Tweco SLICE - Manual (Page 9)

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around 200 amps. Exceeding this
amperage could cause equipment
damage.
When cutting without power, current
from the battery ignites the rod. To
ignite the rod a surge of at least 100
amps is needed. If the battery has
not been properly charged it will not
have enough amperage to ignite the
cutting rod.
Travel Speed
This cutting rod will burn without an
electrical arc, regardless of whether
the user is cutting. Therefore, cut as
fast as possible without losing the cut
kerf. If the travel speed is too fast,
the material will not be cut completely
through and molten slag will be blown
back from the workpiece.
Electrode-to-Work Angle
The electrode-to-work angle is the
most forgiving process variable.
However, use of an improper angle
can cause reduced cutting efficiency.
For most cutting jobs this angle is
between 45° and 80°. The thicker the
material the closer to the 80° angle
the rod should be held. In almost all
cutting the electrode-to-work angle is
a drag angle. A drag angle is one in
which the rod is held so the tip of the
burning rod is away from the direction
of travel. One exception is cutting
sheet metal. Such cutting is usually
faster and better controlled when the
user keeps a 45° angle or slightly less
and pushes the rod in the direction of
cut. Aluminum, regardless of its
thickness, requires a 70° to 80° drag
angle.
SAFETY AND HEALTH
Introduction
SLICE Cutting Equipment uses
industrial grade oxygen to produce its
very effective cuts. Industrial
standards associated with oxygen
use, electrical equipment, cutting
procedures and other safety
precautions apply when using this
equipment. This section highlights
these procedures. Refer to ANSI/ASC
"Safety in Welding and Cutting"
safety standards (Z49.1-1983) or
other prevailing standards for further
details. SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH
may result if exothermic cutting
equipment is not properly installed,
used and maintained. Misuse of this
equipment and other unsafe practices
can be hazardous. The operator,
supervisor and helper must read and
understand the following safety
warnings and instructions before
installing or using any cutting torch or
equipment.
The exothermic cutting process is
used in many potentially dangerous
environments such as elevated
heights, areas of limited ventilation,
close quarters, in hostile
environments, etc., and it is important
that the operators are aware of the
dangers associated in working in
these types of conditions. Be certain
that the operator(s) are trained in safe
practices for the environments in
which they are expected to work and
are under competent supervision.
It is essential that the operator,
supervisor and others in the work
area are aware of the dangers of the
exothermic cutting process. Training
and proper supervision are important
for a safe work place. Keep these
instructions for future use. Additional
recommended safety and operating
information is referenced in each
section.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
CAN CAUSE INJURY
OR DEATH
Install and maintain
equipment in accordance with the
National Electrical Code NFPA 70