[TheForge] learning to use a cutting torch properly

[theforge@mailman.qth.net]

Wow, great writeup, that went into my save file. I don't do much cutting 
with a torch, and have to do several practice cuts on scrap before cut 
the real piece.  I have found that the props I mentioned let me focus on 
just the traversal rate of the torch, increasing the quality of my cuts.
I don't do much cutting with a torch, and have to do several practice 
cuts on scrap before I cut the real piece, at which point I can get a 
clean cut on 1/8" to 1/2" pretty easily.  For me the advantage of the 
Henrob on thin sheet (or rather the single preheat) isn't economy, more 
that it allows  me to precisely heat the cutting path.  A standard head 
also heats the sides of the kerf, as well as the  trailing path.  On 
thin sheet, with admittedly poor technique, this can be a killer, as it 
seems to lead to more distortion and an irregular kerf.   I still have 
all of the documentation for my 35 year old torch, and it lists the 
cutting head for "up to 1 1/2 inch steel".   Your post made me realize 
"up to"  is probably a bad spec for the tip, probably 1/8" to 3/4" is a 
better range.   I will look for one of the sheet metal tips you 
describe.  I have been looking at a HenRob for a few years now ( my 
neighbor has one that I borrow on occasion) but you may have killed the 
only definitive advantage I have found for it.

Charles


Peter Fels And Phoebe Palmer wrote:

>
> 16. The Henrob ( i have one) is an inferior cutting torch. If you like 
> the economy of the single preheat, that is available  in a number of 
> sizes from many mfg under the name of a sheet metal cutting tip or a 
> plate cutting tip.