When cutting thin metal with a tip that is too large, what angle should you hold the cutting torch to the base metal?

When cutting thin metal with a tip that is too large, what angle should you hold the cutting torch to the base metal?

• A. 70º-90º
• B. 0º-10º
• C. 15º-20º
• D. 30º-45º

Answer: (A)

Holding the torch almost vertical to the base metal concentrates the heat right at the cut line. When the tip is too large, the arc and heat tend to spread more, so keeping the torch nearly perpendicular helps the jet enter the kerf cleanly, reduces bevel on thin stock, and minimizes the chance of warping or burning edges. If you tilt the torch more, the heat blankets a larger surface and the cut edge quality suffers. In short, use a nearly vertical, almost perpendicular angle to the base metal for thin material with a large tip.

Holding the torch almost vertical to the base metal concentrates the heat right at the cut line. When the tip is too large, the arc and heat tend to spread more, so keeping the torch nearly perpendicular helps the jet enter the kerf cleanly, reduces bevel on thin stock, and minimizes the chance of warping or burning edges. If you tilt the torch more, the heat blankets a larger surface and the cut edge quality suffers. In short, use a nearly vertical, almost perpendicular angle to the base metal for thin material with a large tip.