O/A Setup for Cutting

admin

Since I am new and learning, got a couple questions. What psi do you use to cut with? I have heard 5 on the acetylene and 20- 25 on the oxygen. Is this the way it works, the acetylene cuts, and the oxygen blows out the melted metal? I want to get proficient at cutting with it first, hopefully it won't take too long. Then I will start to learn how to weld with it. I think I can set it up, but I am not sure. How do I know when it is ready to start cutting with it? What will the tip look like? How will I know how much to turn the knobs? I will take all the details and information I can get. Thanks Art...O/A Set-Up Radnor Gauges WH26FC  Welding Torch CA25       Cutting Attachment 0 TipThat is it for now...More to come later...
Reply:It really depends upon your unit, but 10 Acetylene and 40 Oxygen is about right for most medium units.  But a neutral or slightly oxidizing flame will be best for preheating the metal before you start the cut.  A better way to start is to learn the welding part of the OA outfit.  It is much simpler to learn control and to be able to recognize flame qualities.   Cutting should really be your second stage of learning.The  acetylene and oxygen combine to provide a super hot flame.  When the cutting head's oxygen handle is pressed,  it introduces a rich supply of oxygen into the flame, increasing the heat of the flame and also "burning" the already hot metal instantly by the instant oxidation process.Start with thge Stupid noob thread that you have already posted on.  It is full of pictures and info to help you in the process of O/A welding.  Cutting is a higher level skill to some extent.Last edited by lugweld; 12-11-2008 at 08:43 PM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I guess it would help if I told you the model I have, the gauges are: Radnor, the handle is WH26FC welding torch, a CA25 cutting attachment, and a 0 tip for welding. And of course the tanks and hoses.O/A Set-Up Radnor Gauges WH26FC  Welding Torch CA25       Cutting Attachment 0 TipThat is it for now...More to come later...
Reply:Don't know what brand torch you own.I have a light/med duty Harris.  Harris is sensitive to steel thickness.  Different tips for different thickness.  Acetylene at 5psi, 02 at anywhere from 20 to as high as somewhere around 40psi for a larger cutting tip. Specs on the torch/tips will give you the correct pressures.10psi seems a little high.(I'll give ya maybe 7)Fire up the torch on Acetylene only, turn it up till it doesn't smoke, then adjust the oxygen until you get a nice neutral blue preheat flame.  Hit the cutting lever, and see if you get too much flare, if so, cut the 02 back a little.  Then melt some metal.Victor, and others, I know nothing about."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:40 might even be too high.  Been a while since I used a large tip."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I read that "stupid noob" thread twice, I like it because of all the information on it. I posted on it because of all the good information and the "cheat sheets" that are on it. I am going to try and print them out. And I am going to read it again, good thread. I always figured that the cutting would be the easier of the two. What are the indicators of a neutral or slightly oxidizing flame? Thanks Art...Last edited by Chevy-Art; 12-11-2008 at 09:09 PM.O/A Set-Up Radnor Gauges WH26FC  Welding Torch CA25       Cutting Attachment 0 TipThat is it for now...More to come later...
Reply:Your Radnor torch that you purchased from airgas could be either smith, harris or victor .   If you look close enough,  there will be some markings either on the regulators or on the torch body itself that should give it away.Samm,  10 and 40 are the standard recommended go-to starting pressures for CUTTING.  Both my dads Harris torches work just fine at that pressure.Art,If you will go to your local auto parts store, you will find a Haynes manual on welding.  It covers basic necessary operation and important saftey tips.  It is not the best manual out there, but is good for the unschooled beginner.  Did you know that too much Acetylene pressure can be as unstable as nitro glycerin?  Or that a little oil on the regulator threads can send you to Kingdom come?  Or that breathing raw acetylene can give you worst case of squirts and eventually kill you?  OR that a knocked over Oxygen bottle can go throug concrete walls with little effort if the valve breaks?Not meaning to scare, because done right, O/A welding is low risk welding other than burning yourself alive.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Geez, I'd have to go out and fire up the torch to figure what a oxidizing flame is.  All I know is, that short dark blue don't preheat too good, and a longer light blue going to white don't cut too good either(too hard on your layout line, wipes it out. and gives a lousy cut with too much slag and too wide a kerf)Somebody can explain it better than me"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldYour Radnor torch that you purchased from airgas could be either smith, harris or victor .   If you look close enough,  there will be some markings either on the regulators or on the torch body itself that should give it away.Samm,  10 and 40 are the standard recommended go-to starting pressures for CUTTING.  Both my dads Harris torches work just fine at that pressure.Art,If you will go to your local auto parts store, you will find a Haynes manual on welding.  It covers basic necessary operation and important saftey tips.  It is not the best manual out there, but is good for the unschooled beginner.  Did you know that too much Acetylene pressure can be as unstable as nitro glycerin?  Or that a little oil on the regulator threads can send you to Kingdom come?  Or that breathing raw acetylene can give you worst case of squirts and eventually kill you?  OR that a knocked over Oxygen bottle can go throug concrete walls with little effort if the valve breaks?Not meaning to scare, because done right, O/A welding is low risk welding other than burning yourself alive.
