These INSTRUCTIONS are for experienced operators. If you are not fully familiar with the principles of operation and safe
practices for oxy-fuel gas equipment, we urge you to read our booklet “Precautions and Safe Practices for Gas Welding,
Cutting, and Heating”, Form 2035. Do NOT permit untrained persons to install, operate, or maintain this equipment. Do
NOT attempt to install or operate this equipment until you have read and fully understand these instructions. If you do not
fully understand these instructions, contact your supplier for further information.
F15-069-C
May, 2009
The torch covered in these instructions is made to exact specifications. It must be used only in combination of cutting
nozzles and parts manufactured by ESAB Welding & Cutting Products, and used in gas service for which it is designed.
The use of other cutting nozzles and parts that cause damage or failure to the equipment will void the warranty.
Do NOT use torch with acetylene, Using acetylene
can overheat and burn torch which can cause injury to personnel in the operation area.
The C-43 Cutting Torch is for use with any of the commonly used fuel gases such as natural gas, propane,
and many of the proprietary gases EXCEPT ACETYLENE. A minimum of 5 psig fuel gas pressure is required
for proper operation. The C-43 was designed for automatic cut-off operations, such as hot and cold slab cutoff, slitting, shape cutting, and end cropping. It has a 13/8” (35 mm) diameter barrel suitable for standard torch
holders.
OPERA TING INSTRUCTIONS
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Hoses – Use ½-in. (12.7 mm) cutting oxygen hose with
“C” size fitting.
Water Cooling – The C-43 torch is equipped with two
water fittings (5/8”-18 RH male). Water is recommended
for torch cooling when torch is used for hot cutting operations. Connect water supply hose to water “inlet” connection and the drain hose to “outlet”. Water pressure
should not exceed 50 psig. Higher pressure may damage the torch. If not operating torch during cold weather,
remove plug at torch head to drain water from torch so
that water does not freeze and damage the parts in the
torch.
Regulation Panels – OXWELD Regulation Panels are
OSHA Approved and are for station regulation of the
preheat gases and cutting oxygen. They include all
valves, safety devices, and oxygen filter for reliable long
service life. The panels are mounted to a frame which
can be easily mounted to a wall or column. OXWELD
Regulation panel P/N 21 16395 recommended. Be sure
to read and underst
regulation panel before installing or operating.
and all instructions packed with each
Use 3/8-in. (9.5 mm) I.D. hose for preheat oxygen, and
fuel gas with proper “B” – size fittings (9/16” – 18 right
hand threads for oxygen; 9/16 – 18 left hand threads for
fuel gas).
Be sure this information reaches the operator.
Y ou can get extra copies through your supplier.
Note:For hot cutting applications - Regulation
panels do not include the capability for controlling the cooling water – these must be
supplied by customer .
READ AND UNDERSTAND INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING
OR OPERATING. PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS!
CAUTION
These INSTRUCTIONS are for experienced operators. If you are not fully familiar with the principles of operation and safe practices for gas welding and cutting equipment, we urge you to read
our booklet, “Precautions and Safe Practices for Gas Welding, Cutting, and Heating,” Form F-2035.
Do NOT permit untrained persons to install, operate, or maintain this equipment. Do NOT attempt
to install or operate this equipment until you have read and fully understand these instructions. If
you do not fully understand these instructions, contact your supplier for further information. Be
sure to read the Safety Precautions before installing or operating this equipment.
USER RESPONSIBILITY
This equipment will perform in conformity with the description thereof contained in this manual and accompanying labels and/or inserts when installed, operated, maintained and repaired in accordance with the instructions provided. This equipment must be checked periodically. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment
should not be used. Parts that are broken, missing, worn, distorted or contaminated should be replaced immediately. Should such repair or replacement become necessary, the manufacturer recommends that a telephone
or written request for service advice be made to the Authorized Distributor from whom it was purchased.
This equipment or any of its parts should not be altered without the prior written approval of the manufacturer.
The user of this equipment shall have the sole responsibility for any malfunction which results from improper
use, faulty maintenance, damage, improper repair or alteration by anyone other than the manufacturer or a service facility designated by the manufacturer.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When using Oxy-Fuel Gas Torches, basic safety precautions should always be followed:
Never use Acetylene gas at a pressure over 15 psig.a.
Never use damaged equipment.b.
Never use oil or grease on or around Oxygen equipment.c.
Never use Oxygen or fuel gas to blow dirt or dust o clothing or equipment.d.
Never light a torch with matches or a lighter. Always use a striker.e.
Always wear the proper welding goggles, gloves and clothing when operating Oxy-Acetylene equipment. f.
Pants should not have cus.
Do not carry lighters, matches or other ammable objects in pockets when welding or cutting.g.
Always be aware of others around you when using a torch.h.
Be careful not to let welding hoses come into contact with torch ame or sparks from cutting.i.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.j.
BE SURE THIS INFORMATION REACHES THE OPERATOR.
