Torch Cutting through dirt

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I had a job the past 2 days cutting apart a boiler so it could be removed through a standard doorway.  More feet of cutting that I care to count, and it was all dirty, rusty or painted.  the rust and paint wernt to bad, I just took it slow until it popped off, but the soot was the worst.  I tried scraping it off with no avail, I ended up zig-zaging my way through trying to go around the dirt.Any good ideas short of a grinder or wire brush?Have we all gone mad?
Reply:I've found a scarfing/gouging tip works well. Just lay it almost parallel to the surface w/ a good healthy flame and it will undercut the rust/paint/scale on the surface and cut over whatever is inside. Only drawback is the tip is a notorius oxygen thief but I doubt it would use much more in this case as it would cut faster than a regular tip.                            JMHO,                                     MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:If you don't need the extra capacity, clean the shoot free areas and cut it smaller, you can grind it off but, if you thought cutting x feet of steel was a PITA wait till you grind the same amount but 2 pieces per distance.
Reply:i have no experience with a plasma torch, but as far as getting metal clean in a short amount of time, i would say a wire cup brush or grinding disk on a grinder would do the job best. the burning portion probably woudl leave a bit of fumes in the surroundig environment, and i doubt you want to use a wire hand brush. the grinder may not leave a super-wide path for your torch to cut along, but i don't think that would matter too much. besides, if you alrady have the torch in the basement, youhave to have a power sorce (probably an extension cord) close by. why would an extra couple pounds of grinder bother? just grind a quick line down the path, then follow behind with the torch. i don't see any faster way.Later,Andy
Reply:I was using an oxy/acy torchI figured a wirewheel would be easiest, but I didnt feel like getting it out of the truck.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:A nice big scrap tip with lots of preheat will blow through just about any thing that gets in your way.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by sn0border88I was using an oxy/acy torchI figured a wirewheel would be easiest, but I didnt feel like getting it out of the truck.
Reply:What about soap and water?  Some type degreaser or lye solution?  I don't what type access and ventilation you have.  What about a saw?  I was considering a metal cutting circular saw for a set of steps will be replacing tomorrow. TSC and Northern Tools sell them for less than 120 dollars.  Morse blade are $49.
Reply:Originally Posted by sn0border88I figured a wirewheel would be easiest, but I didnt feel like getting it out of the truck.
Reply:Originally Posted by sn0border88I had a job the past 2 days cutting apart a boiler... ...it was all dirty, rusty or painted...  ...Any good ideas short of a grinder or wire brush?
Reply:I acually got all the tubes out in one piece, I really didnt want to cut each one.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:I use a HD Victor Bulldog tip for scrapping, and I do run propane. Here is a pic. http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...ailRoad006.jpgDisclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."