What Is an Acetylene Cutting Torch?

An acetylene cutting torch is a device using high levels of concentrated heat and oxygen to cut steel. This type of tool is also called an oxy-fuel or oxygas torch because it combines acetylene and oxygen to generate the flame. Many standard brass torch handles can be used with either cutting or welding attachments.

Facts

In the oxy-fuel cutting process, a blended acetylene and oxygen flame heats the steel. When the metal turns a cherry red color, it has reached its kindling temperature. A high-pressure jet of pure oxygen then cuts the steel by rapidly oxidizing (burning) it. This two-stage technique requires the cutting torch to have a separate valve that regulates the flow of oxygen. An acetylene cutting torch can easily slice through carbon steel half an inch thick.

Components

Here are the basic components of a cutting torch from the base to the tip:
- Oxygen and gas hose connections
- Oxygen and acetylene needle valves
- Torch handle
- Initial torch head
- Cutting valve lever or trigger (this controls the jet of oxygen for cutting)
- Preheating gas tube and high-pressure oxygen tube
- 90 degree head
- Cutting tip (these come in a variety of sizes and shapes)

Types

There are two basic types of acetylene cutting torches. Machine torches are affixed to automated equipment. They offer precision and speed for bulk industrial applications. Hand torches are portable and are suitable for smaller cutting tasks such as custom fabrication. Harris-style and Victor-style hand torches are popular options. Harris-style torches are often used for scrap metal and salvage jobs. Victor-style torches are designed for commercial and industrial use.

Use

Oxy-fuel torches are commonly used by workers for shipyard jobs, manufacturing and construction. They are also popular tools at salvage yards, auto maintenance shops and other work sites that handle steel on a regular basis.
A standard acetylene cutting torch is used for applications involving carbon steel. It has a more difficult time penetrating materials such as titanium, magnesium, nickel steel and stainless steel. It cannot be used for cutting non-ferrous metal alloys such as brass, copper, and aluminum.

Warning

Acetylene is a highly flammable gas. It is combustible over a wide range of concentrations in the atmosphere--from 2.5 percent to 81 percent. Acetylene can also explode even in its pure form. Properly store and use the gas to prevent accidents.
Unburned acetylene should never be discharged from the tip of a cutting torch. It can generate static electricity at the metal tip, creating sparks that can ignite the gas.