Tips for cutting with a torch?

[BrianL]

I have the same setup and the 000 tip was a HUGE help on cut quality!! People that are good can use that #1 and make it look great, I can't do it with the #1 but can get pretty dang close with the 000.

[txpitdog]

I have the same setup and the 000 tip was a HUGE help on cut quality!! People that are good can use that #1 and make it look great, I can't do it with the #1 but can get pretty dang close with the 000.

Good to hear. Glad it was such an improvement. Gives me a little hope! Lol


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[sqiggy]

I’m just using the size 1 that came with my Victor torch. I know I should be using a 00 or 000 for 3/16”, but can an oversized tip cause the cut to melt back?

It can still be done, just turn heat down. Getting the melt back is because the flame's to hot.

[sendit]

No single thing/secret to perfect cuts but here are some things are needed.

Match the tip size to the thickness of the metal being cut.

Set correct pressures to match the thickness of the metal being cut.

Use the correct speed to the metal being cut.

Set the correct flame for the type of cut.

The tip needs to be very clean no matter what thickness of metal.

Correct height from piece being cut to the torch tip.

Dry runs will help point out with position problems. It will show you that your hose might hang up on something or your arms run out of reach for a particular cut etc etc I use the wind up method is I am in a good comfortable position at the end of the cut and wind my body up back to start if that makes sense.

The torch is going to be an extension of your hand. Whatever your hand does the torch does the same. If you drink 4 cups of coffee and are shaking like a leaf on a tree your cut is going to reflect that. Steadiness plays a part of the heat transfer, it's also needed for a nice clean cut .


The above are only suggestions on my part but you will also need time and experience to fully carry them out.

I have used everything from a 2 hole cutting sheet metal tip to a #8 cutting 12" thick stuff and everything between.

Leave you with the 3 key things....

Clean tip
Steadiness
Patience
Clean tip
Steadiness
Patience
Repeat



Give me a nice clean tip, nerves of a brain surgeon and some patience and I can cut the world

[RifleBowPistol]

One of the biggest problems that I had for many years, was trying to cut rusty metal, you won't cut that stuff cleanly. Then dirty tips and or a internal leak. I know my torch when I last used it, had a dirty tip and a small internal leak. I only used it about one a year, up till about a year ago. The last time I used it, the oxygen hose broke right after I lit the torch off and started to make a cut. That was exciting. I closed all the valves put it away and have not touched it since. I bought a plasma cutter last winter, I love that thing, it is much easier to cut with. My torch still has a purpose, mainly heating and bending metal. I still need to replace the hoses on it and get me a decent sized rose bud, finally. Been using the same two brazing torches and one cutting torch for about the past 35 years. Needed a rose bud all that time.

[Hoggslayer]

Most of the time, people cut too slow. Get a peace of scrap and just practice making smooth cuts. Don't worry about lines, just make smooth sweeping cuts and try to keep a steady motion. When you get good you should be able to turn off your gas and continue the cut with just oxygen.

[txpitdog]

Most of the time, people cut too slow. Get a peace of scrap and just practice making smooth cuts. Don't worry about lines, just make smooth sweeping cuts and try to keep a steady motion. When you get good you should be able to turn off your gas and continue the cut with just oxygen.

Oh man. I can’t believe I didn’t think of practicing on scrap. What an idiot. The only time I’ve use my torch so far is when I’ve needed it as a tool. “do your best and grind the rest” would follow. I’ve got several pieces of scrap that I can cut and practice bevels on. I think I’ll put some more time in this weekend just cutting scrap down into more useful sizes/shapes....with the correct tip of course.


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[Hammerdown]

I understand your frustration. If I haven’t used the cutting torch in a while it takes me a cut or two to find that happy medium. But since I bought my plasma cutter there has been very little grinding the slag away.

[Draco]

You should cut as fast as you can with out losing your cut. If you lose your cut then you know you are close to the best travel speed and you can practice your restart. If you are cutting straight lines then clamp a straight edge to it and drag the torch along it. That will show you just how good a torch is capable of cutting.

I use a 3/0 for almost every thing with 4 to 5 on gas and 25 to 30 on oxy. If it's thin metal, after the first mash of the oxy. handle to start the cut, ease off on the handle a little bit and it will cut it much better and warp it less.