Safety Checks
What should you inspect first on hoses before starting?
Check hoses for holes, cuts, wear, or leaks
How far should you open the acetylene cylinder valve initially?
Open acetylene 1/4 to 1/2 turn
What is the typical acetylene pressure range given for cutting?
Acetylene: about 5–9 psi5–9 psi
Which tool is used to ignite the acetylene?
A friction lighter (spark lighter)
If the tip is clogged or dirty, which startup step was likely missed?
check the tip is clean.
Which component must be clean before lighting the torch?
the torch tip/nozzle must be clean
After lighting, which cylinder’s valve is opened all the way to prepare for cutting
The oxygen valve/cylinder is opened all the way
What oxygen pressure range is recommended for cutting depending on metal thickness?
about 25–40 psi25–40 psi
After opening acetylene slightly, what is the next immediate action to light it?
Light the acetylene at the torch tip with the friction lighter
If you see black smoke after lighting, what should you do immediately?
Add more acetylene to eliminate the black smoke
Why should regulators be peeled back before setting pressures?
So you can access and set the regulator controls safely and prevent damage
Why is acetylene opened only partially before lighting instead of fully?
To limit gas flow for safe ignition and reduce risk of flashback or excessive fuel before flame is established
If cutting thicker metal, would you increase or decrease oxygen within the specified range?
Increase oxygen pressure toward the higher end of the 25–40 psi25–40 psi range
What indicates incomplete combustion (appearing when first lit) that you remove by adding more acetylene?
Black smoke or carbon sooting
Name two adjustments to check if the flame won’t stabilize near the tip
Check regulator pressures for oxygen and acetylene (Steps 6 & 7) and adjust the torch-handle oxygen valve
Which cylinder valve do you open all the way as part of safe startup?
Open the oxygen cylinder valve all the way
Which valve on the torch handle controls the oxygen reaching the tip?
the oxygen valve at the top of the torch handle
How do you choose acetylene and oxygen pressures together to match metal thickness?
Raise oxygen and acetylene within their ranges for thicker metal (more oxygen, and appropriate acetylene within 5–9 psi5–9 psi) and lower them for thinner metal to get the correct cutting heat and carburization balance
After opening the oxygen cylinder and stabilizing the flame, what do you adjust to bring the blue flame close to the torch tip?
Adjust the torch-handle oxygen valve at the top of the handle until the blue flame is near the tip
What are two routine maintenance or pre‑start habits that reduce startup problems?
Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks/damage (Step 1) and clean/check the torch tip regularly
Name two safety checks you must complete before attempting to light the torch
Inspect hoses for leaks/damage and check that the tip is clean
Describe the proper order of opening oxygen and acetylene cylinders and why that order matters.
Open oxygen cylinder valve fully first, then open acetylene partly (1/4–1/2 turn) — this helps maintain safe pressure control and prevents unsafe fuel-rich conditions during ignition
Explain why accurate regulator settings are critical for a clean, efficient cut
Correct pressures control flame chemistry and temperature; improper settings cause incomplete combustion, excess carbon, poor cut quality, or dangerous flame behavior
Outline the lighting sequence (using step order) from initial acetylene flow to ready-to-cut flame.
(open acetylene 1/4–1/2 turn) → Step 8 (open acetylene just enough and light with friction lighter) → Step 9 (eliminate black smoke by adding acetylene as needed) → Step 10 (open oxygen valve all the way) → Step 11 (adjust torch handle oxygen until blue flame is near tip).
A cut is poor and leaves excessive carbon; list likely causes and what you would check/change first.
Likely causes: too much carburization from excessive acetylene, incorrect oxygen/acetylene balance, dirty/clogged tip, or wrong pressures. Check tip cleanliness (Step 2), adjust pressures (Steps 6 & 7), and ensure proper flame adjustment at the torch handle (Step 11).