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldYour Radnor torch that you purchased from airgas could be either smith, harris or victor .   If you look close enough,  there will be some markings either on the regulators or on the torch body itself that should give it away.Samm,  10 and 40 are the standard recommended go-to starting pressures for CUTTING.  Both my dads Harris torches work just fine at that pressure.Art,If you will go to your local auto parts store, you will find a Haynes manual on welding.  It covers basic necessary operation and important saftey tips.  It is not the best manual out there, but is good for the unschooled beginner.  Did you know that too much Acetylene pressure can be as unstable as nitro glycerin?  Or that a little oil on the regulator threads can send you to Kingdom come?  Or that breathing raw acetylene can give you worst case of squirts and eventually kill you?  OR that a knocked over Oxygen bottle can go throug concrete walls with little effort if the valve breaks?Not meaning to scare, because done right, O/A welding is low risk welding other than burning yourself alive.
Reply:Okay,I'll compromise with you as long as you get your oxy to at least 35.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I will do 5 Acetylene and 25 Oxygen.O/A Set-Up Radnor Gauges WH26FC  Welding Torch CA25       Cutting Attachment 0 TipThat is it for now...More to come later...
Reply:From Victor manual Attached ImagesA butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:From victor manual Attached ImagesA butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:Bad scan - try this Attached ImagesA butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:In the interest of Freedom, Mothers, Apple Pie, The American Way, and Welding Web Tradition1&2 Regulator Settings3 Firing up on Acetylene only4 Neutral Flame(Couldn't get blue cone with night shot, maybe during day)5 Hitting Cutting Lever (overall flame shortens, but ya don't lose blue cone)And, yez I froze my azz off gettin' these Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Ya going from my victor charts it matches what was already posted.  The smallest tip size that has a 10 psi recommendation of acy is a #7 tip and thats for 10" thick material.  Since he's probably cutting around 1/2 thick at most 3-5 psi acy and 30-35 psi oxy sounds like a better starting point.Save your fuel gas and run 5 psi, its more than enough.Lugweld im curious, who recommends 10 psi acy for a medium duty combination cutting torch with a max capacity of a few inches.Edit: I looked up the model numbers you posted, its a victor cutting attatchment with a max of 6" thick material.  10psi acy is certainly not recommended.Last edited by sn0border88; 12-11-2008 at 11:23 PM.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Originally Posted by Chevy-Art...What psi do you use to cut with? I have heard 5 on the acetylene and 20- 25 on the oxygen. Is this the way it works, the acetylene cuts, and the oxygen blows out the melted metal?...How do I know when it is ready to start cutting with it? What will the tip look like? How will I know how much to turn the knobs?
Reply:Well,  I guess I was thinking in the top range.  Certainly 10 won't hurt.  You can contol that with your valve on the torch if it is too much.  I use a 4 tip. Which, those pressures are correct. Also, I assumed that it was more than a "baby" tip. So,  that's where I usually use it.  You may think it wastes gas, but it reduces preheat time, increases travel speed and can and does save on labor.Also, those pressures must be increased for longer lengths of hose, larger diameters and manufacturers. Every manufacturer has different recommendations for their "equivalent" tip size.But I conceed to less psi for smaller play things. Last edited by lugweld; 12-12-2008 at 12:30 AM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Hell man, part of the fun is everybody messin' with each other  Don't mean a thing."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:point the heat a few degrees in the direction of travel to preheat the metal ahead of you..when the metal  goes from red to orange a nd then starts to go to yellow, is when its hot enough to start the cut with the oxygen lever. Once the cut is started(its actually an accelerated oxidation) you could turn off the acetylene completely and the heat from the oxidation will keep ythe cut going..
Reply:Thanks for all the help and very useful information. It is like I hit the jackpot.  O.K. one more question. Should I learn to weld with the torch first or cut with it?Last edited by Chevy-Art; 12-12-2008 at 10:11 AM.O/A Set-Up Radnor Gauges WH26FC  Welding Torch CA25       Cutting Attachment 0 TipThat is it for now...More to come later...
