66Z35 - Oxweld 1430 Series Acetylene Gouging Nozzle Size 20

Technical Overview of the Oxweld 1430 Series Gouging Nozzle

The ESAB Oxweld 1430 Series Gouging Nozzle, identified by SKU 66Z35 (Size 20), is a specialized oxy-fuel consumable engineered for the rapid removal of metal through the gouging process. Unlike standard cutting tips which utilize a high-velocity oxygen stream to sever material completely, this gouging nozzle employs a large, lower-velocity oxygen stream designed to oxidize and wash away surface metal, creating a controlled "U" shaped groove. The nozzle geometry is bent, typically at a slight angle, to facilitate the correct torch inclination required for effective gouging, allowing the operator to push the molten pool forward without extinguishing the preheat flame.

Constructed from high-conductivity copper, the 1430 series is optimized for use with Acetylene gas. The thermal conductivity of the copper body ensures efficient heat transfer away from the tip face, reducing the risk of overheating during the intense reflection of heat experienced in gouging operations. The preheat ports are precision-drilled to provide a heavy preheat flame, essential for rapidly bringing the base metal to ignition temperature and maintaining that temperature as the torch moves along the workpiece. This specific model, Size 20, offers a substantial gouging capacity, suitable for deeper groove requirements in heavy fabrication environments.

The internal geometry of the nozzle is swaged to produce a laminar oxygen flow, minimizing turbulence that could disrupt the groove profile. This results in a smooth, clean channel that often requires minimal secondary cleaning before subsequent welding. The nozzle is designed to seat firmly into Oxweld C-series hand torches (such as the C-32, C-66, and C-77), utilizing a metal-to-metal seating surface that ensures a leak-proof seal for both the preheat gases and the cutting oxygen. Proper pressure settings are critical for optimal performance; the high-intensity acetylene flame requires accurate regulation to prevent backfires while maximizing metal removal rates.