Guidelines for hand torch gouging

The width and the depth of the gouge contour are a result of five primary factors.

Adjust these factors in combination to get the gouge that you want.

Output current (A)

Arc stretch is related to the output current (A) of the plasma power supply. The higher the amperage, the longer that you can stretch the arc. Hypertherm® recommends that you keep amperage and arc stretch consistent.

  • Decrease the amperage on the front panel to make the gouge more narrow and shallow.
  • Increase the amperage to make the gouge wider and deeper.
This image shows the amperage adjustment knob and how the amperage can change the gouge profile.
1 Results of decreasing the amperage.
2 Results of increasing the amperage.

Angle of the torch to the workpiece

  • Put the torch in a more upright position to make the gouge narrower and deeper.
  • Tilt the torch down so that it is closer to the workpiece to make the gouge wider and more shallow.
This image shows the different angles of the torch and the resulting depths of the gouge.
1 Steeper angle and the resulting depth of gouge.
2 More shallow angle and the resulting depth of gouge.

Turn of the torch

Move the torch left or right relative to the torch center line to make the gouge flatter and steeper on one side.

This image shows the different angles of the torch and the resulting steepness of the gouge.
1 Center line of the torch when cutting straight on the workpiece.
2 Resulting gouge if cutting to the left or right of the torch center line.

Torch standoff / arc stretch

Arc stretch is related to the output current (A) of the plasma power supply. The higher the amperage, the longer that you can stretch the arc. Hypertherm recommends that you keep amperage and arc stretch consistent.

Keep at least a small distance between the torch tip and the molten metal to increase cartridge life and prevent damage to the torch.

  • Move the torch away from the workpiece to make the gouge wider, shallower, and smoother on the bottom.
  • Move the torch closer to the workpiece to make the gouge narrower and deeper.
This image shows the torch in two different locations and the resulting gouges.
1 Larger distance and the resulting gouge.
2 Shorter distance and the resulting gouge.

Speed of the torch

  • Increase the speed of the torch movement to make the gouge more narrow and shallow.
  • Decrease the speed of the torch movement to make the gouge wider and deeper.
This image shows the resulting differences in the depth of the gouge for faster and slower torch speeds.
1 Moving faster results in a more shallow gouge.
2 Moving slower results in a deeper gouge.