Oxy/Fuel Cutting-An Introduction With oxy/fuel cutting, an
oxygen/fuel gas flame preheats the steel to its ignition
temperature. A high-power oxygen jet is then directed at the
metal, creating a chemical reaction between the oxygen and the
metal to form iron oxide-also known as slag. The high-power
oxygen jet removes the slag from the kerf. Cut quality,
preheating times, and thicknesses can be influenced by the type
of fuel gas used. Oxy/fuel cutting is used for ferrous (iron-
containing), mild, and low-alloy steels in thicknesses up to 24
inches. With a fuel tank, oxygen tank, and a torch, you can cut
steel anywhere-except for non-ferrous metals such as aluminum
and stainless steel. Oxy/fuel cutting allows metalworkers to cut
extremely thick metals with ease-and a variety of torch options
allow users to braze, solder, fusion weld, gauge, preheat, and
bend metals as needed. Other Methods-An Overview This article,
while focusing on hand-held oxy/fuel and plasma cutting, would
be remiss if it did not make brief