Gouging is a method for removing material in connection with welding or casting. A distinction is made between thermal and mechanical gouging methods. The thermal methods are generally faster than the Thermal gouging is an essential part of welding fabrication. Used for rapid removal of unwanted metal, the material is locally heated and molten metal ejected – usually by blowing it away. Normal oxy-fuel gas or arc processes can be used to produce rapid melting and metal removal.