We are going to use these pressure settings for cutting today. Now with line pressures set we are going to leak test all areas that can leak with soapy water in a squeeze bottle. (8) Notice the back of the regulator leaking and blowing bubbles, this regulator needs to be sent out for repair or replaced with a new one. (9) The leak test seems to get overlooked by many, don't overlook it! This is a hazardous condition and can cause you to waste hard earned money when you have leaks. Tighten any fittings and replace any O-rings, regulators, etc. that are damaged or leaking. Now you have a properly working oxy fuel set up.

With some (P.P.E) personal protection equipment on such as gloves, number three to five shaded glasses and leather boots, you can begin to prepare yourself to cut some material. (10) As stated above a good visual inspection should be done. Inspect the cutting torch tip for proper condition, all orifices should be clean and in good shape.(victor book) Here is what the tool looks like that should be used to maintain torch tips. (11) The better the cut the less time we have to spend grinding. If you don't cut everyday you should always practice on some scrap before doing a final cut on a project or work piece.

Lay the scrap out on the bench in a clean area free of flammable products such as paint, solvent soaked rags, and the like. You can take some kind of marking device such as a soap stone, or scribe and mark some lines on the scrap piece of material. With the cutting torch head installed, (12) hand tightened. The heads are sealed with O-rings that can be damaged when over tightened. Grab the torch and open the acetylene valve/knob a quarter (1/4) turn on the torch body to ignite the gas with a flint type striker. (13) Do not use a cigarette lighter to do this! A lighter can explode in your hand and cause a severe burn. The lower right valve /knob (Oxygen) always stays fully open. (14) The bypass valve/knob now takes over when you are using a cutting torch head.

Tune the ignited acetylene to achieve a consistent LIGHT smoke rolling off of the flame. Next, open the oxygen valve/knob (now the bypass valve) and start to tune the torch into its final flame. (15) You want to get the preheat cones tuned in to a nice blunt cone, almost a point. You want what is called a neutral flame. A good tuned torch should sound like a rag ripping.

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