Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] thermite cutting torch info (was Lead screw twist...)

Hi Annie,

I think the two processes are different - probably even spelt differently!
Thermit welding (no final 'e') is used a lot for joining things in -situ,
joining lightning conductor tape to earth rods is one app that springs
immediately to mind. This uses a powder consisting of a mixture of metal and
oxidiser - often aluminium powder and Manganese Dioxide. A container is made
around the parts to be joined and the powder is poured in and set on fire
with a gas torch. A high temperature is developed which welds the parts
together. Thermite cutting works in a similar way to gas cutting torches
except that the initial heating of the metal is done by a similar technique
to stick welding - an electrode coupled to a power source gets the metal hot
and oxygen at a fairly high pressure intensifies this heat and blows melted
metal out of the cut. HTH.

Ian
--
Ian W. Wright
Sheffield UK
www.iw63.freeserve.co.uk

----- Original Message -----
From: "Anne Ogborn" <anniepoo@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@egroups.com>
Sent: 13 November 2000 06:00
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] thermite cutting torch info (was Lead screw
twist...)


> Having seen guys on the RR making thermite welds, I wondered
> what sort of contraption a thermite cutting torch was.
>
> Annie, whose Idea of a heavy heating instrument is a little
> butane torch.
>