Reply:According to the chart 5 psi will cut 1", thats some serious think stuff regaurdless of tip... The pressures can make a big difference in the cut too, so have the right setting that work for you will save a lot of time and labor because your not grinding off all the slag or prepping. So what ever pressure works for someone, keep using it. I have a smith and all the tips recommend 10psi, i am going to try 5 next time to experiment. Here is the smith chart. I have the MC 12 series...http://www.mustangous.com/file_hosti...ch%20chart.pdf
Reply:Either one, I dont think it makes a difference.  You will learn more about torch angles and travel speed by cutting but more about how the flame acts with welding.  Take your pick and try it out,Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldDid you know that too much Acetylene pressure can be as unstable as nitro glycerin?  Or that a little oil on the regulator threads can send you to Kingdom come?  Or that breathing raw acetylene can give you worst case of squirts and eventually kill you?  OR that a knocked over Oxygen bottle can go throug concrete walls with little effort if the valve breaks?I knew I wasn't that far off, but with evidence in hand,  I couldn't deny the obvious.  See my signature line.  I knew there were different recommendations, depending upon body mix or head mix of O2 and Acetylene,  but not that much pressure differrence!Last edited by lugweld; 12-12-2008 at 12:15 PM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldI knew I wasn't that far off, but with evidence in hand,  I couldn't deny the obvious.  See my signature line.  I knew there were different recommendations, depending upon body mix or head mix of O2 and Acetylene,  but not that much pressure differrence!
Reply:I run 5 acet and 7 oxy when welding or brazing.  10 acet and 40 oxy when cutting.  Heavy cutting I run 10 acet and anywhere from 60-80 psi (using a large torch).ALWAYS keep your tip holes clean.  Be sure to position one of you preheating flames in front of your cutting oxygen tip hole.  While cutting (whether with my hand held torch, or, track torch)  I angle the torch tip so the cutting oxygen stream is blowing on an angle ahead of cut line to provide a "kerf", which allows for easier cutting.  Actually, Oxy/Acetylene cutting is a "rapid oxidizing process".  The metal is heated beyond it's melting point, almost pure oxygen is introduced which causes the oxidizing, and the pressure of the cutting oxygen blows it away.
Reply:Okay,It took a while, but here are some pics.  I never knew how hard it is to capture a defined flame on a camera.  The torch is operating at 10 and 40 psi respectively.Pic#1-51.  Black sooty acetylene flame only. You should keep opening the acetylene up until soot is gone before you adjust the Oxygen.  You do not want this.  The black floaty things left behind in the air aka. "air boogers" are fun to play with though.2.  Just right.  Flame is burning balanced in the atmosphere.  No boogers here.  No harsh noises yet. Too much Acetylene, and you will see the yellow flame leave the end of the torch and there will be a gap between where the flame ignites and wherethe torch nozzle ends and the noise is harsher. Now start to add your oxygen.3. Adding the oxygen.  Not quite there, not enough oxygen.  See the inner cone? See how long it is?  This is a carburizing flame.  It isn't too good to cut with.  The cone should be adjusted until you can see the inner minature jet cones clearly. 4.  Just right.  The flame has reached its neutral point where the oxygen and acetylene are in perfect harmony for preheating the metal.  The cones are difficult to see here in this pic, so "trust me".5.  Okay,  now you've gone too far.  Too much oxygen... Are you trying to lift off the Shuttle?See how sharp the  inner cones are?  See how short the outer flame is? Attached ImagesLast edited by lugweld; 12-12-2008 at 01:33 PM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Whoops no #5. Here. Attached ImagesEsab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Now here are some more, filtered so that you can see the types of adjusted flames.Pics 6-96. Finally a good picture of the defined inner cones.  Just like you want it.7. Whoops! This one happens to come first. You don't have  enough oxygen. You should adjust the acetylene first and leave it.  Then adjust the oxygen to the acetylene flame.  See the longer inner cone?8.  Okay now, that's too far.  Too much oxygen. See how sharp and pointy those inner cones are.  Close the adjusting valve on the oxygen a little.9.Okay, now you've got your thumb on the cutting valve.  This is what a flame looks like when it is cutting through Hot steel.  Minus the sparks and molten material of course.A few basic instructions:  Open the Acetylene on your torch handle first to get to flame #2.  Open you oxygen valve on your torch body all the way. Before you do, make sure your main mixing valve is fully closed.   Now gradually open the main mixing valve and watch the flame transform until you see picture #6.  You are  ready to cut.  Got your saftey gear on?   Should have done that to start, but recheck before you proceed.  Place the torch onto the metal to be cut.  Hold the nozzle close to the metal where the inner cones are almost touching the metal.  Watch the metal change colors.  If you have you shades on,  chances are you won't see it change until it reaches the bright red phase.  When you see it start to leave the bright red phase and glow a orange, look for little sparks coming off the metal.   Then gently push the oxy/cutting lever down with your thumb if your lever is top mounted and it should be unless your are gouging with a monster torch.  Ease into the cut.  Don't start trying to cut in the middle of a piece of plate.  Piercing takes practice.  Don't start with it. Start this first time cut on the edge of something about 1/4 inch thick and move into the piece to be cut using the above directions. Make sure you have a line to follow to start.  Draw it clearly with a piece of soapstone or a paint valve marker using a straight edge or other device so that you can practice fine motor control.  Watch out because the first few times, you are going to flinch when metal pops  and goes flying into your ear canal. Maybe you should get those ear plugs out. Sure you got all your saftey gear on? Glasses, gloves, sleeves, ear thingys?  Might need nose thingys some times.  Good luck and be safe. Attached ImagesLast edited by lugweld; 12-12-2008 at 01:35 PM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Alright. Torch ready, camera ready; let's see something get cut! Last edited by denrep; 12-12-2008 at 02:28 PM.
