Little tool for torch cutting circles

[Techie1961]

I posted about a build that I'm doing and some people thought this was a neat trick. In the days of CNC and Plasma CNC, there are still some old tricks that not everyone has heard of. If this helps anyone, great.

Many many years ago, I built this simple little piece that has worked nicely for me. When you have to cut an arc or circle in some steel with a torch (could work with a plasma torch as well) this will make a fairly nice cut that is better than hand held.

The threaded rod has a point on it and you hold it on a center punch mark.

 

[tarbellb]

Very cool and effective! Thanks

 

[joel63]

Major to you!

Very smart.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Nice I will have to try to remember that. Thanks

 

[Merch1]

A very good idea that has been around for many years. We have also found that different size washers and pieces of pipe can make an excellent torch guide.

 

[Lacota]

Great tip

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have a commercial circle cutter device for my Smith torch that allows the torch to stay relatively aligned in the same direction as the tool is used. This takes less fighting of the hoses when the cut is being made. OP, your tool is great, it just made me think of the factory built one.

 

[larry4406]

I took a different approach. I bolted my torch to a table jig, and spun the part to be cut like a turntable.

 

[rockinacummins]

I love the ingenuity and resourcefulness here!

 

[Farrier]

I still like my gas torch for cutting. I've wanted a plasma cutter for a long time now but for whatever reason, I've never ponied up the money for one.