Red Seal Welding Practice Exam

What do you change in your torch when gouging with PAS compared to cutting?

1. Torch angle

2. Air pressure

3. Electrode size

4. Gas type

The correct answer is: Gas type

One change you make to your torch when gouging with Plasma Arc Stream as opposed to cutting is the type of gas used. While cutting torches typically use acetylene or propane as the primary fuel gas, plasma gouging torches use compressed air or nitrogen gas. This is because the purpose of gouging is to remove large amounts of material quickly, and compressed air or nitrogen provides a high-velocity, high-temperature jet that is better suited for rapid material removal. Changing the gas type can affect the quality of the gouge and its effectiveness, making D the correct answer. In comparison, the other options are incorrect because torch angle, air pressure, and electrode size are not specific changes made when switching from cutting to gouging with PAS. Torch angle remains the same for both processes, air pressure can be adjusted for both cutting and gouging, and electrode size is typically not changed