5 hours ago, Al B said:

I've used carbon arc for cutting and gouging steel. Never seen what you have pictured here. 

That is a carbon arc torch...

22 minutes ago, Kevin Beitz said:

That is a carbon arc torch...

Kevin, I'm not questioning that it is a carbon arc torch. The two prongs are what is different from what I've used.  Am I right in assuming that both prongs must be in contact with the carbon in order to heat the carbon. Obviously, wood isn't a conductor. In metal applications a carbon arc torch is used to remove metal.  Connected to a welding machine the tong holds a carbon rod and is attached to an air supply. A stream of air blows the melted steel away removing metal from the surface. For metal applications, the carbon is rapidly consumed in the process. 

2 hours ago, Al B said:

A stream of air blows the melted steel away removing metal from the surface. For metal applications, the carbon is rapidly consumed in the process.

 

I am with you on that Al.  The only thing I can see is there are two directional holders for for the carbon rod with only one used at a time on his torch.  Push or pull type of thing.  Never saw a set up like that one.

Edited March 6, 20206 yr by HandyDan

Your both right ...

This is what I did to a carbon arc torch.

It's now a wood burner.