How To Use a Cutting Torch for Clean Metal Cuts

How to use a cutting torch is a skill every welder should have. With a cutting torch, you can slice through thick steel fast and watch those sparks fly! It might look tricky, but it’s easy once you know the steps.

With the right setup, safety gear, and a bit of practice, you’ll be cutting clean lines in no time. Pay attention, take it slow, and you’ll stay safe on the job.

Want to handle tough metal like a pro? Keep reading to learn how to use a cutting torch the right way!

What Is a Cutting Torch and What Do You Need to Use One?

A cutting torch is a special tool that uses heat and gases to cut through metal. The torch mixes oxygen with a fuel gas, like acetylene or propane, to make a very hot flame. This flame can reach temperatures high enough to slice steel cleanly.

Cutting torches come in different types. The most common is the oxy-acetylene cutting torch. Some people use propane as the fuel, but acetylene gas makes a hotter flame which is best for thick steel.

To use an oxy-fuel torch, you need a few important pieces of equipment:

Always wear fire-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and sturdy clothing. Sparks and hot metal can fly while you work.

First, you adjust the oxygen and acetylene to the right settings using the regulators.

Then, you use the spark lighter to start the flame at the torch tip. The flame is very hot and melts metal quickly. You move the torch along your marked line to make the cut.

Never use a cutting torch near anything flammable. Oxygen is key because it helps the metal burn and cut. Without enough oxygen, the torch will not cut well.

Cutting Torch Safety Basics

Safety is the most important part of using a cutting torch. Always make sure your work area is clear of flammable items before you begin.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency and wear personal protective equipment every time you use a torch. This includes welding gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, a welding apron, pants, and safety glasses.

You should never cut without this protection! Flying sparks and hot slag can injure you or start fires. Always face your torch away from your body and others.

Use a stable work surface that can handle heat. Check your hoses and connections for leaks before using the torch. You can use soapy water to spot leaks. Fix them right away to avoid accidents.

Follow these key torch safety steps:

1. Check for gas leaks before lighting the torch to make sure everything is safe.
2. Put on all required protective gear like gloves, goggles, and a welding helmet.
3. Clean your work area and remove any fuel sources that could catch fire.
4. Have a fire extinguisher ready nearby in case of emergencies.
5. Point the torch away from yourself and others before lighting it.
6. When cleaning the torch tip, do not run the tip cleaner in and out like a file—this can damage the tip and affect the flame. Only insert the cleaner as needed, and do it gently.

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How To Set Up and Light a Cutting Torch

1. First, check that your oxygen and acetylene cylinders are secure and upright. Attach the regulators to each cylinder.
2. Tighten the connections with a wrench.
3. Open the cylinder valves slowly.
4. The high-pressure gauge on the oxygen and acetylene regulators will show how much gas is in each tank.
5. Use the low-pressure gauge to set the working pressure.

Check your setup before lighting:

Turn the adjusting knob on both regulators. Set the correct oxygen pressure and acetylene pressure for your cutting tips.

Each cutting tip may need a different setting, so check the manufacturer's chart.

Next, open the acetylene torch valve just a little. Use the torch striker to light the acetylene. The flame might look smoky or yellow.

Slightly open the oxygen preheat valve on the torch. The yellow flame will turn blue and sharp. Adjust both valves to get a neutral flame.

Finally, open the main oxygen valve for cutting. Check that the flame is steady and the cutting tip is clean. Always wear safety goggles and gloves.

How To Use a Cutting Torch to Cut Metal

To cut metal with a torch, you need an oxy-acetylene setup. This combines oxygen and acetylene gases to produce a flame hot enough to cut carbon steel.

Start by making sure your work area is safe. Wear safety glasses, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing. Check your hoses and connections for leaks.

Steps to Cut Metal with a Torch:

1. Open the valves for oxygen and acetylene.
2. Light the torch with a spark lighter, not a match.
3. Adjust the flame until you see a small, clear inner cone.
4. Place the flame on the metal until it glows bright red, not melting.
5. Squeeze the oxygen lever to start the cutting action.