Reply:very good! now how about a video cutting....
Reply:LugweldMuch better job on the pics than I did.  You nailed the cone"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Sorry for the poor quality, but this little camera has a video function that only allows 60 second videos.  Since I was writer, producer, director, camera man, and actor,  I had to splice this together myself.I dug the 1/2 plate out of the fireant bed.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:A little hint from an old geezer.  To avoid being bathed in black squigleys, when lighting the torch, crack you mixing oxygen valve ever so slightly, THEN open your acetylene valve and light torch.  May pop a little, but beats trying to out run them nasty black worms floating around the shop.  ALWAYS shut off acetylene valve first.The flame pictures were great.  I didn't read all the posts, but the obtainable flame temps with Oxy/Acetylene are:   Carburizing - 5500-5700 F;  Neutral - 5850 F;  Oxidizing - 6000-6300 F.  Doesn't matter what tip size you're using, those temps are ALL you can obtain.  Might have more or less flame intensity, but temps don't change.
Reply:Thanks for all the help, pictures, and video. It is all APPRECIATED.O/A Set-Up Radnor Gauges WH26FC  Welding Torch CA25       Cutting Attachment 0 TipThat is it for now...More to come later...
Reply:Great posting of pictures, well done!Miller 140 w A/SHF Flux Core WelderDewalt Chop SawSmith O/A TorchHarley Electra Glide Classic
Reply:Originally Posted by paweldor ALWAYS shut off acetylene valve first.
Reply:Oh and of coarse Great job on the pics and video.. Too bad the torch went out of sight while adjusting, but i am sure everyone got the picture... pun intended...lol
Reply:Well,I am 6'2", 275.  So to get a clear pic,  I knew it might be hard to keep everything in frame.Those stupid new gloves are too thick to cut with btw. Couldn't use my fingers. Wanted to be safe for the kiddie welders ya know.  Should have used one of my half dozen old pairs I had laying around.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldWell,I am 6'2", 275.  So to get a clear pic,  I knew it might be hard to keep everything in frame.Those stupid new gloves are too thick to cut with btw. Couldn't use my fingers. Wanted to be safe for the kiddie welders ya know.  Should have used one of my half dozen old pairs I had laying around.
Reply:THIS IS THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS CASE OF MODERATOR CENSORSHIP I'VE EVER SEEN!!!WHERE'S THE PART SHOWIN' HIM CLIMBIN' UP ON THE PLATE WITH A 12LB. SLEDGE, BEATIN' THE BEJESUS OUT OF THE CUT TO MAKE IT DROP????SHAME ON YOU WW!!"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:The thing that happened actually was the metal dropped cleanly onto the torch's hose.  I wasn't paying attention to where that chunk of plate was going to drop. I was thinking about where my feet were though.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I need a hunka' plate 24 by 40... seen one?Yah, under the bench.Nope, I checked that, it's 24 by 39.  Nice cut Lugweld.
Reply:Well,  I got another plate I can match up if I have too.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by MustangousWell, this is always mixed... I took a welding class and the instruction was excellent, Extremely knowledgable and bla bla bla... He said the same, BUT in the "Welder's Handbook", it says "Close the oxygen valve first. Oxygen supports combustion and aids explosions, so get rid of the oxygen first". When i close the acetylene off first i get a pop. I heard that any pops is not good for the torch because its back firing into the system. So why not shut the oxygen first? all that happens is your left with flame that you started when you lit the torch? Then you shut that off and flame goes out...What is right?
Reply:I've been told 7 acetylene/40 oxygen.  For those who say this wastes fuel, does it matter since you're only opening the valves on the torch as much as needed? This is a serious question, not meant to degrade anybody.
Reply:Originally Posted by eclipseI've been told 7 acetylene/40 oxygen.  For those who say this wastes fuel, does it matter since you're only opening the valves on the torch as much as needed? This is a serious question, not meant to degrade anybody.
Reply:I think your oxygen is more crucial unless your good and can feather your torch handle. When you squeeze the torch your getting full oxy....