Excellent sound advice. When I was 11, my next door neighbor was building a dirt circle burner (stock car) out of a 55 chevy. I had watched my dad use his cutting torch, but he never let me touch his stuff. My neighbor handed me a torch, showed me how to use it, 5/20 and told me to cut everything off the car that wasn't needed. Starting with the inside of the trunk and worked my way around the car. I felt like superman!
Just stumbled on your channel the other day and as an old welder and instructor with 50 years behind in the business I was impressed. I started playing around in my father's shop as a teen and fell in love with the trade. Do the thing you love and you'll never work a day in your life.
Very impressive work as always! I love seeing these "oldschool" videos, the oxy-acetylene stuff. Takes me back to watching my grandfather work in his shop. He and my father passed so much knowledge down to me about metal working. I don't get to do it as often as I like, but watching these videos keep the concepts fresh in my mind. Thanks for passing this information down to the latest generation. Too many people are afraid to get their hands dirty these days.
Enjoy your presentation on your welding and cutting videos. As a welding instructor in a vocational tech school, you just bring back memories of my instructor’s days. Now retired still listening to another instructor is enjoyable, thank you.
I love watching this channel, I have a Victor torch and body that is over 60 years old, belonged to my Grand Dad and I took it in to Wichita Welding about 4 years ago and had new O-rings put on it !! My Father in Law was Vice President of Outdoor Products at Coleman and he set up Wichita Welding to do all of the teaching at Coleman and supply !!
Been in the business 43 years and counting. I have a homemade circle cutter like yours, but with just one nut on one end. Have had it a VERY LONG time. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the excellent job your doing. I have learned some things by watching them that I didn't know or that made my job easier. I always tell the younger guys, when they ask for help, "I've been doing this for a long time. The minute you think you know it all, is the second you need to go home. Because you can always learn something new."
Good evening, your verbal and physical illustrations are priceless and comes with years of experience. I salute sir. I am like you, It pains me to use another person’s tool.
Journeyman torch, generally run 7/38 lbs..., layout with soapstone...briefly preheat and pull the trigger following the layout lines ..this will burn off 90% of the mill scale , put layout lines back in and on thicker material hit the edge ( on corner radius cuts) with a chisel,, this will cut down the pre-heat necessary to get up to cutting temp as the raised edge will come up to temp much more quickly... may help some folks out there.... enjoy your videos and a guy can always pick up new tricks
Seriously, that jig is the coolest and most useful thing I've seen so far in 2018. Most of my work is in the field so I couldn't always use that but you better believe I'm making one for the times I can. Thanks for the great video man
I just want to say that quite a few years ago now I was taught basics of oxyacetylene cutting and I am amazed at quality of the cuts that you've shown in this video. I must admit that the people who showed me at the time did have several years experience & as you said that preparation is such a thing that is really over looked & with the introduction of plasma cutters the use of oxyacetylene cutting for quite a few people is really over looked nowadays. Love the video's that you produce & the attention to detail in all of the steps that you show
WOW 😳 is all I can say! I am beyond humbled! I can not cut with a torch worth a 💩. I was never taught, so am now trying to learn. You sir are truly a master of the trades. Thank you for continually sharing your knowledge with us sir.
Glad to see you back Bob! I'm the same way when it comes to this type of stuff, I take my own. I know how I take care of my tools, and me being aggravated over unkept tools is not in anyone's best interest. I take my favorite whip and stinger too.
Good video! At 56 I've just started welding as a hobby. Bought a MIG welder about two years ago and just got a torch about 2 months ago and would like to see more videos from you on it versatility.
Bob that is by far the best tool for cutting holes and when I was taking welding class they never said anything about removing mill scale and I'll be doing it from now on good video.
This was a nice change! I've cut a few times, and always feel like I'm murdering it. Going to try again, now! It seems to me that one small problem is that the best point-of-view for this is on the opposite side of the plate! If you can see what the plume of sparks is doing. I got a few good cuts in a class once, where another student was watching from the side, saying like "speed up!", "OK, that's it" kind of thing. When it's going right, you don't see much on the torch side of the action. Always glad to see torch videos!
Great video! I cut a few round slugs out today to patch some incorrectly cut holes. I get by pretty good freehand but I was scheming of a jig to get cuts the same quality as a burnout table and seeing yours in action gives me a better idea what should work
Dang...you always impress me. I wish I would have had a quality instructor when I was learning to weld. I've learned as much from your videos as I have a lifetime of hobby shoppin'.
Thanks for the timely video Bob.I will soon be cutting down some no longer needed Aussie Rules Football goal post ground sockets made from 1/4 Gal pipe with only a small work area dug around each post hole.Your video was very informative and I will have to put some practice time in first. And yes I will be very careful about the gal.fumes upwind and filter mask on. Mark
Another great video! There's a reason I got my own torch just for the reasons you stated. Only thing I've noticed is I'm hearing a lot of static and feedback on the audio on the the videos starting this year(2018), last year's sound fine. Looking forward to the next video. Great job!
All is good Bob. I had a wooden box with a strap on it, there was a place in the box for tips, torch, hose attachments and regulators I would carry that box on my shoulder from job to job. I use MY torch.
