Welding Tips and Tricks

I’m interested in getting started with arc gouging. I have a dc175 amp and a dc225 amp stick welder. Are either one suitable? My main reason for wanting this is to prep cracks in back hoe buckets and other farm implements for welding.

Would I be better off with a gouging attachment for my plasma cutter?

Thanks

Welcome to the forum Kunk.
It maybe things have moved on or gotten more efficient than I'm familiar with but based on my own experience ( I do exactly what your intending to use it for ) you don't have anywhere near enough power - I think if you went to the makers website they likely have some up to date info on exact requirements but ball park based on my experience is minimum 400 amps - ( a Ranger or Trailblaser 305 maxed out will do it in short runs but it's real hard on them ) depending on amount of material your trying to move & electrode size - you will also need something in the order of 60cfm of air unless using a large storage tank & doing small runs - if your plasma is capable of setting up for gouging I would say it's WAY more efficient as a process - also don't forget there are curved oxy/acetylene nozzles for gouging - not sure if you've tried them - there is more danger of collateral damage than air/arc but used with care can get the job done.

Plasma gouge it.

You can get arc air carbon rods as small as 1/8" dia. With these very small carbons you can get away with arc air gouging with a 200 amp power supply.
You have to keep in mind, the duty cycle of your power supply. A 200 amp welder working at full output will have a minimized duty cycle. Also, with small carbons, your not removing as much material you would with a larger carbon like a 3/8" running at 400 amps.
I've done plenty of carbon arc air gouging using 1/4" carbons at 250 amps.