Lesson 1Safe Pressure Levels and Regulator Adjustments for Common Mild Steel Plate CutsSummarises safe oxygen and fuel pressure levels for mild steel plate, proper regulator tuning, and gauge reading. Stresses avoiding too much pressure, backfire, and bad cut quality through steady, balanced settings in local workshops.
Common pressures by plate thicknessTuning and balancing regulatorsReading and understanding gaugesAdjusting for preheat and piercingSpotting unsafe pressure signsLesson 2Basic Metallurgy of Carbon/Mild Steel for Oxy-Fuel Cutting (Thickness, Oxidation, Heat-Affected Area)Introduces basic metallurgy of carbon and mild steel for oxy-fuel cutting. Explains oxidation, heat-affected area behaviour, thickness impacts, and how composition and structure affect cut quality and bending in Ghanaian fabrication.
Carbon content and steel typesRole of iron oxidation in cuttingHeat-affected area and hardnessThickness, mass, and heat flowImpacts on bending and warpingSpotting metallurgical faultsLesson 3Cutting Method for Straight, Square Cuts (Torch Angle, Travel Speed, Preheat/Run-On, Piercing)Explains torch handling for straight, square cuts, including right torch angle, distance, and travel speed. Details preheat timing, run-on and run-off tabs, piercing method, and keeping a steady, even cut line.
Torch angle and nozzle distancePreheat time and puddle formationPiercing steps and safetyControlling travel speed and cut widthUsing run-on and run-off tabsKeeping steady hand movementLesson 4Edge Cleaning and Prep After Cutting (Grinding, Slag Removal, Size Checks)Details post-cut edge cleaning with chipping, grinding, and filing. Explains removing slag and dross, deburring, and size checks with gauges and squares to ready edges for welding, fitting, or more machining in local shops.
Removing slag and dross safelyGrinding and blending cut edgesDeburring holes and cornersChecking squareness and bevelMeasuring length and straightnessPreparing edges for weldingLesson 5Marking, Layout, and Measurement Methods for Cutting Rectangular Frame Parts (Scribing, Square, Templates)Covers accurate layout for rectangular frame parts using squares, scribes, and templates. Explains choosing base points, transferring sizes from drawings, and marking ways that stay visible but limit surface harm.
Reading drawings and sizesChoosing base points and reference edgesUsing squares, tapes, and rulesScribing and centre punching linesUsing templates and guidesChecking diagonals and squarenessLesson 6Pre-Use Checks and Leak Testing Steps (Visual Check, Soap Test, Flashback Device Checks)Outlines pre-use check steps for cylinders, hoses, regulators, and torch. Explains soap solution leak testing, checking flashback devices, and confirming valves and connections to stop gas leaks, flashbacks, and gear failure.
Visual checks of hoses and jointsInspecting regulators and gaugesSoap solution leak test methodTesting flashback arrestorsConfirming valve operationRecording and tagging faultsLesson 7Oxy-Fuel System Parts and Upkeep (Cylinders, Regulators, Hoses, Torch, Tips, Flashback Arrestors)Describes oxy-fuel system parts and their roles, including cylinders, regulators, hoses, torch body, tips, and flashback arrestors. Covers basic upkeep, cleaning, and replacement times to ensure safe, reliable use in Ghana.
Cylinder valves and fittingsRegulators and pressure controlHose types, colour codes, and careTorch body, mixers, and valvesTip types, cleaning, and wearFlashback arrestors and check valvesLesson 8Common Practical Troubleshooting and Quality Checks (Undercut, Taper, Dross)Focuses on spotting and fixing common cut faults like undercut, taper, drag lines, and dross. Gives practical tweaks to speed, tip size, and pressures, plus simple quality checks for production work.
Spotting undercut and washoutRecognising taper and bevel errorsHeavy dross and drag line causesAdjusting speed, height, and angleFixing pressure and tip issuesSimple visual and gauge checksLesson 9Handling, Storage, and Identification of Cut Parts (Tagging, Stacking, Corrosion Prevention)Explains safe handling and storage of fresh cut parts, including identification, tagging, and orientation marks. Covers stacking methods, support use, and basic corrosion prevention to keep size accuracy and tracking.
Tagging and part identificationMarking orientation and fit-up sidesSafe lifting and manual handlingStacking, supports, and propsShort-term corrosion protectionShop storage records and labellingLesson 10Gas Choice and Tip Sizing for Common Plate Thicknesses (Acetylene vs Propane, Suggested Tip Numbers)Covers choosing oxygen-fuel gas mixes and tip sizes for common mild steel thicknesses. Compares acetylene and propane performance, and lists typical tip numbers and flow rates for efficient, cost-effective cutting.
Comparing acetylene and propaneGas choice by thickness and taskMaker tip charts and dataSelecting tip size and openingFlow rates and preheat tuningEffects on cut speed and quality