Another great video Bob, a lot of new guys and some older guys hopefully will learn a thing or two. The guy I learned from was like you you do it this way because if you don't this is what happens and that has stayed with me for 30 years. Every time I see a guy using a torch as a hammer it makes me want to walk over to them and hit them over the head with the torch. I use Smith torches and like them, the Victor Journeyman is another favorite of mine, my Smith torches still have shiny chrome plating on them except for wear spots but no dents or scratches, if you take care of your tools they will take care of you.
Heya Bob, just going through the archives a bit tonight learning about oxy-fuel as I just got a rig. I love your radius cutter. With the way you have it designed, where the torch can swivel in the nut, couldn't you keep the torch in one place, and just rotate the arm of your jig? Really appreciate all the information you are sharing and putting out there. I've learned a lot, and it's helped me out as I've transitioned from big corporate software to the trades.
Bob, nice video. I too on occasion use customers torches and carry an assortment of tips to use in their torch when the need arises. Some guys do not take good care of their tools and use the tip for a hammer.
Another great video full of good tips. I have my students tuned into your videos also, it reinforces a lot of what I teach. The old saying, hear it twice you will learn twice as much. Thanks
Something that might be fun one day, if you run out of topics... There are a lot of different cutting tips! A lot of them just show in books or catalogs but are hard to buy. A good example is for a given size (like your 00 size) you might be able to get light or heavy preheat versions. Then there are some tips that just cut in a line and have only one or two preheat flames, or bent ones for gouging. I BET a lot of your loyal viewers would like to see something novel like this. I've heard about gouging out bad welds for example, but never seen anyone do it.
Bob you sir are my spirit animal lol keep the content coming i always look foward to binge watching your videos and learning from such a great source thank you sir
Another great learning video Bob. Maybe down the road you could do the same thing with a plasma torch setup and use. I’ve seen the same issues using to high of amperage and air pressure cutting thinner materials and people wondering why the cuts were so bad looking. Again thanks for the great way you teach people on the proper methods of using equipment when oxy/acetylene cutting.
I run 40 oxy and 5 actylene from 1/4" up to 1/2" and get great cuts with no slag... If I get up to 5/8" or 3/4 I go up to 8 on acty. and leave oxy at 40... Great video I also have one of those home made compasses I built 15 years ago and still use it to this day...lol 👍
Jesus is King I also use 40 on oxy and 7 on acty ! My grandfather showed me years ago , with these settings you can cut with multiple tips and all sizes from 1/4 to 1” like butter !
Hey Bob Good video. I took several welding classes years ago and that is how we were taught to set pressures, basically a 4:1 ratio. Proper way to start up and shut down a oxy/acetylene rig was stressed as well Do you think at some point you could do a video on setting engine drive welders with separate amp/volt adjustments? I’m sure you train several potential pipe welders there and when they get in the field they need to understand the volt/amp curve on the SA and SAE Lincoln machines Thanks
Very good tips (no pun intended). I set mine at the specs given when I bought it. Also, 15psi on the acetyliene (I think) is supposed to be max! Like your circle cutter.
Bob, excellent video. Could you post a plan for that circle cutter please? I have to travel 60 miles to get to a decent welding supply store so I can build my own but don't know where to get the parts for the trammel point. Nuts and square stock I can.
Bob, would love to see more videos about oxy fuel cutting, specifically about the different gasses, difference in tip styles operational pressure differences if any between fuel types.
I noted the first time you turned out the torch you turned the oxygen off first. Leaving a sooty flame. The second time it went strait clean out. So Fuel first. Which is the correct way. I feel like Fuel first on then fuel first off is correct but I see a lot of varying options. Likely either works without much fuss.
Have to ask, notice that when you shut the torch off you shut the acetylene off last. Why? I am a journeyman done my schooling at N.A.I. T. we we’re taught to shut the acetylene first.
Thanks Bob great video. I had a little bit of trouble identifying the different areas of the flame you were pointing out, it was to bright for me, maybe a darker lens would help and it may just be my cheap monitor, still learned a thing or two.
Hi Bob, They were very nice cuts. Never cleaned the mill scale off, nor seen anyone do it before, thanks for that tip. Would that also help with plasma cutting? Also never be taught to preheat the cut area, clearly has to help increase the travel speed and cut quality. Also noted your comment about pressure. The 4:1 O2 : fuel gas is what i normally use, and rarely do i cut >20mm, and naturally change tip for the thickness, but for thick >50mm to increase O2 pressures. Do you maintain that 4:1 ratio even on heavier material? I also like you radius attachment, most of the commercial units don't adjust down to that small a radius. And being under threat handpiece keep the torch well balanced. Very helpful. Thanks. Dennis
Enjoying all your videos, especially oxy-fuel. Awesome knowledge! So nice to understand a little more about oxy-fuel tools and techniques. It's addictive!
Bob, let me start by saying that I’ve learned a lot from your videos. Being a southerner myself, it’s always a hoot to hear an instructor with a southern draw. My question is do you have a lot of experience with brazing aluminum? I don’t have access to a welder (TIG would be ideal) but I do have an oxyacetylene torch with a variety of attachments. I’ve used the ole’ alumiweld stuff before but am not very confident in its strength. Any suggestions to steer me in the right direction?
