Torch template guides for handcutting

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sawdust1
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Torch template guides for handcutting

Post by sawdust1 »

I helped my nephew get a hand torch and he is always looking for things to cut. He wishes to make Christmas presents, hot dog cookers. My thought was to make him a couple tracing templates of the sort that came in cereal boxes years ago. Put the pencil in, follow the slots and you have a dog or something.
Has anyone ever tried making such a template for their hand torch?

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tcaudle
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Re: torch template guide

Post by tcaudle »

How about a torch pantograph? (aka "tracer") Hand torch mounts in holder. Rig up a foot switch to fire the torch. Anything you can draw or use a template. You can make it 1:1 or make it another ratio. Google Torch Pantograph. Lots of hits. I would opt for a conventional pantograph with the stylus lower so you could put on a stylus and trace a drawing or run outside a pattern. Just keep in mind the kerf width
sawdust1
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Re: torch template guide

Post by sawdust1 »

I wondered about a pantograph, I will suggest he build his own. That is something he could without me. He is 16 and a bit shy on perseverance.
I took a hockey logo and made a negative size shadow layer to allow for the torch tip. Looks fine on paper.... I will try cutting one out to see if it actually does what I hope it will.
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Ironken
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Re: torch template guide

Post by Ironken »

Sawdust. Before I worked out cutting square/rec tubing on my CNC, I made templates for everything and hand cut. It was simple.....draw them up including compensation in all directions for .5 drag shield diameter, blow them out, clean up and enjoy. I would regularly squirt them down with antispatter. I would also squirt the part to be cut with a generous dose of antispatter spray. This would lube the part and template and help the torch glide along. This is assuming that by hand torch, you are referring to a hand plasma torch.
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