Lesson 1Safe Pressure Levels and Regulator Adjustments for Common Mild Steel Plate CutsOutlines safe oxygen and fuel pressure levels for mild steel plate, proper regulator tweaks, and gauge readings. Stresses avoiding too much pressure, backfires, and bad cuts by using steady, balanced settings in local workshops.
Common pressures by plate thicknessAdjusting and balancing regulatorsReading and understanding gaugesTweaking for preheat and piercingSpotting unsafe pressure warningsLesson 2Basic Metallurgy of Carbon and Mild Steel for Oxy-Fuel Cutting (Thickness, Oxidation, Heat-Affected Area)Introduces simple metallurgy of carbon and mild steel for oxy-fuel cutting. Covers oxidation, heat-affected area effects, thickness impacts, and how makeup and structure affect cut quality and bending in Botswana's steel work.
Carbon levels and steel typesIron oxidation role in cuttingHeat-affected area and hardnessThickness, weight, and heat spreadImpacts on bending and warpingSpotting metal flawsLesson 3Cutting Methods for Straight, Even Cuts (Torch Angle, Speed, Preheat/Run-On, Piercing)Covers torch use for straight, even cuts, including right torch angle, distance, and speed. Details preheat timing, run-on and run-off tabs, piercing steps, and keeping a steady cut line for quality in local jobs.
Torch angle and nozzle distancePreheat time and puddle buildPiercing steps and safetySpeed and cut width controlUsing run-on and run-off tabsSteady hand movement tipsLesson 4Edge Cleaning and Prep After Cutting (Grinding, Slag Removal, Size Checks)Explains post-cut edge cleaning with chipping, grinding, filing. Covers slag and dross removal, edge smoothing, and size checks using gauges and squares to ready edges for welding, fitting, or more work in Botswana shops.
Safe slag and dross removalGrinding and smoothing cut edgesSmoothing holes and cornersChecking evenness and angleMeasuring length and straightnessPrepping edges for weldingLesson 5Marking, Layout, and Measuring for Cutting Rectangular Frame Parts (Scribing, Square, Templates)Deals with accurate layout for rectangular frame parts using squares, scribes, templates. Covers base point choice, dimension transfer from plans, and marking that stays clear but limits surface harm in practical settings.
Reading plans and sizesPicking base points and edgesUsing squares, tapes, rulesScribing and punching linesTemplates and guides useChecking diagonals and evennessLesson 6Pre-Use Checks and Leak Tests (Visual Check, Soap Test, Flashback Device Checks)Outlines steps to check cylinders, hoses, regulators, torch before use. Covers soap leak tests, flashback device checks, valve and connection verification to stop gas leaks, flashbacks, failures in Botswana's sites.
Visual hose and joint checksRegulator and gauge inspectionsSoap leak test stepsFlashback device testsValve function checksDefect noting and taggingLesson 7Oxy-Fuel System Parts and Upkeep (Cylinders, Regulators, Hoses, Torch, Tips, Flashback Arrestors)Describes oxy-fuel parts and roles, like cylinders, regulators, hoses, torch, tips, arrestors. Includes basic upkeep, cleaning, replacement times for safe, reliable use in local boilermaking tasks.
Cylinder valves and fittingsRegulators and pressure handlingHose types, colours, careTorch body, mixers, valvesTip types, cleaning, wearArrestors and check valvesLesson 8Common Troubleshooting and Quality Checks (Undercut, Taper, Dross)Focuses on spotting and fixing common cut issues like undercut, taper, drag lines, dross. Gives practical tweaks to speed, tip size, pressures, plus easy quality checks for production in Botswana workshops.
Spotting undercut and washoutTaper and angle errorsHeavy dross and drag causesTweaking speed, height, angleFixing pressure and tip problemsEasy visual and gauge checksLesson 9Handling, Storage, and Labelling of Cut Parts (Tagging, Stacking, Rust Prevention)Covers safe handling and storage of fresh cut parts, including labelling, tagging, orientation marks. Includes stacking ways, support use, basic rust prevention to keep sizes accurate and traceable in shops.
Tagging and part labellingMarking sides for fittingSafe lifting and handlingStacking, supports, dunnageShort rust protectionShop records and labelsLesson 10Gas Choice and Tip Sizing for Common Plate Thicknesses (Acetylene vs Propane, Suggested Tip Numbers)Covers picking oxygen-fuel mixes and tip sizes for common mild steel thicknesses. Compares acetylene and propane, lists usual tip numbers and flows for efficient, cost-effective cutting in local work.
Acetylene vs propane comparisonGas pick by thickness and jobMaker tip charts and infoTip size and hole choiceFlow rates and preheat tweaksCut speed and quality effects
