Chapter 14 Oxyfuel Gas Cutting 421 Figure 14-23. Progress of a cut in thick steel. A—Preheat fl ames are 1/16″ to 1/8″ (1.6 to 3.2mm) from the metal surface. The torch is held in this spot until the metal becomes cherry red. B—Note that the torch is moved slowly to maintain the rapid oxidation, even though the cut is only part way through the metal. C—Note that as the cut is made through the entire thickness, the bottom of the kerf lags slightly behind the top edge. 1/16″ to 1/8″ (1.6mm to 3.2mm) A B C Figure 14-24. A—A thick steel I-beam is being preheated to a dull cherry red color with a welding torch prior to being cut. B—After the beam is preheated, a cutting attachment is installed on the torch. The cut is made by pressing the cutting lever which opens the cutting oxygen orifi ce. A B Figure 14-25. Guiding the cutting torch through the left hand. Note that the cut is being made from the right to left. A—Left hand is held near the torch head. B—Torch is being slid through left hand as cut progresses. A B