Directions for Using a Cutting Torch

Common procedures apply regardless of make and model of gas cutting torch

Cutting torches are very handy and versatile tools to have around the home workshop. Not only can proper use help in heating stuck bolts for easier removal, they also excel at heating metal for easy bending in addition to the cutting action they provide. Though there are dozens of manufacturers with different procedures in using gases for their torch systems, there are some common procedures which should be used no matter which cutting torch system is being used.

Things You'll Need

• Box filled with sand (size depends on project when cutting plate metal)
• Fire brick
• Heavy leather gloves
• Leather boots
• Headgear with eye protection (full face cover is best)
• Long-sleeved shirt

Instructions

1. Put on all personal protective gear. Burn prevention is 90% of using any torch to perform a given job. Always wear heavy leather gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, leather boots, and full-facial protection when using any torch. Bare skin will receive serious burns if exposed, whereas clothing with a hot piece of metal on it may be removed immediately if necessary to prevent further contact with the skin.

2. Follow all recommended gas tank valve settings given by the manufacturer for optimum use of your torch system. Due to the various valve systems and nozzle types, no one set of gas valve settings will apply to all torch systems for lighting and cutting. The first step is generally to turn on the gas valves of the fuel canisters to the recommended settings for the type of job to be performed. Turn those on to their proper settings now.

3. Turn on the valves located on the handle of the torch, again using the settings for igniting as provided by your given torch system manufacturer. Once the valves are turned on, light the torch by using a torch strike flint igniter. The sparks will ignite the fuel coming from the nozzle. Adjust the gas valves until a clear blue cone of flame with a sharp point at the tip fo the flame exists.

4. Hold the tip of the blue cone of flame about an inch or two from the surface and heat along the edge until the metal turns a bright red color. For a bolt, simply heat for about ten seconds and then try to remove. For bending plate steel, have the piece of steel in a bending jig and heat along a straight line where the bend is desired. Bend the metal as soon as possible before it cools.

5. Cut metal by first heating the edge of the metal where the cut line is to be made and heat until the metal is bright red in color. For control of your hands to cut a straight line, place a fire brick near the area where the line is to be cut and rest your non-dominant fist upon it. Rest the other hand holding the torch nozzle upon the non-dominant fist and then cut the line straight across by depressing the cutting oxygen lever and moving slowly from left to right, or right to left using the fire brick for support.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all flammable materials and liquids out of the area where any torch or welding work is to be done. Even if the containers are at a safe distance, fumes may build up to a dangerous point without even being realized, causing the chance for a flash explosion to occur in the building.

• Lay a piece of metal to be cut with a torch in a sand box if possible so the sand will absorb the heat under the metal being cut. This also speeds up cooling time of the metal as the sand conducts the heat away from the piece.

References

• Handbook: Manual Cutting Torch Practice
• Iron Working: Torch Types and Use