Just posted some pictures on the main thread and thought it was a good time to share our basic cutting strategies. These do not work in all situations, but when followed save on equipment, increase safety, and are more efficient. The crew has the right to over rule the basics, but they must be able to explain why following them are not in any ones best interest.
1. Watch your sparks and your cut at the same time. If you cannot see the sparks flowing 180 degrees from the tip, something is wrong. This reduces the chances they will throw sparks on someone else, start a fire, and ensures they are getting a clean cut the first time.
2. Start cutting away from your fuel and oxygen and work your way back. This is important for a couple of reasons. First is allows you to plan a strategy, clear a path, and lay out your hose. Second, working your way back to the tanks ensures your hose is not sitting below something your are cutting. Not only can hot metal ruin a hose, but sparks damage the hose over time.
3. Cut the bottom of a hanging pipe first. We have lots of one inch and two inch thick pipes and when the sides and top are cut first slag pools in the bottom, making it tough to cut last. Not only is it easier to cut first, you also create a place for slag to escape. We use a lazy W cutting technique to cut the large pipe to make sure it is cut correctly the first time. There is little worse than finishing a cut and then finding out it's hung up. Worse than having to look for it is to make the last cut from the direction it will fall.
4. Cut the hardest part first (usually the bottom because it is an overhead cut) and try to make the safest cut last. One technique we use on large pieces is cutting everything but the last inch. Then with a partner you start cutting the last inch and then let off the oxygen and let the metal cut itself. This allows us to better read which way it wants to go and gives us more time to react.
5. Always develop a strategy on a piece before you start cutting. This limits down time trying to decide what you will cut next. On new challenges we will team up on it, discussing different strategies and possibilities. We ask the torchers to identify what they think will happen and all take educated guesses. If it is not going according to plan, we regroup and come up with an alternative strategy. Those flying solo or refuse suggestions are quickly moved to laborer. Those that know it all are seldom the ones hurt, it is usually the by standers.
Please share any ideas or suggestions you might have. You can never have to much information at your disposal.
Originally Posted by Sirscrapalot
I'm just curious why it's a big secret about the torch used....I mean I can understand a buyer, or whatnot, but a torch?
Register To Reply
Bookmarks