Cutting Torch Instructions

Learn how to correctly handle a cutting torch.

A cutting torch is a device or a tool used for oxy-fuel welding, also known as oxy welding or gas welding. A cutting torch uses gases such as oxygen to cut and weld metals. Other uses include fire polishing of glass and flaming of stone surfaces, but welding and cutting are the most common and widespread uses. A cutting torch is a dangerous tool that requires great care and caution. Before using this tool, learn the proper cutting torch instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Protective gear
• Striker

Instructions

1. Put on personal protective gear such as thick working gloves, a welder’s jacket and dark lens welder’s eye goggles.

2. Inspect the oxygen tank and the fuel tank, also known as acetylene tank, for any visible signs of damage. Check the hose of the cutting torch, as well. Read the gauges while pressurizing the hoses to see if there is a significant decrease in pressure values. If the number for the pressure drops, that means you have a leak somewhere.

3. Adjust the valve on the fuel tank. Remember that turning the valve very slowly is essential because any sudden movements of the valve could make the regulator explode. Turning slowly will also help you read the hands of the valve more clearly. Adjust and set the oxygen and acetylene pressure to the level that the instruction manual specifies.

4. Light the torch by opening the torch valve and adjusting the flame. First open the valve on the acetylene tank until you hear the gas flowing from the torch. Then put the striker to the nozzle and push a small button on the striker. This will create a small flame at the cutting torch nozzle.

5. Open the valve on the acetylene tank even more, until the flame at the tip of the cutting torch is about 10 inches long.

6. Open the valve on the oxygen tank. Again, as with the acetylene tank valve, proceed very carefully and slowly. This will cause the flame to turn blue as the oxygen mixes with the gas. At this point, you will notice that the flame starts to shrink.

7. Wait until the flame looks like the small blue flame is inside a bigger, white flame. That indicates your cutting torch’s optimal cutting flame. Continue opening the acetylene valve further until the inner blue flame is the same thickness and length as the metal you wish to weld or cut.

8. Hold the cutting torch securely and firmly, perpendicular to the metal you want to weld or cut. First only touch the metal with the outer, white flame. Wait until the metal becomes red-hot, and then touch it with the inner blue flame as well. Note that the process will create a lot of sparks and will be very bright.

9. Cut the metal by moving along the area you want to cut, but make sure not to move too slowly to avoid melting the top metal edges. Keep the torch valve open by pressing the level on the cutting torch.

10. Release the level on the torch. This will make the flame of the torch smaller. Then turn off the oxygen valve, followed by the acetylene valve, and finally turn off the cutting torch.

Tips & Warnings

• Move the cutting torch steadily across the material you want to cut or weld, holding it with both hands.

• Working with a cutting torch is extremely dangerous, so make sure to follow the safety precautions for using flammable materials and power tools.

References

• Esabna: Manual Cutting
• Welding Tips and Tricks: Cutting Torch