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How to use a Cutting Torch!

vetteboy86

Well-known member
Joined
May 26, 2003
Messages
2,760
Location
IN
Corvette
1986 Black "Indy 500 Pace car replica"
I am trying to cut a trailer hitch off a car. I can set the torch up to cut angle iron about a 1/4 inch thick but I am having a hard time cutting the metal on the hitch that is at least a 1/2 thick. Do you want more Oxygen or more acetelyne? All tips and suggestions would be great.
 
Last I remember cutting 5/8" rebar was more oxygen makes the fire burn hotter.....let it get nice and red and eventually it will cut......just watch your pressures.....we don't need any dead trailer hitch cutting Corvette lovers!
 
Caution......gas tank territory. ;)
 
67HEAVEN said:
Caution......gas tank territory. ;)

Definitely read the instructions with your cutting torch, I use mine so infrequently that I always have to dig out the manual and make sure I'm doing things right. It has served me well but I am highly cognizant of the dangers.

Err on the side of caution!
 
any cutting torch worth its salt should be able to cut 1/2 are you sure you are using a cutting torch and not a welding torch.



in a pinch you can cut with a welding torch by getting the area cherry red and then turning the Oxygen up (you must have the O2 pressure set at at least 30 lb) a cutting torch "burns" by rapidly oxidizing the molten metal and the pressure of the gas blows it out.
A real good torch man can cut without without any flame once he has the cut started.
 
My father could slice steel with a torch like he was cutting cardboard with an X-Acto knife. After 50 years my cuts still look more like Jack the Ripper.:ugh I think that it is all in the hands like any other art form.
Keep the tip 90º to the work and the O2 pressure up and as mentioned before ¨avoid the gas tank¨.
 
What size tip are you using.

The normal size tip you get with a homeowners kit is only a "O" good up to 1/2"

I normally cut with a "1" tip

You should be able to find a source on line that should explain how to set the torch.

I start with a tiny bit of ox then pull in the acc and set to a nice long tail then pull in the ox until I can keep a nice flame with out it popping when I hit the handle on the torch


You want to start melting the metal with your flame and as soon as its molten hit the handle and start cutting

Have a friend present to watch for fire.


A cutting torch around a car is probably one of the most dangerous tool in the hands of an inexperienced operator.


Years ago i used to cut for my uncle in a salvage yard in Yonkers NY and had to get a burners permit

I had to take a 1 day course for the permit. I was probably around 12 years old at the time
 
Thanks for all the replies. I think I was just impatient and wasn't waiting long enough for the metal to heat up.

Craig
 
Cutting torch

Are you using a true cutting torch ? It has an extra valve that adds more oxygen+ pressure to blow thru the metal once you get it cherry red. Oxy [pressure] should be about 30 psi and acetylene15- 20 psi WITH a cutting head. If you use a # 2 tip Oxy should be about 25-30 and acetylene 18-20 psi. Good luck -A tip for everybody who uses oxy/acetene,when checking for leaks ALWAYS use a soap(preferably ivory) that has zero oil in it! if pure oxygen comes in contact with oil, you better have good life insurance.

:mad +Oil= BOOM!!:nono



Jamm'in Jeff:w
 

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