Cutting torch tips

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I've read over a bunch of info on torch setup, but am wondering if anyone has any specific tips on getting the cleanest possible cut from a torch.  I'm going to be assembling some plate steel bumpers for my Bronco and want to keep cleanup of the pieces to a minimum.
Reply:You might want to read this thread and watch the videos Irish Fixit here did.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=63275Good settings, a clean tip and the right travel speed will get you beautiful cuts with OA. The biggest problem is most people don't set the regs correctly. Dirty tips and the wrong travel speed probably are tied for #2 and 3..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:Get the Wall Mountain video on oxy cutting.  Nice vid and shows the way.  All of the vids there are great.http://www.weldingvideos.com/torchcutting.htmlVictor Oxy weld/cut Setup Meco Midget Torch outfitEverlast 2016 250EX & Power Cool W300Lincoln Power mig 210MP  w/amptrol and Spool GunEverlast Powerarc 200 Hypertherm Powermax 45Bandsaw, Lathe, grinders, press, Bridgeport, etc.
Reply:I think where a lot of people make a mistake cutting, they press the oxygen lever all the way down. There is a sweet spot to all torches! I always liked the cutting cone to be as long as possible, and sound like a jet engine. Sometimes I can get that by only pressing the oxygen lever down maybe an 1/8 or 1/4-inch. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:basically choose the right tip for the material size; learn how to set your torch properly. The thread by irishfixit covers this really well. And to get really good with an oxy/fuel torch it takes a lot of practice. Plasma, oxy/fuel  etc any tool is only as good as the guy using it.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI think where a lot of people make a mistake cutting, they press the oxygen lever all the way down. There is a sweet spot to all torches! I always liked the cutting cone to be as long as possible, and sound like a jet engine. Sometimes I can get that by only pressing the oxygen lever down maybe an 1/8 or 1/4-inch.
Reply:Originally Posted by irish fixitIn that case you should be adjusting the oxygen pressure to a lower setting.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPHey, thanks! Never really thought about it, but make perfect sense once someone says it. All my life I’ve always been in a big a$$ hurry, soon as I got something to work off I’d go with it! In as many years as I’ve been in this trade I’ve only seen about three guys who were truly amazing at burning. I swear they can burn better free hand than I can with a tractor torch.
Reply:search for the cutting tip chart for the manufacturer of your torch.   gives tip six, pressures, and metal thickness reccomendations.Victor Oxy weld/cut Setup Meco Midget Torch outfitEverlast 2016 250EX & Power Cool W300Lincoln Power mig 210MP  w/amptrol and Spool GunEverlast Powerarc 200 Hypertherm Powermax 45Bandsaw, Lathe, grinders, press, Bridgeport, etc.
Reply:The right tip and the right pressures make a huge difference mainly the oxygen pressure, if you use a #4 victor tip with 60lbs of oxy on 1/8 plate your going to have to cut it with a hammer when your done, if you use a 00 or an even an 0 on 1/8 plate with 15-20lbs you'll have much better luck but it also depends on how you set your flame, your travel speed and your ability. I use a curve-o-mark burning guide for straight lines and it makes a world of difference... just my .02
Reply:For oxygen acetylene cutting I generally run 5 to 7 on the acetylene, and 40 for the oxygen. For oxygen propane cutting I generally run 10 on the propane, and 40 for the oxygen.Here is some 1-inch plate I cut with propane. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPFor oxygen acetylene cutting I generally run 5 to 7 on the acetylene, and 40 for the oxygen. For oxygen propane cutting I generally run 10 on the propane, and 40 for the oxygen.Here is some 1-inch plate I cut with propane.
Reply:Thanks Mike! I kind of like this propane, little slower than I'm use to with acetylene, but hey I got all the time in the world.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Great vids. Thanks.
Reply:People tend to use too big a tip for what they are cutting. I use 000 for almost every thing and have cut 1" with it just fine but a little slow.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPThanks Mike! I kind of like this propane, little slower than I'm use to with acetylene, but hey I got all the time in the world.
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tDoes it still come out cheaper if you travel slower and use more propane than if cutting with acetylene?
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tI've never cut with propane, and I'm guessing it's used for cutting the fuel cost and easier availability.Does it still come out cheaper if you travel slower and use more propane than if cutting with acetylene?
Reply:Just wanted to post up and say thanks.  I've been following the thread and have learned lots.  Much appreciated!