Cutting Welding Torch Overview:

Cutting Welding Torch Basics: For those that don't know certain welders, predominantly oxy acetylene welders, can also be used for cutting metal as well as welding metal together. Many skilled and experienced welders are fully aware of the cutting properties of oxy acetylene welders and use them on a regular basis in the field to cut and shape metal where required.

Although the process is known as cutting metal it actually isn't a cutting process, it is more about bringing the metal to melting temperature in a localized area so the metal is melted through causing a cut in the metal. This process works as the torch flame is roughly 3,500 °C (6,330 °F) in temperature, higher than the melting temperature of most metal materials.

As mentioned it is the oxygen added welding types such as oxy acetylene welders that are used for cutting and this is because the added pure oxygen raises the temperature of the welding torch by over one thousand degrees when compared to welders that use air with their shielding gas.

A cutting welding torch is similar to a standard welding torch but does carry some differences needed to be able to carry out the cutting function it was created for.

So what are these subtle differences?

A cutting torch has a metal lever on top that is pushed down by the user to give an oxygen blast to the oxy acetylene welder, there is also an oxygen blast valve located on the left side of the torch. The torch has three pipes instead of the standard two on a welding torch that isn't used for cutting, this is so the oxygen has its own pipe for blasting more oxygen through. The torch head is also different as the nozzle is shorter and wider than that of a welder and it is also detachable by unscrewing unlike the fixed welding head.

A cutting welding torch is an important piece of equipment for welders who are out in the field and require to cut thick pieces of metal. The reason for this is because it is light weight and means your welder can double up as a cutter rather than having to carry extra weight of a cutting tool, or even worse having to work without one.

Many welders swear by their cutting welding torch when using an oxy acetylene welder as it gives them an added quality tool to ensure they can carry out their job effectively.

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