Oxy/Acet. Cutting Torch Qs?

[rokker]

Anyone have any pics of some clean/precise cuts with an oxy/acetylene torch ( 1/8" to 1/4" steel plate) or is an oxy/acetylene torch too crude for clean cuts? I do expect to spend a little time cleaning my stuff up but Id like to see what some of the skilled users are capable of with an oxy/acetylene torch?

Any pointers on how to achieve a clean cut with an oxy/acet. torch would be very welcome as well. Just given one yest so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[SpareChangeRacng]

It can be done pretty cleanly (but you're better off cleanin it up w/ a grinder/sander after). It just takes a steady hadn and some practice.

[1992f150]

the 1/8th will probably melt away too much to get a clean cut, so you will have to cut away from your mark and grind to fit.
1/4" and up it will cut fine. As far as how clean a cut you can get, well on a track burner (basically a torch on a little cart that moves on a track) you can see yourself in the cut if the metal is thick enough.
The thing is you just have to be able to hold the torch steady, keep the same travel speed and distance from the metal, and make *sure* the tip is clean and the PSI's are set correctly.
Oh, for straight line cuts you can make a guide out of a chunk of 3/4" steel, and just rub the tip along the straight edge to keep the torch from shaking.
Here's a transmission mount I cut freehand with my torch out of 1/4", the only cleanup was with a chipping hammer to knock off the slag: http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid58/paf6ef060133afb7fe8c26d200ab9bf5b/fc6067b0.jpg

[rokker]

any type size tips or brand that you reccomend?

Thanks

[1992f150]

Victor makes good stuff, and they are easy to find.
As far as size, there aren't any standards so size X can be 2 different things for 2 different manufacturers. For Victor I *think* a size 0 or 00 is what you want but you are better off asking a welding supply shop. I looked at mine (victor) and it has 0-3-101 stamped on the tip, I assume 0 is the tip size.

[ntsqd]

TIp that helps when torching thin metal is to angle the flame in the direction of the cut (assuming a straight cut). If you get the pressures right this can make a big difference. Still won't look like a plasma cut though.