Who cuts the best with a torch?

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Not sure if this was the best place to put this...but I figured it'd lead off of Sam's thread about OA torch cutting.Now...I have my new rig, but won't be able to work with it for a bit (it's a Victor Ranger II setup).  I remember seeing some real artists back in the day with an OA torch and was wondering if you fine folks would like to post up your best OA torch cuts.No grinding afterwards, feel free to tap off the slag, but if possible do a pic with and a pic without the slag.  I want to see some of those perfect cuts that I used to see some of the old timers make back in the day.Now...let's see those pics --Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:Wintermute - I don't have anything to run in the competition, but if you'll post up your test run, I'm sure that members here could offer pointers that could help you to become  the top-gun.Someone posted some dandy detail work on thin sheet, but I can't remember who.Good Luck
Reply:ahh, I think you misunderstand what I was asking for...I didn't even have my torch out of the box yet.  I was looking for just some pictures from people who are good at it (eyecandy so to speak).However, since you asked, I unboxed the torch for the first time and layed my hand to an OA setup for the first time in 16 years just to make a few practice cuts and post them up.Here's the pics, two of the plates there are 3/16 mild steel and the thicker is 1/4".  There's a whole bevy of problems aside from the fact that it's bloody cold out and as you can tell I couldn't keep my hand steady.  Aside from that, I ran the oxy too low on the start of cutting the 1/4" and had to restart (hence the blobbed up beginning).The torch I used is a Victor 100FC with CSR350 regulators.  Used a number 0 cutting tip.Here's the pics:Now let's see something from someone who actually knows what they're doing --Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:Who's the best with a torch?  I vote for Cal Lane.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:Originally Posted by Jack OlsenWho's the best with a torch?  I vote for Cal Lane.
Reply:Well, the best torch is in the hands of the person using it.  We use track torches at work, they use the same tips as you're using and produce cuts that require almost no post work and are much straighter.  Basically, you need to be smooth and steady like a machine and any torch will cut great.  It also helps to remove any mill scale and contamination prior to making a cut.  A few waves back and forth across the cut with the torch lit and cut jet on will remove most mill scale and contamination.When you make your cut, try not to draw the torch towards or away from  you.  Pivot the torch across one of your hands to make a very wide arc, almost a straight line and stop every 8-12 inches and reset.  This technique gives the best stability and control and gives the most finished cuts.
Reply:I'll enter a couple of pieces I cut years ago. Best??? No. No grinding, altho both have been painted. The "JAW," my initials, were done in '82, "VICKIE", in '96. JAW is 1 1/2" W x 6" H x 9 1/4' L. VICKIE is 3/4' W x 3" H x 9 3/4" L. The JAW weighs about 20 lbs.  Attached ImagesOnly when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:These had a "little" help from a grinder!   Made from 1/4" plate except for the pin in the rowel, which is 1/4" cold rolled. Attached ImagesOnly when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:I don't know about the best, but here is some I did."If you live in Sacramento you have seen my work."
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzardgutzI'll enter a couple of pieces I cut years ago. Best??? No. No grinding, altho both have been painted. The "JAW," my initials, were done in '82, "VICKIE", in '96. JAW is 1 1/2" W x 6" H x 9 1/4' L. VICKIE is 3/4' W x 3" H x 9 3/4" L. The JAW weighs about 20 lbs.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jonnie FrazI don't know about the best, but here is some I did.
Reply:A very straight cut Jonnie Fraz, show us some photos of the guide your using, looks like something I might be interested in.Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:If you're only going up to 1/4" I think you'd be very pleased with the 2/0 tip instead of the 0 tip.  The smaller tip will work wonders.  Harris is very picky when it come to tip size, at least mine is."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Smooth cuts on plate steel are one thing.1. But to test your torch skills, practice cutting a nut off a bolt and leave the threads untouched on the bolt.2. Cut a bearing off a shaft without damaging the shaft.3. Cut out a high pressure pump seat without damaging the side walls.  "big $"Just thought I'd mention mastering a torch is much more than cutting straight lines.6"XX P5P8 6G
Reply:Originally Posted by CofeSmooth cuts on plate steel are one thing.1. But to test your torch skills, practice cutting a nut off a bolt and leave the threads untouched on the bolt.2. Cut a bearing off a shaft without damaging the shaft.3. Cut out a high pressure pump seat without damaging the side walls.  "big $"Just thought I'd mention mastering a torch is much more than cutting straight lines.
