Question on shade value for twin carbon arc brazing

[aquataur]

As promised, I report back from my experiences.

All stars lined up favourably today. I cranked the wee buzz box and loaded a set of fresh gouging rods.
They do not work and I explain why, and I compare to some presumably "right" rods that were in the torch.

I started off with 40 Amps. This is the low setting on my buzz box. The arc starts nicely, the sound is as usual.
Shade 13 works well and may be even too big. When pulling the rods apart, a nice flare of 2-3cm appears. Indeed it worked best around 50 Amps. Unfortunately it breaks down again after a few seconds. This is not the case with the original rods that have a metal core.

Electrodes for Twin Carbon Arc are made with a central core of specially selected materials to give steadier, quieter Arc on A.C. Power Supply for Welding, Brazing, Soldering, etc.

(Schutz Carbon in India)

That´s the story. It is not that they work inferior, they don´t work because the flare is extinguishing.
For the record: I used Abiarc (Abicor Binzel) 8mm copper clad pointed rods.

So, I`ll cast the fishing line into the *bay...
Somebody sells cinema lighting rods, but they usually are DC plus or DC minus. God knows if they work.

 

[carbonarc]

Helmut, thanks for your report regarding gouging rods. My experience is similar. The cinema arc light rods are intriguing. Keep us informed how things progress.

 

[aquataur]

Just made a photo of the two types of rods. Left two are genuine rods, right are the gouging rods.
You can clearly see some kind of core inside the real ones. Please excuse the blurred image, my mobile refused to focus better.



I just remember I know an Indian family - maybe this is a fruitful connection.

 

[carbonarc]

Helmut the rod tips shown on the left hand side are the same as the functional ones I have.

 

[Cobbler]

It looks like the proper rods are available on EBay from a British supplier, I don’t know if they would post to Austria though.

 

[eddie49]

Do you think these would be the correct rods for a carbon arc brazing torch?

carbon arc rods 6and 8mm | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for carbon arc rods 6and 8mm at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

They could be correct, since the Seller is also offering an original twin-carbon torch:

kelarc welding torches | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for kelarc welding torches at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[carbonarc]

Hi eddie49. My experience of twin arc brazing torches suggests that the correct rods are 5" in length and have a nominal diameter of 5/16". As mentioned in other posts the use of similar looking rods intended for arc gouging is not a satisfactory alternative. The carbon arc brazing torch rods operate at around 50 amps whilst gouging rods function at around 500 amps. I would be wary of purchasing the rods but think the Kelarc gear is interesting and represent a piece of history.

 

[aquataur]

I too would be wary.
From the torches, the single thingies look too modern, dont know what this does. The double thing certainly is a TCAW torch.
I am in contact with Schutz Carbon again, but this time I try to use a friend in India for oranizing transport economically.
Maybe one can establish a humble sales representation hereabouts.

 

[MattF]

From the torches, the single thingies look too modern, dont know what this does.

Spot weld.