O/A cutting tip

[axehind]

I was looking at my cutting tip on my O/A setup and it's a harris 6290-2 tip which is good for cutting up to 2 inches of steel. My question is, would there be a difference in the quality of the cut by using a over rated tip? A example, would a tip rated for 2 inches produce a better quality cut on 2 inch steel than a tip rated for up to 3 inches of steel?

axehind

[Terry Lingle]

The major diference you would see if you switched to a 3 inch rated tip would be in the oxigen consumption. A skilled operator can cut gauge metal with either tip but I doubt even the best could strech a 2" tip to 3 " and get a nice cut . Terry

[Mike Sherman]

Just my personal opinion, but use the Harris for a door stop and get a Victor or Smith for cutting and you'll be a lot happier. (I have a little extra time on my hands today, so I thought I would start something!).

[axehind]

Mike,
I doubt that will start anything in here because most people probably agree with that opinion.


axehind

[Fla Jim]

I've been using a Harris set since the late 80's. My son won them in a "VICA" contest, and gave them to me. They have a sentimental value to me. I've had pretty good luck with them. Since I got my plasma cutter,I only use the cutting head for heavy stuff, mostly use the Rosebud tip for heating.
Saying all that, I believe that Victor is better, But over the years, I've got good service form my Harris outfit.

[bomberz1qr20]

Re: O/A cutting tip

Originally posted by axehind
I was looking at my cutting tip on my O/A setup and it's a harris 6290-2 tip which is good for cutting up to 2 inches of steel. My question is, would there be a difference in the quality of the cut by using a over rated tip? A example, would a tip rated for 2 inches produce a better quality cut on 2 inch steel than a tip rated for up to 3 inches of steel?

axehind

I'd imagine that the only drawbacks would be higher gas consumption and a bigger kerf to account for compared to a smaller tip.

[cope]

Originally posted by Mike Sherman
Just my personal opinion, but use the Harris for a door stop and get a Victor or Smith for cutting and you'll be a lot happier. (I have a little extra time on my hands today, so I thought I would start something!).

Mike, I remember the time when it seemed Harreis or Smith was all anyone used outside of the Independent Republic Of Texas . Vicot has always been numero uno down here.

[cope]

Re: O/A cutting tip

Originally posted by axehind
I was looking at my cutting tip on my O/A setup and it's a harris 6290-2 tip which is good for cutting up to 2 inches of steel. My question is, would there be a difference in the quality of the cut by using a over rated tip? A example, would a tip rated for 2 inches produce a better quality cut on 2 inch steel than a tip rated for up to 3 inches of steel?

axehind

To answer your question, I think so.

[aircraft]

Re: O/A cutting tip

Originally posted by axehind
A example, would a tip rated for 2 inches produce a better quality cut on 2 inch steel than a tip rated for up to 3 inches of steel?

axehind

One of most misunderstood things about O/A cutting is the choice of cutting tip. It does make a difference on tip size, for instance 000 tip for steel up to 1/8”, 00 tip from 1/8” to ¼” and so forth. I keep all the tips and change them frequently for the thickness I am cutting. It will make a beautiful cut with no slag and aids in proper gas flow for torch cooling. Just remember using too large a tip and cutting back on the fuel will cause the torch to overheat increasing the chance of flashback.

So to answer your question a 2" tip will make a better cut on 2" steel than a 3" tip would. Could you cut with a 3" tip and do a good job yes, but should you "no".

[cope]

Re: Re: O/A cutting tip

Originally posted by aircraft
One of most misunderstood things about O/A cutting is the choice of cutting tip. It does make a difference on tip size, for instance 000 tip for steel up to 1/8”, 00 tip from 1/8” to ¼” and so forth. I keep all the tips and change them frequently for the thickness I am cutting. It will make a beautiful cut with no slag and aids in proper gas flow for torch cooling. Just remember using too large a tip and cutting back on the fuel will cause the torch to overheat increasing the chance of flashback.

So to answer your question a 2" tip will make a better cut on 2" steel than a 3" tip would. Could you cut with a 3" tip and do a good job yes, but should you "no".

I answered from work and didn't have time to elaborate as much as Aircraft did. To expand a little farther, the larger tip will cut well, but not as well as the correct one

[Guest]

Aircraft and I are on the same page, here.

[axehind]

Originally posted by Mike Sherman
Just my personal opinion, but use the Harris for a door stop and get a Victor or Smith for cutting and you'll be a lot happier. (I have a little extra time on my hands today, so I thought I would start something!).

I'm interested in why you (and others) like these brands over Harris? I actually hear this alot. Mostly hear that victor is the best. I havent used Victor or Smith, but I dont have any complaints so far about my harris setup. Then again I dont really have anything to compare it too and I'm not a pro that uses my equipment to make a living.

axehind

[cope]

axehind

Main reasonm to buy Victor is availability of tips almost anywhere. Everyone in Houston sells Victor, few sell anything else. Any name brand torch will do fine for home/small shop use.

[Sberry]

I have 3 brands but mostly use Victors. I use journeyman models and just got started down that road I guess. I also like the neutral flame adjustment better than Smith's. I also like the metal to metal tip seats better than Smith's gasket.

[aircraft]

I love the availability Victor parts and if just welding and cutting is what you were going to do Victor would be the brand of choice but Smith’s line of brazing tips blow the competition away. Later after I had bought the Smith torch I found out that Smith sells an adapter to adapt Smith’s brazing tips to a Victor torch which is probably the way I would have went if I would have know at the time.