The high flame temperature burns the metal and uses pure oxygen to create oxidation. This process turns the metal into molten metal, which is then blown away by the oxygen cutting jet.

Pay attention to your gas flow. Too much or too little can stop proper operation. Move the torch slowly and keep it just above the surface. Tilt it slightly back while moving forward.

Torch cutting works best on carbon steel because oxidation is key to the process. Stainless steel and aluminum do not cut well with the same method.

How To Shut Down and Store a Cutting Torch Safely

When you finish using a cutting torch, you need to shut it down the right way. Start by closing the torch valves for both oxygen and fuel gas. This stops the flow of gases at the torch.

Afterwards, close the cylinder valves. Always do this step separately for each cylinder. Make sure you turn the cylinder valves clockwise until they are tight.

Next, open the torch valves again to let any leftover gas escape. You can do this for both oxygen and fuel.

When the gauges drop to zero, close the torch valves again. It is important to bleed the lines. This helps keep pressure from building up in the hoses. Do not skip this.

Turn the pressure regulator screws out until they are loose. This helps keep the regulators working right for the next time you use the torch.

Safely wrap up your hoses and check for burns, cuts, or leaks. Store the torch and hoses in a clean, dry spot.

Remember! Keep your torch away from heat, sparks, or oily rags. Always make sure the area is safe and stays clean.

Common Cutting Torch Problems and Quick Fixes

Cutting torches sometimes have issues that make work harder. The flame may pop, sputter, or not cut well.

Problem: The flame blows out or pops.

Quick Fix: This often happens when you use too much pressure. Turn down the gas valves, especially if the flame jumps off the tip. Make sure you have a neutral flame—neither too much oxygen nor too much fuel.

Problem: The torch will not cut cleanly.

Quick Fix: A dirty or clogged tip can block the flow. Use a tip cleaner to remove slag or dirt after every use. Cleaning all holes, including preheat and cutting oxygen holes, keeps the flame steady.

Problem: Leaks at connections.

Quick Fix: Before lighting, apply a soapy solution to joints and hoses. Bubbles mean a leak. Tighten connections if you see bubbles, and replace damaged hoses right away.

Problem: Unsteady or yellow flame.

Quick Fix: Check your gas pressure settings. You want a neutral flame—a clear, steady blue. If the color changes, reset your gas ratios. Adjust your oxygen and fuel valves until the flame sharpens up.

Quick Troubleshooting Table

Conclusion

Learning how to use a cutting torch opens up a world of metalworking projects. With careful setup and safety in mind, you can cut through metal quickly and easily.

Remember, practice and patience are key. Follow each step, use your safety gear, and soon you’ll feel confident using a cutting torch for all your metal cutting needs.

How to use a cutting torch is a great skill. Take your welding further by reading our Welding Weave Patterns article for more pro tips!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you turn on first, oxygen or acetylene?

You should always turn on the acetylene first. Open the acetylene valve on the torch a little and light it right away. After the flame is steady, slowly add oxygen until you get a sharp, bright flame.

What are the proper settings for a cutting torch?

Set the acetylene pressure according to your torch’s size, usually around 5 psi. The oxygen is set higher, often between 20 and 40 psi, depending on the tip and thickness of metal. Check your torch manual to be certain before starting.

What happens if you turn off oxygen before acetylene?

If you turn off the oxygen first, the flame will get smoky and produce soot. This can make a mess and is unsafe.

Always turn off the acetylene last when shutting down.

Do you use more oxygen or acetylene when cutting?

You use much more oxygen than acetylene during cutting. Oxygen not only fuels the flame but also cuts through the metal. This means your oxygen tank will run out faster.

What not to do with a cutting torch?

Never use a cutting torch near flammable materials or without safety gear. Do not try to use damaged hoses or loose fittings.

Never point the torch at yourself or others. Do not leave it unattended while it is lit.

Also Read Our Other Articles:

• What Is Oxy Acetylene Welding: Everything You Need to Know
• Welding Stringers: What Are They and When to Use Them
• What Is a Combination Welder? Explore Multi-Process Welding Skills