How many inches per minute should you generally cut 1 inch thick steel?

When cutting 1 inch thick steel using oxy-fuel cutting techniques, a cutting speed of 12 to 20 inches per minute is typically optimal. This range is effective because it allows for a proper balance between the heat generated by the oxy-fuel flame and the material being cut. At this speed, the flame can provide sufficient heat to melt the metal without excessive dilution or lag, leading to a cleaner cut.

Cutting too slowly can lead to overheating and excessive distortion of the material, while cutting too quickly may result in an incomplete cut or poor edge quality due to insufficient heat. Therefore, the 12 to 20 inches per minute range is considered appropriate for achieving the desired efficiency and cut quality when working with 1 inch thick steel. This speed also aligns with best practices established in the industry for achieving optimal performance during the cutting process.