Just got O/A...now what?

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My buddy just gave me an entire O/A system with full tanks...Im just wondering just how clean/precise a cut can one make with this?  I havent used anything like this before and am just starting.  Any advise?ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Holy COW!  What a buddy!  You can do pretty good with practice.  Dont be discouraged the first few times you try it.  Make sure you have something to help guide your cuts (I use a piece of angle for straight cuts and put a digit against the work piece to help keep accurate distance) Im still working on keeping steady when I run out of support at the end of a piece.  I still cant get as clean a cut as with a saw.  Ive used old pots, coffee cans etc. to make circle cuts.  They make guides, but I havent really needed one yet..  I have been thinking of useing a piece of angle to do quick bevels for flush welding.LOL, just saw your sig.  I havent seen anybody make precision cuts with one that wasnt in a pantagraph or big panel cutter.  A plasma has a narrower kerf, but it can be just as inprecise or look worse because of the sensitivity.  Gas gets the job done.  Its great for forming metal too and you can try your hand at brazing.  Im all excited for you can you tell?Did the torch come with a guide book for tip sizes and gas flows?Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Yeah, its a schweet deal.  Unfortunately there's no books etc, and my bud had to leave for 2 months to gain employment.  Sie la vie!  These are some pretty good size tanks too (I think 120-150's).ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Sheesh, Does the torch have a name on it?  You need to know what tip size to use with what, at least that will help to eliminate alot of trial and error.  Did you get the nozzle drill set?  You have to keep the orfices clean.  If not, they are inexpensive.  So... What are you gonna do with it?  heh.You could make an acetelyne potatoe canon, thats a fun first project   (no really, you shouldnt, its dangerous, really, dont do it).It works with apples, but you really dont want to do that either.You definately do not want to take a piece of 2.5 or 3 inch jack pipe about 5' long and weld a 1/4 inch piece of plate on the bottom and you should not cut a small hole in the center big enough for the torch nozzle to fit in.LOL.  It loses it charm when your paying for the gas though, and it really is dangerous.  This was another thing I learned in the coal mines.  It was very educational as you can see.  I saw whole lunches fly out the ends of these things, and grown men rolling on the floor giggling like little kids.Last edited by Doolittle; 01-17-2007 at 10:44 PM.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Good God!  I like your style...The torch is a Meco Weldmaster?  Ill look in the box to see what other goodies its got, but Ive got 5 tips and counting.  I gotta look for a different cart though as the bottles seem to overpower the cart (they try to slide out the bottom while en route).Is there a particularly good source of beta for learning O/A torching online?ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Try these links and downloads of *.pdf's:http://www.esabna.com/us/en/support/...and-safety.cfm          choose the 2 references to Gas safety (Safety 1st)Then an "on-line" course:http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/OXY_handbook/589oxy1_1.htm ESAB's collection of "on-line" tutorials and reference info:       http://www.esabna.com/html/eu.cfm
Reply:Lowes sells this welding book that goes into quite a bit of detail on oxyfuel welding and cutting (The Welders Handbook).  I think homedepot carries it as well. I can find parts for your torch, but can't find a company website or anything.  This is the closest thing Ive found so far.  http://www.gossonline.com/site/Meco_Tips.phpIf these guys are refering to victor tip sizes that will give you a good start, then just hop on over to victors site and size up.  Be careful on how much acetelyn you flow..http://www.thermadyne.com/victor/lit...ozzle_info.pdfAllways set your regulators on the bottom end of the spec. then if you need more heat/flow, work up 1 cfh at a time.  I never move mine off 5 unless Im cutting.Last edited by Doolittle; 01-18-2007 at 09:44 PM.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:The key to good results when cutting with O/A is using the correct gas pressures and a steady hand.  With a little practice you'll be amazed at the stuff you can do with it.  As your skill with the torch improves, you'll get less practice with the grinder. As Doolittle said, there's a good section on O/A in the Welder's Handbook.Work HARDER, not smarter! ------------------------ Miller Bobcat 250Millermatic 251Lincoln Precision TIG 185Hypertherm PM 600Hobart 135 HandlerOxweld 400 FlameMaster
Reply:Awesome.  I saw that book the other day at HD.  Found one on Amazon for 0.95 cents and came with free shipping since I was buying text books as well...ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!