Wow!!im a welding,cutting tortch hand guy but dam that was slick!!!im mean that was a great cut and like your little tool you made!!i might copy that design by the way..thank you for sharing Bob
Good morning, what is a double hot tip (2) I have a ca1060 victor cutting head. What type of model handle would I need that is compatible to my ca1060 victor cutting head. Thanks in advance. The presentation of your videos are easy to follow.
Lots of great information bob. I'm still getting the hang of one of those combo torches. Started out using a gas axe and that 3rd knob is getting in my way and the torch feels tiny.
Thanks good video. I learned to go a little cleaner, a smegr more oxygen pressure. oxy full open acetylen 1/4 to 1/2 turn open is a good guide. But the most importan is correct pressure from the bottles. use the guide from the specific tips.
Another very informative and logically presented video. Thank you Mr. Moffatt. As for a question...Could you compare Oxy-Fuel cutting to plasma cutting? There are probably advantages to each, but I have no idea what these aspects are.
Some of the advantages of oxy-fuel cutting. Typically you have a lower start up cost for the rig. Not as much as it used to be because the plasma torches are slowly coming down in price. You can definitely cut thicker cross sections. You have flexibility in you fuel gas, propane, acetylene, mapp etc. It is more portable. You don't need a high amperage power source or any power source for that matter. It is flexible, with a simple change of heads you can use the rig for welding, brazing, pre heating, heat treating etc. Some of the obvious limitations are the requirements to have high pressure bottled gas which typically requires you to pay bottle rental per year whether you use it or not. You also have to pay to refill them and they always seem to run out when you need them the most. Only capable of cutting carbon steel. A high quality cut is harder to achieve without a lot of practice. Set up, adjustment and prep is a little more tricky.
TheKajunkat Thank you for the detailed reply. Everything you said makes sense. But, I don't understand why oxy-fuel can only cut carbon steel. Following your comment, Harry Pehkonen affirmed this limitation on cutting (thank you, Harry). Barring ignition (such as magnesium), or insufficient temperature, I would think the torch would cut any metal
Gregory Parrott Oxy/Fuel cutting is an oxidative cutting process, not purely thermal like a plasma cutter. When you cut steel, which is nearly pure iron with small amounts of alloying elements, using oxygen you are actually rapidly converting the iron to iron oxide. The rapid oxidation of iron to iron oxide is VERY exothermic, and is what generates most of the heat needed to keep the process going. The iron oxide also stays molten at a relatively low temperature so it flows clear of the cut, exposing bare steel that has been heated to high temp by the iron oxide that just flowed away. This allows the reaction to continue. Other metals, such as aluminum or stainless steel, will oxidize like iron, and some like aluminum are also very exothermic. However, the oxides created (aluminum oxide for aluminum and chromium oxide for stainless steel) are refractory, and even when molten they stay attached to the surface of the underlying metal, shielding it from any further reaction. That is why oxy-fuel cutting only makes clean cuts on relatively low alloy steel.
Gregory Parrott As a general rule, oxy-fuel will only CLEANLY cut ferrous metals with relatively low chromium and/or carbon content. Contrary to what many think, you can cut cast iron and even high chromium and stainless steel with oxy fuel, but the cuts are not clean by any stretch (especially stainless). The old Linde "The Oxy-Acetylene Handbook" gave detailed instructions on the procedures for cutting cast iron and high chromium steels. Starting and maintaining the cut with the help of a steel rod (flux cutting) is sometimes done. Another variation of flux cutting used on plate material is sandwiching the material to be cut tightly between two thicker steel plates, and using a tip large enough to cut the combined thickness. In that case, the top plate provides the super-hot molten iron oxide that will cut through the cast iron or stainless (or whatever), while the lower plate prevents the refractory dross from globbing up on the bottom of the plate you are cutting. The ultimate in flux cutting is the powder torch, which is a special oxy-fuel torch that injects fine iron powder into the oxygen stream, creating a nice stream of super-hot molten iron oxide that will burn through pretty much any hard to cut material. Actually, the ULTIMATE in flux cutting is the oxygen lance :D Plasma, OTOH, will cut any metal that is within the machine's capacity. Even the biggest industrial plasma cutter cannot match oxy-fuel for the thickness of metal it can cut. However, within the machines range it can cut metals that make very refractory oxides (i.e. aluminum), as well as metals with very high melting points (molybdenum, tantalum, etc.). Many will say plasma makes a cleaner cut, but I have found that, given a good torch operator, the oxy-fuel process can match plasmas cut quality, and usually exceed it on material that is near the plasma machines max thickness capability. I have seen oxy fuel cuts on 1/4" that you would swear were cut on a laser cutting system. One clear advantage of plasma is that it only needs electricity and compressed air, along with the occasional electrode consumables. It's major disadvantage is that it is a one-trick pony: all it can do is cut. Well, it can gouge too, but IMO oxyacetylene gouging on steel leaves a cleaner groove, and the highly oxidized slag from the torch cleans off easier than the mixture of oxidized and unoxidized slag you get with plasma. Oxy-fuel is portable since it needs no electricity or compressed air. It can also do more than cut. You can heat and weld (acetylene only for welding) with it as well. You can even weld aluminum with oxy fuel. You can of course also braze and solder with the process. So it is definitely more versatile. If you could only have one single "heat" tool for doing metal work, the oxy-fuel torch would be the one to choose.
