Oxy flame cutting

[f_armer]

Any tips or tricks on how you guys go about cutting with flame? I have a Smith sc772A torch that has a lever for cut, no solenoids. Whats the best method for preheat, my Z is floating so it needs to touch off, which will put out the flame sometimes. I can make it work, but if someone has a simple way they can share just to compare.
Ive been hitting run, then hitting pause to preheat then run again after it starts cutting, whats the best way to adjust the Z axis as its cutting?
Thanks

[grindergary]

Sheetcam had a flame cutting post that would hold for preheat. I believe you set Mach to allow movement of Z to adjust flame height while cutting. I remember doing it years ago but have to look it up again.

If you check the SCam manual, it has the set up for oxy-fuel for you.

Hope this helps a little.

Gary

[f_armer]

I'm using the 11d post from candcnc it has flame and a place for preheat times, but that won't work with a manual lever torch, I don't think, because I need to manual flip the lever for cut, my timing would have to be just right so it didn't start moving before I flipped the lever. Unless I set an extra long preheat time, then flipped the lever early?
I never thought to read the Sheetcam manual on it, illl look into it.

[fergy]

Run you preheat time long
Count down and flip the lever early
Or as it just starts to move
Flipping early is better than when it is moving anyways
Fergy

[f_armer]

How do you guys deal with the z axis zeroing itself on top of the plate, snuffing out the flame?