- The equipment for oxy-acetylene cutting is very similar to that for welding, except for the construction of the torch and the need for a higher capacity, higher-pressure oxygen regulator.
- If Handigas (LPG) or propane is used instead of acetylene, a special Handigas nozzle or cutting torch MUST be used.
- Never use acetylene cutting nozzles with Handigas nor Handigas cutting nozzles with acetylene.
- It is also necessary to use a Handigas regulator in place of the acetylene regulator.
- If the same equipment is to be used with both acetylene and Handigas, a separate regulator and hose MUST be used for each gas at each changeover.
- Hazardous working conditions Cutting torches are often used in hazardous areas such as mines, quarries, shipyards, steelworks, construction sites etc.
- In these areas, equipment and especially hoses are prone to damage, often resulting in a dangerous leak of gas.
Hazardous Working Conditions Cutting torches are often used in hazardous areas such as mines, quarries, shipyards, steelworks, construction sites, etc. In these areas, equipment, and especially hoses are prone to damage, often resulting in a dangerous leak of gas. Method of assembly and testing
- Method of assembling and testing a cutting outfit is similar to that described in Welding Equipment - Assembling, and the same procedure should be followed.
- Where Handigas, LPG or propane is used instead of acetylene, the same procedure in assembling and testing should be followed.
- When assembling and testing, do not allow Handigas, LPG or propane to flow freely for prolonged periods. These gases are heavier than air and will collect at floor level, and may be ignited later by sparks or hot metal.
Lighting-upThe lighting-up of a cutting torch follows the same procedure as a welding torch. The oxygen pressure, however, will be higher in order to provide the required stream of cutting oxygen. Again, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Follow the procedures in Lighting-up but take note of the control valves on a combined welding and cutting torch. On most torches of this type, it is necessary to fully open, and leave open the oxygen valve on the torch shank.
- Use the preheat oxygen control valve on the cutting attachment to control the flame setting.
Depress the cutting oxygen control lever (or button) to check control of the cutting stream. If the flow of cutting oxygen changes the flame setting, reset flame by adjusting the preheat oxygen control valve. |
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