There is a reason why they sent cheat card with the Torches for the pressures and shows what size of tip goes for what size of thickness of metal. Not sure how much it helps sometimes the human factor in that's evolved.
Awesome knowledge Bob. It’s a blessing to be able to learn from you. Have you had any experience with natural gas/oxygen. That’s all we use in the Shipyard I work in, cheaper I guess but my cuts are no where near as good as with acetylene. Thanks!
it would be a huge help if you made a video on a good better best welding techniques and breakdown on how you manage to make your cuts and welds. many young bucks out there doing that but from someone who has operated for as many years as you have, I think we can all benefit from that.
I use propane I always set it or acc at 8psi and my oxygen at 30psi. The propane won't be wasted if you set a bit higher because unless you open the valve up all the way you only use what you need. That said the oxygen is a different story. When you press that valve to cut you use what every you have it set at. Propane takes a little to get use to but its not as bad as most people make it out to be. It will cut thin or thick with no problem. I like the way the tip is two piece. To clean you run a wire through the center and clean the flutes with a wire brush. I have been using the same tip for about 15yrs. Now I don't use it every day more as a hobby now but I did use it every day for about 5yrs. I do have a question. I always kill my fuel fist and my oxygen second when shutting the torch down. I have heard argument for both ways. I seen in this video you shut it off both ways. I would love for you to answer the correct way or if it even matters. Then I think maybe a video on setting up and using propane so others can benefit. Propane is cheaper and you don't have to buy another cylinder as your barbeque grill cylinder will work just fine.
You said it prefect. Listen to it. I cut and fit it all everyday, I will take the time to get a 2 ft sharp tip Everytime, I'm not a grinder, I'm a welder. I figured a way to adjust my cylinders to every tip without the book guide. By listening to the rasp
Great video Bob. I learned alot as usual from you. I am actually looking to purchase an oxygen/acytelene cutting torch and a set of tanks. Any suggestions on a budget friendly way to acquire my own oxygen and acetelyn tanks? Should I buy new tanks or used and have them tested? I was looking around on the internet at some new tanks and they seem to be quite expensive....
Question , I can cut 1/4 inch to 3 inch no problem but I have started working with 10 and 11 gauge building fire pits. I am using an 0 cutting tip 20lbs oxygen and 3lbs acetylene. Still I am getting puddles instead of blowing clean. What am I doing wrong?
I'll be darned after all these years im gonna use your lower pressure oxygen setting and save some gas & $ and probably turn out some even nicer cuts! Thanks Bob!
I got a question... Why would a TIG machine shock your hand when your tungsten is well under ⅛" gap between the material? Got a DC shock yesterday on my feeding hand with a brand new CK TL 210 while working on some pipe. Removed every bit of galvanize from it, but it's always there somewhere... Is it something to do with the residual zinc and tungsten that causes it to jump through the torch head to your hand to complete the HF circuit? Thank you for your videos! 👍🏼
Excellent sound advice. When I was 11, my next door neighbor was building a dirt circle burner (stock car) out of a 55 chevy. I had watched my dad use his cutting torch, but he never let me touch his stuff. My neighbor handed me a torch, showed me how to use it, 5/20 and told me to cut everything off the car that wasn't needed. Starting with the inside of the trunk and worked my way around the car. I felt like superman!
Really like your teaching style. Very humble and very knowledgeable. No one appreciates older guys wisdom anymore. keep up the great videos.
Just stumbled on your channel the other day and as an old welder and instructor with 50 years behind in the business I was impressed. I started playing around in my father's shop as a teen and fell in love with the trade. Do the thing you love and you'll never work a day in your life.
Think anyone learning to weld would definitely be a step or two ahead of game having you for a teacher.
Very impressive work as always! I love seeing these "oldschool" videos, the oxy-acetylene stuff. Takes me back to watching my grandfather work in his shop. He and my father passed so much knowledge down to me about metal working. I don't get to do it as often as I like, but watching these videos keep the concepts fresh in my mind. Thanks for passing this information down to the latest generation. Too many people are afraid to get their hands dirty these days.
Enjoy your presentation on your welding and cutting videos. As a welding instructor in a vocational tech school, you just bring back memories of my instructor’s days. Now retired still listening to another instructor is enjoyable, thank you.
I love watching this channel, I have a Victor torch and body that is over 60 years old, belonged to my Grand Dad and I took it in to Wichita Welding about 4 years ago and had new O-rings put on it !! My Father in Law was Vice President of Outdoor Products at Coleman and he set up Wichita Welding to do all of the teaching at Coleman and supply !!
Been in the business 43 years and counting. I have a homemade circle cutter like yours, but with just one nut on one end. Have had it a VERY LONG time. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the excellent job your doing. I have learned some things by watching them that I didn't know or that made my job easier. I always tell the younger guys, when they ask for help, "I've been doing this for a long time. The minute you think you know it all, is the second you need to go home. Because you can always learn something new."
Good evening, your verbal and physical illustrations are priceless and comes with years of experience. I salute sir. I am like you, It pains me to use another person’s tool.
