All gas welding work requires a lot of effort from a person. In contrast, metal cutting carried out using gas can be performed even by a novice in this business. Propane (gas) cutting torch is such a convenient tool that you can learn how to work with it in a matter of days.
Features of work
In order to quickly and efficiently cut metal using gas, it is enough to correctly learn how to hold a propane cutter in your hands. It simultaneously uses this substance and oxygen. Their mixture just gives the highest temperature necessary for constant combustion. Propane cutting torch is intended for manual dividing cutting of low alloy and
carbon steels.Disadvantages and advantages of cutting with propane
One of the main disadvantages of this type of cutting is that the cutting edge is not as smooth as when using an acetylene cutter. Despite this, it is much cleaner than that obtained from working with a grinder or gasoline burner. Another disadvantage of propane cutters is that they cannot cut many metals and alloys. They can be used only when working with low- and medium-carbon steels (grades 08-20G; 30-50G2) and with malleable cast iron.
Well, now let's move on to the merits of this tool. Propane cutter is used when it is necessary to work with a relatively thick metal. They can cut something according to the pattern. This tool is especially indispensable when a curved cut is required. It must be used if it becomes necessary to pierce a blind hole (20x50 mm) or if it is necessary to cut a circle from a thick sheet of metal.
The light weight of this tool makes it easy to use. The propane cutter is much quieter and lighter than similar gasoline ones. Thanks to this tool, working with metal is approximately 2 times faster. Unlike gasoline, propane is much cheaper, which reduces the cost of these works. Due to this, gas cutting is most often used for large volumes (especially when cutting structures for scrap).
Scheme of work
For cutting metal, it is necessary to have a propane cutter, cylinders with oxygen and this substance, high pressure hoses. The gas supply is controlled by gearboxes. They should be located on each of the cylinders. It should be borne in mind that the thread on the propane tank is reverse. The metal is cut by a thin jet of hot flame generated by the torch. During operation with this tool, oxygen and propane are mixed in a special mixing chamber. In this case, a combustible mixture of gases is formed. Recently, the propane cutter Mayak has become widespread. It refers to injector type tools. This propane cutter, the price of which, depending on the modification, ranges from 1300-1800 rubles., It has proven itself when working with large volumes of metal.
In the event of an emergency when working with this tool, first of all, they shut off the gas supply, and then the oxygen.