypertherm is the best on the market. I scoured the web before I bought my 1st plasma 45XP (last month) and was amazed at how easy and Powerful it works especially with a drag tip. The 45XP is rated to cut 20 inches per minute of 5/8 material and blazes thru anything lighter plus it automatically adjusts air pressure. I love it!

[@bonniedobkin6948]

Thank you as ALWAYS GREAT VIDJA ❤️🏴‍☠️🎥💯%👍🏻👌 ! Very informative !

[@danielpullum1907]

Here it is a year later. I have now used a plasma cutter. I bought a Yes Weld 65. I watched some folk using/testing different plasma machines. The Yes machine performed up to and maybe just a bit beyond the advertising hype. A friend who has done quite a lot more than me liked my new machine he went and bought one for himself. I'm curious if you get notices from KZbin that you've got more comments.

[@jeremymatthies726]

Very neat. The plasma gouging definitely looked like something I would enjoy if I was in that field of work. Was really great to be able to see the difference between the two styles. Like anything, there isn't just one thing that does everything so always need a diverse set of tools. Just like you always need more than one 10mm ratchet socket as it always seems to get lost lol.

[@vic745]

Just like every tool they have they're own application. Interesting new tool.

[@jasonbamford7579]

To swipes with the air Arc and you would have been done. Looks like it would work nice for cutting flat iron.... keep up the awesome videos and get that young man working more..

[@waterlife.1905]

Thank you for answering my question about the air ports in the arc gouger. I wondered if it has something like that....I never did any welding. Totally nieve. Looks fun. Almost like decorating and frosting a cake lol.

[@8r13rt71t8fgu]

i been working with plasma and arc air for years and in my opinion the arc air is by far superior for gouging. the heat affected zone is way smaller. its cooler on the hands and the overall finish is better. i only use plasma when people are grumpy about the overall smoke of the arc air. great video i'll come back for more.

[@onemoredeadman]

And as with stick welding you get going and then dang it run out of rod. Great video yet again not long till 100,000 subs looking forward to the rig tour

[@BigLouWelds]

Thank you for the great videos.

[@andrewmantle7627]

I enjoy your music too, good rockabilly stuff.

[@glenngosline3303]

As always a pleasure to watch.

[@Bigmike3406E]

That machine is awesome like you Isaac. I’m always armed with my Leatherman also .

[@jayusher576]

Your findings were the same as mine .. carbon stick gouging done by an experienced hand 👍

[@thepoopsoup]

Wow. Love the plasma control. Detroit Michigan

[@badjeepman]

100% correct, they both have there places………. Cannot be more true than that. Both are good sometimes one is better than the other but they both have there place

[@PoteauCowboy]

1. Great sense of Humor.... 2. First pass, amazing results

[@lukearcher886]

Hypertherm does make longer, "high access" consumables, that might work for those hard to reach places with the plasma cutter

[@glennfryer1539]

Nice piece of kit Isaac.. it’s quick, but equally the carbon arc is quick also when your using it … it’s good you have options for different jobs ..