Journeyman torch, generally run 7/38 lbs..., layout with soapstone...briefly preheat and pull the trigger following the layout lines ..this will burn off 90% of the mill scale , put layout lines back in and on thicker material hit the edge ( on corner radius cuts) with a chisel,, this will cut down the pre-heat necessary to get up to cutting temp as the raised edge will come up to temp much more quickly... may help some folks out there.... enjoy your videos and a guy can always pick up new tricks
As a welder/fabricator I really enjoyed watching your videos and look forward to them
Seriously, that jig is the coolest and most useful thing I've seen so far in 2018. Most of my work is in the field so I couldn't always use that but you better believe I'm making one for the times I can. Thanks for the great video man
I just want to say that quite a few years ago now I was taught basics of oxyacetylene cutting and I am amazed at quality of the cuts that you've shown in this video. I must admit that the people who showed me at the time did have several years experience & as you said that preparation is such a thing that is really over looked & with the introduction of plasma cutters the use of oxyacetylene cutting for quite a few people is really over looked nowadays. Love the video's that you produce & the attention to detail in all of the steps that you show
WOW 😳 is all I can say! I am beyond humbled! I can not cut with a torch worth a 💩. I was never taught, so am now trying to learn. You sir are truly a master of the trades. Thank you for continually sharing your knowledge with us sir.
Glad to see you back Bob! I'm the same way when it comes to this type of stuff, I take my own. I know how I take care of my tools, and me being aggravated over unkept tools is not in anyone's best interest.
I take my favorite whip and stinger too.
Good video! At 56 I've just started welding as a hobby. Bought a MIG welder about two years ago and just got a torch about 2 months ago and would like to see more videos from you on it versatility.
Yet again another QUALITY video from THE BOB! Keep it up, love the content from this channel!
Bob that is by far the best tool for cutting holes and when I was taking welding class they never said anything about removing mill scale and I'll be doing it from now on good video.
Videos coming hard and fast now Bob - all the better! Thanks for the variety, too.
Thanks Bob Best cutting demo I've seen! I want to learn from the master.
"I had a dream about doing this silent video..." Not the typical start to a how-to right there :D Great stuff.
Great video! We need more oxi-acetylene videos, like bending and straightening beams and sheet metal with flame.
I'll second that.
This was a nice change! I've cut a few times, and always feel like I'm murdering it. Going to try again, now! It seems to me that one small problem is that the best point-of-view for this is on the opposite side of the plate! If you can see what the plume of sparks is doing. I got a few good cuts in a class once, where another student was watching from the side, saying like "speed up!", "OK, that's it" kind of thing. When it's going right, you don't see much on the torch side of the action. Always glad to see torch videos!
Great video! I cut a few round slugs out today to patch some incorrectly cut holes. I get by pretty good freehand but I was scheming of a jig to get cuts the same quality as a burnout table and seeing yours in action gives me a better idea what should work
Bob, I have been told to raise a burr with a punch or chisel to reduce preheat time, especially when using oxypropane torches. It does seem to work.
Dang...you always impress me. I wish I would have had a quality instructor when I was learning to weld. I've learned as much from your videos as I have a lifetime of hobby shoppin'.
Those cuts were nice dude that tool is amazing and I respect you so much for making that first set of tips last 15+ years.
Thanks for the timely video Bob.I will soon be cutting down some no longer needed Aussie Rules Football goal post ground sockets made from 1/4 Gal pipe with only a small work area dug around each post hole.Your video was very informative and I will have to put some practice time in first. And yes I will be very careful about the gal.fumes upwind and filter mask on. Mark
Hello Mark, fellow Australian cheers man. I am John.
Thank you, Mr. Moffett. I truly enjoy Oxy/Acct welding. You always have great information.
Another great video! There's a reason I got my own torch just for the reasons you stated. Only thing I've noticed is I'm hearing a lot of static and feedback on the audio on the the videos starting this year(2018), last year's sound fine. Looking forward to the next video. Great job!
Thomas Tacy Different camera crew.
All is good Bob. I had a wooden box with a strap on it, there was a place in the box for tips, torch, hose attachments and regulators I would carry that box on my shoulder from job to job. I use MY torch.
Another great video Bob, a lot of new guys and some older guys hopefully will learn a thing or two. The guy I learned from was like you you do it this way because if you don't this is what happens and that has stayed with me for 30 years. Every time I see a guy using a torch as a hammer it makes me want to walk over to them and hit them over the head with the torch. I use Smith torches and like them, the Victor Journeyman is another favorite of mine, my Smith torches still have shiny chrome plating on them except for wear spots but no dents or scratches, if you take care of your tools they will take care of you.
Thanks for showing the device you use to make circular cuts with a torch. Never saw this or even thought about.
Heya Bob, just going through the archives a bit tonight learning about oxy-fuel as I just got a rig. I love your radius cutter. With the way you have it designed, where the torch can swivel in the nut, couldn't you keep the torch in one place, and just rotate the arm of your jig? Really appreciate all the information you are sharing and putting out there. I've learned a lot, and it's helped me out as I've transitioned from big corporate software to the trades.
