TIPS FOR CUTTING
Cutting procedures will vary from job to job.  Study the cutting rates chart for specific cutting speeds.

Normal cutting is done by using a drag technique.  Once the rod is in contact with the piece to cut, drag the rod in the direction of the cut.  If the operator can't see the kerf, the speed of cut is too fast.  If the rod is being used too rapidly the progress of the cut is too slow and the rod is being used without cutting.  REMEMBER, the cutting rods consume as long as the oxygen is flowing.  Maintain the proper travel speed at all times.  NOTE: Use a sawing motion when material to be cut is thicker then 1-1/2 to 2 inches to ensure a complete melt through.

Use a smooth motion to complete the cut.  Be careful not to hit nearby material with the rod when cutting in "close quarters."  After completing the cut, release the oxygen control lever in the handle.  THE CUTTING ROD WILL CONTINUE TO BURN AS LONG AS OXYGEN IS SUPPLIED.  Hold the torch safely away from you until the rod cools.

TIPS FOR PIERCING SURFACES

The SLICE Torch can be used to pierce solids.  Special procedures must be used when piercing.  When piercing, use a collet extension (and shield).  This extension adds life to the torch and hand shield, and greatly improves operator safety and comfort.  Always hold the torch at arm's length and wear plenty of protective clothing, eye and ear protection.  Cutting rods can get stuck inside the pierced hole.  If possible, remove the cutting rod from the hole before releasing the oxygen lever.  With any thermal cutting equipment blowback is most likely to occur when the user is piercing holes.  Cutting rods may burn unevenly.  Slowly swirl the cutting rod as it enters a pierced hole.   Cutting rods may burn out on the sides.  Correct the problem by removing the cutting rod from the pierce point, shut the oxygen off, and replace the cutting rod.

To pierce follw these steps:

• Strike cutting rod on striker.
• Hold torch at arm's length.
• Keep the cutting rod at a 90^o angle (perpendicular) to the pierce point.
• Slowly push cutting rod in at pierce point until yor're at proper depth or until you've achieved burn through.

The pierce procedure is also used to cut concrete.  By piercing a series of holes where a user wants to cut concrete, the concrete becomes easier to fracture.  This helps reduce the time it would take to actually cut the concrete.

OXYGEN USAGE
This cutting process uses standard industrial grade oxygen to support the exothermic reactions and to remove the molten metal.  All SLICE equipment uses standard oxygen fittings.  The most commonly recommended operating pressure is 80 psi.  Applications such as cutting material sections 3" and thicker might require higher operating pressures.  Pressures as low as 40 psi have been used to perform operations such as washing off rivet heads and scarfing out small cracks for repair.

The oxygen consumption rate for the SLICE cutting rods at 80 psi is 7 to 7.5 cfm for the 1/4" diameter cutting rods and 11 to 12 cfm for the 3/8" diameter cutting rods.  This rate will vary if a different operating pressure is used.