Oxyacetylene Cutting Torch Operation
Setting Up to cut, lighting the torch and adjusting the flame
1. Inspect the cone end, coupling nut, and torch head for oil, grease, or damaged parts.
Inspect the cone end for missing or damaged o-rings. If any damage is detected bring
it to the attention of the teacher.
2. Inspect the cutting tip and cutting head attachment. The tapered surfaces should be
free of dents or burned seats. If the cutting attachment is used with poor seating
surfaces, backfire or backflash may occur. Inspect the preheat and cutting oxygen
holes. Clean them with the proper tip size cleaner.
3. Connect the cutting attachment to the torch handle and tighten the coupling nut, hand
tight only.
4. Refer to the Welding Nozzle Tip Flow Data Chart for correct cutting tip, regulator
pressures, and travel speed.
5. Insert the tip in the cutting attachment head and tighten the tip with a wrench (15 to
20 lbs. torque)
6. Follow cylinder and regulator safety and operating procedures.
7. Open the oxygen valve on the torch handle completely.
8. Open the preheat oxygen control valve on the cutting attachment and adjust the
oxygen regulator to the desired delivery pressure.
9. Close the oxygen preheat control valve.
10. Open the fuel valve on the torch handle and adjust the fuel regulator delivery range.
11. Close the fuel control valve on the torch handle.
12. Momentarily depress the cutting oxygen lever to purge the cutting oxygen passage.
13. Open the fuel valve on the torch handle approximately 1/8 of a turn and ignite the gas
with a spark lighter (never use a match or cigarette lighter) be sure the spark lighter is
not cupped over the end of the torch tip restricting gas flow. Always wear the correct
clothing and eye protection.
14. Continue to increase the fuel supply at the torch handle until the flame stops smoking.
15. Slowly open the preheat oxygen control valve on the cutting attachment until the
preheat flames establish a sharp inner cone. (neutral flame)
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Cutting Torch
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16. Depress the oxygen cutting lever. If the preheat flame changes slightly to a
carburizing flame, continue to depress the cutting oxygen lever and increase the
oxygen flow until a neutral flame is established.
17. Hold the cutting attachment or torch handle comfortably in both hands so that the
back of one hand stabilizes the cutting tip preheat flames approximately 1/8 form the
base metal and the other hand is free to depress the cutting oxygen lever.
18. Direct the preheat flame to the spot where the cut is to be started. Before cutting
action can start, the base metal must be preheated to a brighter cherry red. When the
red spot appears, depress the cutting oxygen lever slowly and fully. Advance the torch
along the line to be cut at recommended travel speed. (this takes practice) Never lay
down a lit torch.
19. Shut the system down upon completion.
 Turn of oxygen torch valve
 Turn of acetylene torch valve
 Open and close the oxygen torch valve
 Shut off the fuel gas, and oxygen supply at the Cylinders.
 Bleed the acetylene and oxygen gas lines.
 Release the tension on the pressure adjusting screws
 Return the torch and hoses to their proper storage.
Refer to Victor’s oxyfuel welding cutting and heating guide for more detailed pictures
and instructions of set-up and safe operating procedures.
C:\Users\Ron\Documents\Ron School\Equipment Safety\Oxyacetylene\Oxyacetylene
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Cutting Torch
Operation.doc