Star-Trac I - Semi-Automatic

• Used by metal fabricators to achieve a machine-like "U" or "J" groove in light or heavy plate, flat or round
• Grooves, bevels, gouges or cuts any kind of metal quickly and at a low cost
• Produces a higher quality finish than grinding, chipping or older methods of plate preparation
• Speed up metal fabrication by preparing both plates at the same time
• Requirements:
  • Current from a standard welding power source
  • Symex jointed gouging electrodes
  • A minimum of 80 psi of compressed air
• Current and air fed to torch through a special concentric Symex cable with an on/off switch
• Accommodates 5/16", 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" Symex "Secur-Fit" jointed electrodes. These special blend electrodes assure superior arc stability and economy
• Equipped with one of four different shoe caps, each accepting only one electrode size

Principles of Operation

The SYMEX SEMI-AUTOMATIC GOUGING TORCH is used by metal fabricators to make machine-like "U" or "J" grooves in light or heavy plate, flat or round. The "Star-Trac" grooves, bevels, gouges, or cuts any kind of metal quickly and at a low cost. This torch can produce a higher quality finished job than grinding, chipping and older methods of plate preparation.

The SYMEX "Star-Trac" TORCH speed up metal fabrication because it prepares both plates at the same time. You can square-butt two plates together and gouge a machine-like "U" groove along the seam. This "U" groove is uniform in depth and width and assures the highest quality weld deposit. The groove or cut made by the SYMEX "Star-Trac" SEMI-AUTOMATIC GOUGING TORCH is bright and clean requiring no further preparation before welding.

The "Star-Trac" uses current from a welding power source, a SYMEX jointed gouging electrode and ordinary compressed air. Both current and air are fed to the torch through a special concentric SYMEX cable with an on/off air switch. An arc is produced between the electrode and the metal which is being gouged or cut, melting the metal instantly. At the same time, jets of compressed air come out of the torch head and blast the molten metal away. The resulting uniformity and quality of the cut is excellent.

The width and depth of the groove is determined by the diameter of the electrode, the electrode angle and the forward travel speed of the torch. A rack assembly on the torch provide the means for all-direction positioning of the electrode. The electrode may be racked in or out during set-up, thus saving time and permitting perfect alignment of the electrode.

The SYMEX SEMI-AUTOMATIC is equipped with a metal shield to protect the operator from the radiated heat and metal spatter. The current carrying components of the torch are composed of high quality copper alloys to provide the best electrical conductivity. Both metal and insulating components are specially selected for high temperature use, resistance to shock and low maintenance.

Electrodes

The SYMEX SEMI-AUTOMATIC TORCH takes 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" jointed "SECURE FIT" electrodes. These special-blend electrodes assure superior arc stability and economy. Selection of the proper size for any appilcation depends upon the width of the groove desired.

The SYMEX TORCH is equipped with one of three different shoe caps, each accepting only one size of electrode. Many users order one of each size so that the electrode size may be changed whenever necessary. Shoe caps are quickly changed. The catalog number for each cap is shown in the parts list.

Current and Air

Compressed air at 80 to 100 PSI is required for the operation of the torch. Air is normally obtained from a standard shop supply. The flow of compressed air is controlled by an "on/off" air valve on the back of the torch.

Current is supplied by a standard welding power source. It is imperative that the power source be the proper size to produce the current needed. The amperage required depends upon the diameter of the electrode used. The following are minimum/maximum settings commonly used: