How to Cut Scrap Iron

An oxy-acetylene torch cuts readily through scrap iron.

Scrap iron comes in all shapes, sizes and thicknesses. Due to the variation in the types of scrap iron, you would need a specific type of bladed saw for each type of scrap iron you need to cut and bladed saws cut slowly through the hard iron. An oxy-acetylene torch cuts through scrap iron quickly and requires no electrical power or cutting blades. The oxy-acetylene torch cuts scrap iron by heating the metal to its melting point and using forced air to propel the molten metal through the scrap iron.

Things You'll Need

• Acetylene cylinder
• Oxygen cylinder
• Acetylene regulator
• Adjustable wrench
• Oxygen regulator
• Oxy-acetylene torch head
• Fire extinguisher
• Striker
• Cutting goggles
• Leather work gloves

Instructions

1. Remove the cap from both the oxygen and acetylene cylinders. Quickly open and close the valve located on top of the acetylene cylinder and then quickly open and close the valve located on top of the oxygen cylinder. This removes debris from the valve area of each gas cylinder.

2. Connect the acetylene regulator, which has a red hose, to the threaded valve are of the acetylene cylinder. Tighten the acetylene regulator nut by turning it clockwise with the adjustable wrench.

3. Secure the oxygen regulator, which has a green hose, to the threaded valve of the oxygen cylinder. Turn the regulator nut counter-clockwise with the adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. Oxygen fittings use left-hand threads so you cannot accidentally connect the oxygen fitting to the acetylene cylinder.

4. Connect the red and green hose coming from the gas regulators to the oxy-acetylene torch head. The threads of each hose fitting are threaded in a different direction and will only attach to the proper port of the torch head. Tighten each hose fitting with the adjustable wrench.

5. Set the fire extinguisher near the area you will be cutting the scrap iron with the oxy-acetylene torch.

6. Turn the acetylene control knob located on the lower left corner of the acetylene torch 1/4-turn, place the striker into the gas stream and push the striker to light the torch.

7. Slowly open the oxygen control knob located on the lower right-hand side of the torch head until you have a flame that is bright blue with a white center.

8. Put on your cutting goggles and leather work gloves.

9. Place the end of the torch flame one-inch away from the surface of the scrap iron. Hold the flame in place until the scrap iron glows bright orange and begins to melt.

10. Pull the oxygen handle located on the mid-section of the torch head to force air toward the surface of the scrap iron.

11. Drag the torch along the metal to cut the scrap iron. Make sure you move at a slow pace, so the molten metal remains at the leading edge of the torch flame.

12. Allow the cut scrap iron to cool before handling, as the metal will remain extremely hot for an hour or more after you have completed the cut.