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How to Make Large Four Inch Holes in Stainless Steel Plates

There are few fuels hot enough to melt steel for cutting or welding, especially thick, stainless plates. Oxy-acetylene torches can easily cut through steel from less than 1/8-inch up to a foot thick. This is because they can reach 6,000 degrees F, far hotter than required to cut steel. An acetylene-fueled torch is the easiest way to cut large 4-inch holes in stainless steel plates. In addition, oxygen and a cutting tip will be required so that the oxygen will blow the molten steel from the plate and create the cut.

Things You'll Need

  • Permanent marker
  • Gloves
  • Mask
  • Goggles
  • Apron
  • Oxy-acetylene torch with cutting tip
  • Acetylene tank
  • Oxygen tank
  • Stainless steel plates
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and draw your holes on the steel. A permanent marker works well for this purpose, just remember to cut on the outside of the marker lines to prevent them from showing on your finished product.

    • 2

      Put on your safety gear. Goggles, gloves, a mask and an apron should be worn at minimum.

    • 3

      Hold the oxy-acetylene torch away from you, with the flame adjustment valve turned off. Slowly turn the valve on the fuel tank 1/8 turn to the left. This should remain below 15 lbs. of pressure at all times. Turn the flame adjustment valve on the torch until the flame is approximately 1/2-inch long.

    • 4

      Open the oxygen to between 20 lbs. and 30 lbs. of pressure. Open the oxygen adjustment valve on the torch.

    • 5

      Brush the flame against a 2-inch to 3-inch section of the marked area until you see the metal begin to melt and be blown away. Continue heating a few inches at a time and cutting until the holes are cut completely.

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