Making Nicer Torch Cuts ???

[Gordon Gould]

In the past when I make torch cuts I just hack it off and say well there that was easy. But now I would like to make some cleaner cuts like I have seen others do that will be in the root of a weld and places I can't get my grinder. Here are some of my hack cuts I made the other day in 1/2" plate. I would like to experiment to get them better but do not have a clue what to change. I have an old PUROX CW200 torch. Book says 6 psi Acetylene 30-40 psi Ox for 1/2" - I run 35. I have ground the top and bottom of these cuts but anything you can tell me would be good. Thanks



gg

 

[Mysfyt]

Looks to me like your tip is plugged. Acetylene is dirty, and every time I use my torch I run the tip cleaner through the center hole. Also, if the tip is worn down and angled, might be time for a new one. Sometimes you can file them back flat and extend the life a bit.
Steady hand and even speed is the secret to to good edge quality. There are some decent videos on youtube that will help.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

The machine shop down the road from me uses a cutting table with an acetylene torch that cuts beautiful square edges so i imagine its a practice thing.

 

[Shield Arc]

I've never really been that good with a torch. Over the years I have worked with guys who were amazing with a torch.
When adjusting the torch, you want a neutral flame. Then slowing press the oxygen lever. Find the spot where the cutting cone goes out from the tip the farthest. Remember that spot! Another big help is a magnetic burning square.

 

[George2615]

When using my torch and I want a cleaner / straighter edge I clamp a piece of angle on my cut line then run the torch along the angle. Freehand cuts are never straight for me.

 

[dieselcrawler]

When using my torch and I want a cleaner / straighter edge I clamp a piece of angle on my cut line then run the torch along the angle. Freehand cuts are never straight for me.

X2...

Young fella I used to work with was d@mn good with a torch... we hired in about the same time, he was only 23 yo at the time, didnt last long, quit after a few months. I had been using torches longer than he had been alive, but he could freehand some of the nicest cuts I've seen, straight or curved. Good welder too...

I need a guide to cut anything nice.

 

[aarolar]

I could teach you in 30 mins what I couldn't explain in 10 days on this here interweb. Nothing replaces hands on teaching.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Thanks, I'll clean my tip and see what I can do with some guides.

gg

 

[Gordon Gould]

OK I will look for that sweet spot-thanks again. I do occasionally here a whistle but never paid attention to it.

 

[Shield Arc]

Every torch and tip has it's sweet spot. That's why I said slowly push the oxygen lever down, when the cutting cone goes out, and the flame sounds like a jet engine. You found the sweet spot for cutting.

 

[Arc weld]

The cut is louder too when everything is perfect too. Make sure you have a nice long straight cutting jet like in Shield Arcs pictures. One thing that wasn't mentioned is what size tip you were using? It's also a good idea to run the torch over the plate to preheat it slightly. This also lets you make sure you're in a comfortable position to do the cut and the hose isn't going to get caught on anything. Sometimes I put the hose over my shoulder and have a short loop so it won't get caught. I'm pretty good with a torch but I forget to breath because I'm concentrating too much on the cut. On steel over 3/16" I prefer an Oxy torch over plasma.

 

[Shield Arc]

On steel over 3/16" I prefer an Oxy torch over plasma.

Oh me too!

 

[Snobdds]

I like to make sure the blow out area on the back side of the cut is free and clear. Haveing something too close to the cut prevents a smooth flowing cut.

 

[Arc weld]

What the heck is that slag on the cut.:laughing:

 

[Shield Arc]

What the heck is that slag on the cut.:laughing:

You must have missed this part!

I've never really been that good with a torch.

 

[Arc weld]

I thought you had cataract surgery.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I found my cuts improved when I learned how the torch actually worked. What holes do what.

But in general (and sadly) as with the plasma, I tend to make my best cuts when it doesn't matter, and am nervous and jerky when it does!

 

[MossRoad]

I'm surprised only one person mentioned pre-heating. There's lots of literature out there about it. Here's one of many....
http://www.esabna.com/us/en/education/blog/oxy-fuel-torch-preheat-and-its-proper-adjustment.cfm

 

[MossRoad]

There's also a ton of youtube videos on the subject....
how to cut with a torch. oxygen acetylene welding cutting torch - YouTube