"heating rod" for an arc welder

Carbon arc torch. Lincoln makes one. Here's one in VT:

I just got one really a lot like that. Hope you got the pedal, they're hard to find and really expensive (like $300). I found that Rustoleum Deep Blue paint (sold at Grainger, part no. 2FP62), color no. V2125, is a pretty good match. Not that I'm saying your welder needs paint! Good job sliding that

You might find this interesting:

Grant

you need this:

Carbon arc torches are neat, but put out a lot of UV, AND you have to be aware of the duty cycle at a given amperage -- usually max 20%.

The Lincoln 225's were especially suited for carbon arcs, because at the 75 amp setting, they had a 100% duty cycle, used for resistive type heating on farms during frost, etc.

BBQ'g the piece is a very good idea, as preheating *always* helps welding.

But, if the material is thick enough or big enough, even a carbon arc torch might be spotty, and the best way is to use "rosebud tips" with O/A. They put out *boucou* heat, way more than any O/A welding tip or cutting torch. Not recommended with B-tanks, however, and some advise flashback arrestors in both lines of the torch handle. Not that expensive, either the rosebuds or the arrestors. You certainly will need to fill yer tanks for a rosebud!

There's also an ice-melting/asphalt melting torch that works with propane, iirc.

That's one big-assed welder you got! Be inneresting to know if you were able to fix the oomph problem.

DO NOT use the welder!

You will let out the magic smoke and then that nice old welder will be a big heavy doorstop.

Gunner

You are heating a "pretty big" chunk of steel to near or at red heat. Use firebricks or ceramic fibre to surround it and reflect the heat back and a propane torch to heat it. Acetylene or arc heating is like towing a camper van with a Funny Car.

Mark Rand RTFM

This is what he really needs

"Obama, raises taxes and kills babies. Sarah Palin - raises babies and kills taxes." Pyotr Flipivich

He needed it.

Now he needs the HF propane Weed Burner. The cheapest way I know to heat up a Big Chunk O Metal to red hot and not have to build a blazing bonfire

Gunner