Edge Starting; Direction Of Cut; Dross; 06 Hand Torch Operation - ESAB A120 Operating Manual

CUTMASTER A120
the bevel angle. Reducing standoff will generally
result in a more square cut.

Edge Starting

For edge starts, hold the torch perpendicular to the
workpiece with the front of the tip near (not touching)
the edge of the workpiece at the point where the cut
is to start. When starting at the edge of the plate, do
not pause at the edge and force the arc to "reach"
for the edge of the metal. Establish the cutting arc
as quickly as possible.

Direction of Cut

In the torches, the plasma gas stream swirls as it
leaves the torch to maintain a smooth column of
gas. This swirl effect results in one side of a cut be-
ing more square than the other. Viewed along the
direction of travel, the right side of the cut is more
square than the left.
Left Side
Cut Angle
Side Characteristics Of Cut
To make a square - edged cut along an inside
diameter of a circle, the torch should move coun-
terclockwise around the circle. To keep the square
edge along an outside diameter cut, the torch should
travel in a clockwise direction.

Dross

When dross is present on carbon steel, it is com-
monly referred to as either "high speed, slow speed,
or top dross". Dross present on top of the plate is
normally caused by too great a torch to plate dis-
tance. "Top dross" is normally very easy to remove
and can often be wiped off with a welding glove.
"Slow speed dross" is normally present on the bottom
edge of the plate. It can vary from a light to heavy
bead, but does not adhere tightly to the cut edge,
and can be easily scraped off. "High speed dross"
usually forms a narrow bead along the bottom of
the cut edge and is very difficult to remove. When
cutting a troublesome steel, it is sometimes useful
to reduce the cutting speed to produce "slow speed
dross". Any resultant cleanup can be accomplished
by scraping, not grinding.
4T-4
4T.06 Hand Torch Operation
Standoff Cutting With Hand Torch
Right Side
Cut Angle
A-00512
OPERATION
NOTE!
For best performance and parts life,
always use the correct parts for the type
of operation.
1. The torch can be comfortably held in one hand
or steadied with two hands. Position the hand to
press the Trigger on the torch handle. With the
hand torch, the hand may be positioned close to
the torch head for maximum control or near the
back end for maximum heat protection. Choose
the holding technique that feels most comfortable
and allows good control and movement.
NOTE!
The tip should never come in contact
with the workpiece except during drag
cutting operations.
2. Depending on the cutting operation, do one of
the following:
a) For edge starts, hold the torch perpendicular
to the workpiece with the front of the tip on
the edge of the workpiece at the point where
the cut is to start.
b) For standoff cutting, hold the torch 1/8 - 3/8 in
(3-9 mm) from the workpiece as shown below.
Torch
Shield Cup
A-00024_AB
Standoff Distance
3. Hold the torch away from your body.
4. Slide the trigger release toward the back of the
torch handle while simultaneously squeezing the
trigger. The pilot arc will start.
Standoff Distance
1/8" - 3/8" (3 - 9mm)
0-5430