In the cutting process, the torch should be held at what angle relative to the workpiece?

In the oxyfuel cutting process, holding the torch at an angle of 15 to 20 degrees relative to the workpiece is the recommended practice. This angle allows for a more efficient cutting action by optimizing the interaction between the flame and the metal. When the torch is held at this angle, it enhances the preheating of the metal before the cutting begins, which is crucial for effective oxidation and ensures a smoother cut with reduced slag formation.

Maintaining a slight angle also helps in directing the heat and the cutting oxygen jet more precisely across the metal surface, resulting in a cleaner edge. If the torch were held at a zero-degree angle, it would concentrate heat in a smaller area, possibly leading to excessive burning or warping of the material. Holding the torch at too high an angle, such as 30 to 45 degrees or even 90 degrees, would diminish the cutting efficiency and could result in incomplete cuts or increased heat loss, which is not ideal for oxyfuel cutting. Therefore, the 15 to 20-degree angle strikes the right balance for effective and efficient cutting.