Bob, nice video. I too on occasion use customers torches and carry an assortment of tips to use in their torch when the need arises. Some guys do not take good care of their tools and use the tip for a hammer.
Another great video full of good tips. I have my students tuned into your videos also, it reinforces a lot of what I teach. The old saying, hear it twice you will learn twice as much. Thanks
Your the best Bob I am a tig welder who owns a oxy acetylene torch and needs to learn how to use with good results, thanks
Something that might be fun one day, if you run out of topics... There are a lot of different cutting tips! A lot of them just show in books or catalogs but are hard to buy. A good example is for a given size (like your 00 size) you might be able to get light or heavy preheat versions. Then there are some tips that just cut in a line and have only one or two preheat flames, or bent ones for gouging. I BET a lot of your loyal viewers would like to see something novel like this. I've heard about gouging out bad welds for example, but never seen anyone do it.
Leonard Pearlman Good thoughts.
that was a badass cut right there,that circle is on point
I always found the Victor torch guide a good reference to use when setting up a torch's air/fuel settings/ travel speed and tip size.
Great video thanks. You lean a lot watching an old pro at work!
Bob you sir are my spirit animal lol keep the content coming i always look foward to binge watching your videos and learning from such a great source thank you sir
The way you tap that circle out of the plate after you cut it aha makes ya look so smooth ahahah
Another great learning video Bob. Maybe down the road you could do the same thing with a plasma torch setup and use. I’ve seen the same issues using to high of amperage and air pressure cutting thinner materials and people wondering why the cuts were so bad looking. Again thanks for the great way you teach people on the proper methods of using equipment when oxy/acetylene cutting.
Love your videos , your good hand with cutters and welders we've leaned alot with them. TXS hello from Ireland
Damn that's a sweet tool for the torch and some smooth cuts
I run 40 oxy and 5 actylene from 1/4" up to 1/2" and get great cuts with no slag... If I get up to 5/8" or 3/4 I go up to 8 on acty. and leave oxy at 40... Great video I also have one of those home made compasses I built 15 years ago and still use it to this day...lol 👍
I've never cut with arg. I've said arg after a cut though.
Bob Moffatt Lol..I meant actylene, I feel like an idiot for putting argon, didnt even realize I had done that...😂
Jesus is King I knew that. I couldn't resist. Lol
AMEN!!!!!
Jesus is King I also use 40 on oxy and 7 on acty ! My grandfather showed me years ago , with these settings you can cut with multiple tips and all sizes from 1/4 to 1” like butter !
Thanks for the good info.. I have been flame cutting for years and I never really learned correctly.
Looking forward to more torch videos. Thumbs up!
Hey Bob
Good video. I took several welding classes years ago and that is how we were taught to set pressures, basically a 4:1 ratio. Proper way to start up and shut down a oxy/acetylene rig was stressed as well
Do you think at some point you could do a video on setting engine drive welders with separate amp/volt adjustments? I’m sure you train several potential pipe welders there and when they get in the field they need to understand the volt/amp curve on the SA and SAE Lincoln machines
Thanks
Nicely done, very instructive
Good video thanks for the helpful info in the cutting side. I haven’t done much torch cutting this video taught me a lot 🙏
Always the best love Bob bring him back
Very good tips (no pun intended). I set mine at the specs given when I bought it. Also, 15psi on the acetyliene (I think) is supposed to be max! Like your circle cutter.
Over 15lbs acetelyne will explode....
Would have liked to hear some more circumstances for using different types of flames. Thanks
Bob, excellent video. Could you post a plan for that circle cutter please? I have to travel 60 miles to get to a decent welding supply store so I can build my own but don't know where to get the parts for the trammel point. Nuts and square stock I can.
Nice work Bob!!
I just want a video on making a circle cutter. Did you broach the square hole in the slider or file it square from a drilled hole?
I bought the little parts. They are at your welding supply store. Or should be.
Bob, would love to see more videos about oxy fuel cutting, specifically about the different gasses, difference in tip styles operational pressure differences if any between fuel types.
I noted the first time you turned out the torch you turned the oxygen off first. Leaving a sooty flame. The second time it went strait clean out. So Fuel first. Which is the correct way. I feel like Fuel first on then fuel first off is correct but I see a lot of varying options. Likely either works without much fuss.
Have to ask, notice that when you shut the torch off you shut the acetylene off last. Why? I am a journeyman done my schooling at N.A.I. T. we we’re taught to shut the acetylene first.
Thanks Bob great video. I had a little bit of trouble identifying the different areas of the flame you were pointing out, it was to bright for me, maybe a darker lens would help and it may just be my cheap monitor, still learned a thing or two.
I noticed that too. Sorry.
Same here.
Awesome demonstration!!
Hi Bob,
They were very nice cuts.
Never cleaned the mill scale off, nor seen anyone do it before, thanks for that tip.
Would that also help with plasma cutting?
Also never be taught to preheat the cut area, clearly has to help increase the travel speed and cut quality.
Also noted your comment about pressure. The 4:1 O2 : fuel gas is what i normally use, and rarely do i cut >20mm, and naturally change tip for the thickness, but for thick >50mm to increase O2 pressures. Do you maintain that 4:1 ratio even on heavier material?
I also like you radius attachment, most of the commercial units don't adjust down to that small a radius. And being under threat handpiece keep the torch well balanced.