Reply:This is a chain gear I cut free hand  from 1/8 carbon steel plate with a cutting torch "Victor". Then filed lightly and heat treated. It fits the chain well.  Guess practicing for 35 years helps.6"XX P5P8 6G
Reply:1" thick, hand cut with a stand off and straight edge. Not mine, but one by a friend of mine on a test sample. I have no idea what the settings were or tip used. It's almost as good as the cuts he gets with his track torch. I watched him cross cut it from the long beveled blank.You'll have to look close to see the marks. You can still see the slag from the bottom of the cut at the top. No grinding done. Attached Images.No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I have seen some guys do magic. I am not one of them. Sadly.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by CofeThis is a chain gear I cut free hand  from 1/8 carbon steel plate with a cutting torch "Victor". Then filed lightly and heat treated. It fits the chain well.  Guess practicing for 35 years helps.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSW1" thick, hand cut with a stand off and straight edge. Not mine, but one by a friend of mine on a test sample. I have no idea what the settings were or tip used. It's almost as good as the cuts he gets with his track torch. I watched him cross cut it from the long beveled blank.You'll have to look close to see the marks. You can still see the slag from the bottom of the cut at the top. No grinding done.
Reply:I would have to say Ripley in the power loader, in the  Alien movie could use a torch the best. You just cant beat using one for self defense!     6"XX P5P8 6G
Reply:Wtf.?        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3
Reply:Who cuts the best with a torch?
Reply:I just check out Cal Lane. . My god is that possible? Her work is amazing.Dave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:Cal Lane has skill for sure but I did see where in a interview she was quoted as using a plasma cutter and torches.  Heck, I haven't cut anything yet with the two torches I have ...Miller Maxstar 172 TIG (3ph)) converted to Maxstar 152 TIG (1ph), Harris & Victor Oxy/Act, Lincoln WeldPak Pro100, Radioshack 15w Soldering Iron but I want MORE and my wife saysOriginally Posted by CofeSmooth cuts on plate steel are one thing.1. But to test your torch skills, practice cutting a nut off a bolt and leave the threads untouched on the bolt.2. Cut a bearing off a shaft without damaging the shaft.3. Cut out a high pressure pump seat without damaging the side walls.  "big $"Just thought I'd mention mastering a torch is much more than cutting straight lines.
Reply:Not the best I've seen but pretty good for me. I did this freehand crouching in a foot of snow tonight. Rusty 1" steel plate. First pic fresh from the torch. Next two after a quick wire brushing.
Reply:To the guys posting the great pics; would you please include your torch settings, gas pressures, etc. Thanks.
Reply:OK, NOT TO BE OUTDONE HEREThis was done during high wind gusts, standing in 2 feet of fresh manure, with a two yr old heiffer eyeing my buttocks with evil on her mind as she edged closer and closer(Sometimes this animal husbandry thing can go a bit too far)Harris with "O" tipAcetylene set at 7psi static pressure, 5psi operating pressure.02 at 35psi Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammThis was done during high wind gusts, standing in 2 feet of fresh manure, with a two yr old heiffer eyeing my buttocks with evil on her mind as she edged closer and closer
Reply:She's mine now!!  BACK OFFShe said you never treated her right anyways"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:http://www.bmphotos.co.tv/2010/01/mo...-in-world.html
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammOK, NOT TO BE OUTDONE HEREThis was done during high wind gusts, standing in 2 feet of fresh manure, with a two yr old heiffer eyeing my buttocks with evil on her mind as she edged closer and closer(Sometimes this animal husbandry thing can go a bit too far)Harris with "O" tipAcetylene set at 7psi static pressure, 5psi operating pressure.02 at 35psi
Reply:Here's some things out of 1/8" plate. There is no way to clean up in all the nooks and crannies so a steady hand is a must. Attached Images
Reply:Here's a couple boot scrapers from old sweeps. Attached Images