? About torches

Was wondering if any of you guys are proficient with torches ? I need some advice about different size tips and such , I wanna be able to cut really fine lines in 3/8 plate and can't quite do it without blowing huge lines instead of fine cuts . Any suggestions about what tip would be good ? If this is the wrong place for this sorry I was t sure ... Thanks

 

victor no. 0 will do 3/8 nicely. clean tip and proper pressures will do wonders.5-7 acetylene and no more than 30 psi oxygen

 

henrob. 2000...http://www.cutlikeplasma.com/

 

I've never used a Henrob but a Victor will cut very fine lines with a clean tip and some practicing. The biggest problem you will probably have is getting the feel for how fast you move the torch. You have to move slowly enough for the cut to pass all the way through the steel.

Most home owners do not clean the torch often enough A clean cutting tip will cackle when the lever is pressed and you can see the air stream 2" away from the tip right down the middle of the flame. I was an apprentice and the welder would not let me use his tip and would change it for anyone else to use it. if it won't cackle it needs cleaning. buy a new tip, put it in and listen to the sound when you hit the air...that is what I mean about the cackle. It's a delicate job but necessary if you want a clean cut. Most of the slag should pop off of when the part hits the concrete.

 

Thanks for the info fellas . I'm fairly new to using torches so yeah lots of practice is in my future .. When I bought the set I obviously knew there would be some technique , but I also thought light it up and start cutting beautiful lines ...

 

Depending on how you define "really fine lines"
a Lazer, or Plasma, might be the answer.

 

Keeping the correct distance from your work, and a steady hand will also help the right tip cut well. If you're a bit unsteady (like me) a roller guide setup will really help keep things located and pulling clean cuts. They're spendy, so I just built one to save money.

 

You must rest one hand on the other arm or hand, try to pull a slow even pull, make the part clean, even for cutting. Face the flame into the cut. When you get really good, you can turn off the acetylene while making the cut and the oxygen will keep it going. I'm not that good, but have seen it done. Its pretty cool to see the fire continue just with the heat, and no fuel.

 

I have seen this happen too.
Oxygen only was able to finish a cut in 3/8" steel.

 

A buddy who did a lot of cutting and welding on his Job in Texas (and welded my T bucket frame) used a piece of angle iron as a guide for straight cuts. He had the best had with a torch freehand that I have ever seen but also used a few tricks to help improve his work.

 

Mr48chev beat me to it - a piece of angle iron and a couple of "C" clamps for straight cuts - eliminates any "coffee jitter" in your cut, and will give you a nice clean line.