Very helpful. Thanks.
Dennis
Can you show us how you made the guide? ,great video! Keep them coming thanks again
Nice looking cuts ..Bob...take the time to do it right the first time.. Great videos
Enjoying all your videos, especially oxy-fuel. Awesome knowledge! So nice to understand a little more about oxy-fuel tools and techniques. It's addictive!
Bob, let me start by saying that I’ve learned a lot from your videos. Being a southerner myself, it’s always a hoot to hear an instructor with a southern draw. My question is do you have a lot of experience with brazing aluminum? I don’t have access to a welder (TIG would be ideal) but I do have an oxyacetylene torch with a variety of attachments. I’ve used the ole’ alumiweld stuff before but am not very confident in its strength. Any suggestions to steer me in the right direction?
Wow!!im a welding,cutting tortch hand guy but dam that was slick!!!im mean that was a great cut and like your little tool you made!!i might copy that design by the way..thank you for sharing Bob
Good morning, what is a double hot tip (2) I have a ca1060 victor cutting head. What type of model handle would I need that is compatible to my ca1060 victor cutting head. Thanks in advance. The presentation of your videos are easy to follow.
Could u make a video on how you made the attachment?
Lots of great information bob. I'm still getting the hang of one of those combo torches. Started out using a gas axe and that 3rd knob is getting in my way and the torch feels tiny.
You should make a short 1 or 2 minute video on your Circle cutter attachment, How small of a hole can you cut? Is it all built out of mild steel?
Thanks good video. I learned to go a little cleaner, a smegr more oxygen pressure. oxy full open acetylen 1/4 to 1/2 turn open is a good guide. But the most importan is correct pressure from the bottles. use the guide from the specific tips.
Nice cut,very informative.
Awesome video I will be making that circle citing attachment as I need to cut some circles in 3/16 Steel to fix my mower deck. Barry
Another very informative and logically presented video. Thank you Mr. Moffatt.
As for a question...Could you compare Oxy-Fuel cutting to plasma cutting? There are probably advantages to each, but I have no idea what these aspects are.
Some of the advantages of oxy-fuel cutting. Typically you have a lower start up cost for the rig. Not as much as it used to be because the plasma torches are slowly coming down in price. You can definitely cut thicker cross sections. You have flexibility in you fuel gas, propane, acetylene, mapp etc. It is more portable. You don't need a high amperage power source or any power source for that matter. It is flexible, with a simple change of heads you can use the rig for welding, brazing, pre heating, heat treating etc. Some of the obvious limitations are the requirements to have high pressure bottled gas which typically requires you to pay bottle rental per year whether you use it or not. You also have to pay to refill them and they always seem to run out when you need them the most. Only capable of cutting carbon steel. A high quality cut is harder to achieve without a lot of practice. Set up, adjustment and prep is a little more tricky.
You can not cut cast iron with oxy/acetylene, but you can (I believe) with plasma (if it's powerful enough).
TheKajunkat Thank you for the detailed reply. Everything you said makes sense. But, I don't understand why oxy-fuel can only cut carbon steel. Following your comment, Harry Pehkonen affirmed this limitation on cutting (thank you, Harry). Barring ignition (such as magnesium), or insufficient temperature, I would think the torch would cut any metal
Gregory Parrott Oxy/Fuel cutting is an oxidative cutting process, not purely thermal like a plasma cutter. When you cut steel, which is nearly pure iron with small amounts of alloying elements, using oxygen you are actually rapidly converting the iron to iron oxide. The rapid oxidation of iron to iron oxide is VERY exothermic, and is what generates most of the heat needed to keep the process going. The iron oxide also stays molten at a relatively low temperature so it flows clear of the cut, exposing bare steel that has been heated to high temp by the iron oxide that just flowed away. This allows the reaction to continue.
Other metals, such as aluminum or stainless steel, will oxidize like iron, and some like aluminum are also very exothermic. However, the oxides created (aluminum oxide for aluminum and chromium oxide for stainless steel) are refractory, and even when molten they stay attached to the surface of the underlying metal, shielding it from any further reaction. That is why oxy-fuel cutting only makes clean cuts on relatively low alloy steel.
Gregory Parrott As a general rule, oxy-fuel will only CLEANLY cut ferrous metals with relatively low chromium and/or carbon content. Contrary to what many think, you can cut cast iron and even high chromium and stainless steel with oxy fuel, but the cuts are not clean by any stretch (especially stainless). The old Linde "The Oxy-Acetylene Handbook" gave detailed instructions on the procedures for cutting cast iron and high chromium steels. Starting and maintaining the cut with the help of a steel rod (flux cutting) is sometimes done. Another variation of flux cutting used on plate material is sandwiching the material to be cut tightly between two thicker steel plates, and using a tip large enough to cut the combined thickness. In that case, the top plate provides the super-hot molten iron oxide that will cut through the cast iron or stainless (or whatever), while the lower plate prevents the refractory dross from globbing up on the bottom of the plate you are cutting. The ultimate in flux cutting is the powder torch, which is a special oxy-fuel torch that injects fine iron powder into the oxygen stream, creating a nice stream of super-hot molten iron oxide that will burn through pretty much any hard to cut material.
