How to Light a Cutting Torch
When working with steel, a cutting torch is much quicker than a saw or drill. An experienced welder can make precise cuts quickly and accurately with an oxy-acetylene rig. The first step in making accurate cuts is learning how to safely light the cutting torch. Follow the same simple steps each time you light your torch.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Put on welding gloves to protect your hands. Cutting steel with a torch produces a great deal of heat.
-
2
Open the acetylene valve on the torch no more than half a turn. This is usually the valve on the right-hand side of the torch body. If you are unsure which valve is acetylene, open one valve slightly and sniff the air 1 foot away from the torch nozzle. Oxygen is odorless. Acetylene has a noxious odor that is easily detectable.
-
-
3
Place your striker in front of the cutting nozzle and squeeze the handle. The sparks from the striker will ignite the acetylene.
-
4
Adjust the acetylene valve down until black smoke forms around the edge of the flame. Open the acetylene valve until the smoke disappears.
-
5
Open the oxygen valve slowly. Adjust the oxygen valve to give you the blue flame point you need for your cutting tip.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Put on your goggles before cutting.
Light your cutting torch with a striker or friction lighter only. Do not use a lighter or match. The flame from the cutting torch can ignite the fuel in a lighter. It can also burn through the glove on the hand holding the match quickly.
Wear appropriate clothing while cutting metals. Popping and splattering frequently occur. Molten steel can cause serious burns.
Always wear appropriate safety gear while working with welding equipment. Damage to skin and eyes can be severe and painful.
References
- Photo Credit welding image by Adkok from Fotolia.com
