Cutting torch problem

[fatboysoffroad]

I have a cutting torch that I rarely use. Bought the stuff new 5 years ago. Firepower brand ?? Torch is model CA35.

Doesn't seem to be cutting right. Cut path fills in. I've tried different settings on the acetylene and oxygen. 5-10 on acetylene and 15-50lbs on oxygen. I've tried different distances from the material, and different torch orientation. I've looked at a few YouTube videos as well.

So what am I doing wrong?

 

[sweetk30]

have you checked your tip for plugged holes ?

very common problem .

if you don't have them get a set of LONG torch head tip cleaners over the std length ones.

and I have always run 7-8 on act gas and 20-max 30 in high use needs on ox .

and I think you might be moving a little to fast in the speed your trying to cut .

and as a rule I always cut and move in the same direction so all the heat is getting in to the metal I am cutting . if you cut away from the heated area / blowing stuff out away from direction of moving it will be **** .

 

[RECox286]

Have you cleaned out your torch head ?

Do you get a good feather when you add O2 ?

Try using a straight edge to use as a cutting

guide, 3 to 5 lb gas to nmt 20 lb Oxy.

Don't know what else to suggest...

Uncle Bob

 

[Tronyadorable]

You aren't moving fast enough and the torch is too far from the work. I use a 1/4" thick x 2 flat bar as a straight edge meaning the torch remains 1/8 above the work. Tap the O2 constantly during pre-heat and the first sign it wants to cut---GET MOVING.
Lemme look for a good video real quick.

 

[Matt Irvine]

Personally the first things I would be looking at are the cutting tip itself, is it clean? Is it big enough?
Try moving at different speeds.

 

[Tronyadorable]

OK If you want..FF to 8:20.
I recommend you watch the whole thing.

 

[2oolhound]

Try cutting something different, looks like some rust or some kind of paint on that or it's cast.

 

[unslow1]

OK If you want..FF to 8:20.
I recommend you watch the whole thing.

Thanks for posting that. I have a set I rarely use.

 

[fatboysoffroad]

Yup, I've cleaned the tip. I've tried different speeds too. If I run as slow as I can I get the same result. As I speed up eventually I lose the cut but the result is still the same with the slag up to that point. I've also tried cutting into my work and cutting away. I've got a new piece of 10ga that I was cutting with the same result. I'm familiar with the concept of using a straight edge as a guide. The photo is a piece of scrape that I was using for troubleshooting.

The video was a good one for sure. It's my belief that I'm setting the flame the same as in the video but at this point I'm not sure I'm doing any of these things correctly.

I've tried different distances from the work but I'm not sure that I've gotten as close as 1/8". So I guess I'll look at the tip again. I'll try getting the tip closer to the work as well as turning the gas down and see if that makes a difference.

Thanks everyone for the advice so far!

 

[Herod]

It's too much torch and tip for the little **** you're cutting. That CA35 is a journeyman torch. Big one. Probably has a big tip to match. Switch tips. Use 00-1-101. Turn your pressures down to 5-6 acetylene, 8-10 oxygen. Then drag the torch a little bit faster.

Make sure you have a good, steady burst of oxygen when you hit the lever.

 

[Tronyadorable]

OH Gawd. Ten ga. ? I wont even drag a torch after anything less than 3/16. You need to be cutting with a 4 1/2" or 5" disc.If it's long cuts (and lots of them) invest in one of the metal specific circular saws.I use an 8" Milwaukee. My roofer buddy uses a Makita that's a bit smaller.7 1/4" maybe ?
If you need curves and such get some good bi-metal blades and use a REAL jigsaw.
Real jigsaw = any one of these: I've got the Milwaukee. His ***** about the quick release is due to powder coated blades. Metabo blades(or a belt grinder) fix that.

 

[fatboysoffroad]

I took another stab at cleaning the tip and will see if I can identify it. I didn’t see any markings on it with my initial look. I’ve not had the chance to try it since that point either.

I’m cutting up a 4’ square piece to make a top for a small bench I have. So one 4’ cut completed which is ugly as hell and another shorter cut yet to be made. I stopped to examine the torch problem. While I love tools and would like to do more metal work I probably won’t invest in a metal specific circular saw. I may use a 4.5” disc or a reciprocating saw.

I’ll post an update once I know something. Thanks everyone for your help!


Jerry