Gas Cutting (Oxy-Fuel Cutting)
Gas cutting, often called oxy-fuel cutting or oxy-acetylene cutting, is a proven method
for cutting mild steel and carbon steel using a combination of fuel gas and oxygen. The
process heats the metal to its ignition temperature, then a jet of oxygen reacts with the
steel to create an oxide that is blown away, producing a clean cut line.
Best for:
• Mild steel and carbon steel plate
• On-site work, maintenance, and fabrication
• Cutting thicker material where portability matters
Key benefits:
• Cost-effective for thicker steel
• Portable setup for site work
• Great for rough cutting, demolition, and general fabrication
Things to consider:
• Not suitable for most stainless steel or aluminium (different processes are needed)
• Cut quality can depend on correct tip size, gas pressures, and operator technique
• Heat input can cause distortion on thinner material
If you’re cutting steel regularly, choosing the right torch, regulators, flashback
arrestors, and nozzles makes a big difference to safety, performance, and gas
consumption.
Abrasive Cutting (Cut-Off Wheels & Grinding Discs)
Abrasive cutting uses a high-speed cut-off wheel (often on an angle grinder, chop saw,
or petrol cut-off saw) to remove material through friction. This is one of the most
common cutting methods in workshops and on-site because it’s quick, versatile, and
works across a wide range of metals.
Best for:
• Steel, stainless steel, and many other metals
• Cutting bar, box section, sheet, and fixings
• Fast trimming and general workshop use
Key benefits:
• Versatile: suitable for many metal types
• Quick setup: ideal for short runs and day-to-day cutting
• Wide choice of discs for different jobs (thin cut, heavy-duty, stainless-specific)
Things to consider:
• Disc choice matters: using the correct disc improves speed and reduces waste
• Abrasive cutting generates sparks, dust, and heat — PPE and extraction help
• Wheels wear down over time and must be checked for damage before use
For best results, match the disc to the material (for example, stainless cutting discs
help prevent contamination) and use the correct RPM-rated wheel for your machine.
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