Actually, the ULTIMATE in flux cutting is the oxygen lance :D
Plasma, OTOH, will cut any metal that is within the machine's capacity. Even the biggest industrial plasma cutter cannot match oxy-fuel for the thickness of metal it can cut. However, within the machines range it can cut metals that make very refractory oxides (i.e. aluminum), as well as metals with very high melting points (molybdenum, tantalum, etc.).
Many will say plasma makes a cleaner cut, but I have found that, given a good torch operator, the oxy-fuel process can match plasmas cut quality, and usually exceed it on material that is near the plasma machines max thickness capability. I have seen oxy fuel cuts on 1/4" that you would swear were cut on a laser cutting system.
One clear advantage of plasma is that it only needs electricity and compressed air, along with the occasional electrode consumables. It's major disadvantage is that it is a one-trick pony: all it can do is cut. Well, it can gouge too, but IMO oxyacetylene gouging on steel leaves a cleaner groove, and the highly oxidized slag from the torch cleans off easier than the mixture of oxidized and unoxidized slag you get with plasma.
Oxy-fuel is portable since it needs no electricity or compressed air. It can also do more than cut. You can heat and weld (acetylene only for welding) with it as well. You can even weld aluminum with oxy fuel. You can of course also braze and solder with the process. So it is definitely more versatile. If you could only have one single "heat" tool for doing metal work, the oxy-fuel torch would be the one to choose.
Excellent info, I really appreciate your tips and expertise.
wow that is a cool tool. Im gonna make myself one. Thanks for sharing
Great video Bob. Thanks
There is a reason why they sent cheat card with the Torches for the pressures and shows what size of tip goes for what size of thickness of metal.
Not sure how much it helps sometimes the human factor in that's evolved.
nice tip ,Bob,keep them coming....
Hey Bob, could you maybe do some more stick welding videos. Im welding newbie and would love to learn more. And i do love your videos
What about safety, connecting and leak testing of cylinders?
Awesome knowledge Bob. It’s a blessing to be able to learn from you. Have you had any experience with natural gas/oxygen. That’s all we use in the Shipyard I work in, cheaper I guess but my cuts are no where near as good as with acetylene. Thanks!
I'm missing this kind of videos
Any tips on how to get better at cutting freehand?
it would be a huge help if you made a video on a good better best welding techniques and breakdown on how you manage to make your cuts and welds. many young bucks out there doing that but from someone who has operated for as many years as you have, I think we can all benefit from that.
I use propane I always set it or acc at 8psi and my oxygen at 30psi. The propane won't be wasted if you set a bit higher because unless you open the valve up all the way you only use what you need. That said the oxygen is a different story. When you press that valve to cut you use what every you have it set at. Propane takes a little to get use to but its not as bad as most people make it out to be. It will cut thin or thick with no problem. I like the way the tip is two piece. To clean you run a wire through the center and clean the flutes with a wire brush. I have been using the same tip for about 15yrs. Now I don't use it every day more as a hobby now but I did use it every day for about 5yrs. I do have a question. I always kill my fuel fist and my oxygen second when shutting the torch down. I have heard argument for both ways. I seen in this video you shut it off both ways. I would love for you to answer the correct way or if it even matters. Then I think maybe a video on setting up and using propane so others can benefit. Propane is cheaper and you don't have to buy another cylinder as your barbeque grill cylinder will work just fine.
You said it prefect. Listen to it. I cut and fit it all everyday, I will take the time to get a 2 ft sharp tip Everytime, I'm not a grinder, I'm a welder. I figured a way to adjust my cylinders to every tip without the book guide. By listening to the rasp
Great video Bob. I learned alot as usual from you. I am actually looking to purchase an oxygen/acytelene cutting torch and a set of tanks. Any suggestions on a budget friendly way to acquire my own oxygen and acetelyn tanks? Should I buy new tanks or used and have them tested? I was looking around on the internet at some new tanks and they seem to be quite expensive....
Look into leasing tanks before buying them.
Question , I can cut 1/4 inch to 3 inch no problem but I have started working with 10 and 11 gauge building fire pits. I am using an 0 cutting tip 20lbs oxygen and 3lbs acetylene. Still I am getting puddles instead of blowing clean. What am I doing wrong?
Great video! Would the pressures for propane/oxygen setup be the same?
Hey man tomorrow I have to saddle cut some old 4 in oil pipe for a corral what would you recommend for gas and cutting tip?
Thank you. Excellent instruction!
I'll be darned after all these years im gonna use your lower pressure oxygen setting and save some gas & $ and probably turn out some even nicer cuts! Thanks Bob!
Will you do a video on flame cutting pipe and beveling please
You The Man Bob!
I got a question... Why would a TIG machine shock your hand when your tungsten is well under ⅛" gap between the material?
Got a DC shock yesterday on my feeding hand with a brand new CK TL 210 while working on some pipe. Removed every bit of galvanize from it, but it's always there somewhere... Is it something to do with the residual zinc and tungsten that causes it to jump through the torch head to your hand to complete the HF circuit?
Thank you for your videos! 👍🏼
You got bit by the HF? Wish I had a dollar for every time that's happened.
ever use magnetic cutting bars bob?