YOU CAN GET EXTRA COPIES THROUGH YOUR SUPPLIER.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
These Safety Precautions are for your protection. They summarize precautionary information from the references listed
in Additional Safety Information section. Before performing any
installation or operating procedures, be sure to read and follow the safety precautions listed below as well as all other
manuals, material safety data sheets, labels, etc. Failure to observe Safety Precautions can result in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS - Some
welding, cutting and gouging processes are
noisy and require ear protection. Hot metal can
cause skin burns and heat rays may injure
eyes. Training in the proper use of the processes and equipment is essential to prevent
accidents. Also:
1.Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work area,
even if welding helmets, face shields, or goggles are also required.
2.Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt,
cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding helmet or
cap for hair protection, to protect against hot sparks and hot
metal. A flameproof apron may also be desirable as protection
against radiated heat and sparks.
3.Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trousers
cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned,
and open pockets eliminated from the front of clothing.
4.Protect other personnel from hot sparks with a suitable nonflammable partition or curtains.
5.Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or grinding. Chipped slag may be hot and can travel considerable distances. Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety
glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS - Heat from a flame
can act as an ignition source. Hot slag or sparks
can also cause fires or explosions. Therefore:
1.Remove all combustible materials well away from the work
area or completely cover the materials with a protective nonflammable covering. Combustible materials include wood,
cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents, paints and coatings, paper, etc.
2.Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in
floors or wall openings and cause a hidden smoldering fire on
the floor below. Make certain that such openings are protected
from hot sparks and metal.
3.Do not weld, cut, or perform any other hot work on materials,
containers, or piping until it has been completely cleaned so
that no substances on the material can produce flammable or
toxic vapors. Do not do hot work on closed containers. They
may explode.
4.Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use, such
as a garden hose, a pail of water or sand, or portable fire
extinguisher. Be sure you are trained in its use.
5.After completing operations, inspect the work area to be sure
that there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could cause a
later fire. Use fire watchers when necessary.
6.For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B, Fire
Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes, which
is available from the National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
3.Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 listed below for specific
ventilation recommendations.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - Faulty or improperly
maintained equipment, such as torches, hoses and
regulators, can result in poor work, but even more
important, it can cause injury or death through fires.
Therefore:
1.Always have qualified personnel perform the installation,
troubleshooting, and maintenance work. Do not operate or
repair any equipment unless you are qualified to do so.
2.Keep all oxy-fuel equipment free of grease or oil. Grease, oil,
and other similar combustible materials, when ignited, can burn
violently in the presence of oxygen.
3.Do not abuse any equipment or accessories. Keep equipment
away from heat and wet conditions, oil or grease, corrosive
atmospheres and inclement weather.
4.Keep all safety devices in position and in good repair.
5.Use equipment for its intended purpose. Do not modify it in
any manner.
GAS CYLINDER HANDLING - Gas cylinders, if
mishandled, can rupture or explode violently.
Sudden rupture of a cylinder, valve or relief device can injure or kill you. Therefore:
1.Use the proper gas for the process and use the proper pressure reducing regulator designed to operate from the compressed gas cylinder. Do not use adaptors to mount the regulator on the cylinder. Maintain hoses and fittings in good condition. Follow manufacturers operating instructions for mounting the regulator to the gas cylinder.
2.Always secure cylinders in an upright position by chain or strap
to suitable hand trucks, benches, walls, post, or racks. Never
secure cylinders to work tables or fixtures where they may
become part of an electrical circuit.
3.When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have the valve
protection cap in place on top of the cylinder if no regulators is
installed. Secure and move cylinders by using suitable hand
trucks. Avoid rough handling of cylinders.
4.Locate cylinders away from heat, sparks, or flame of a welding, cutting, or gouging operation. Never strike an arc on a
cylinder.
5.For additional information, refer to CGA Standard P-1, Precautions for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders:, which is available from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION - For more information on safe practices for oxy-fuel welding and
cutting equipment, ask your distributor for a copy of
Precautions and Safe Practices for Gas Welding, Cutting, and Heating, Form 2035. Gas apparatus safety
guidelines are also available on video cassettes from
your distributor.
The following publications, which are available from the American
Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJuene Road, Miami, FL 33126, are
recommended to you:
1.ANSI/AWS Z49.1 - Safety in Welding and Cutting.
2.AWS F4.1 - Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation for Welding and Cutting of Containers and Piping That
Have Held Hazardous Substances/
FUMES AND GASES - Fumes and gases, particularly in confined spaces, can cause discomfort or injury. Do not breathe fumes or
gases from welding or cutting, Therefore:
1.Always provide adequate ventilation in the work area by natural or mechanical ventilation means. Do not weld, cut, or gouge
on materials such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper,
zinc, lead, beryllium, or cadmium unless positive mechanical
ventilation is provided. Do not breathe fumes and gases from
these materials.
2.If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation while
operating, this is an indication that ventilation is not adequate.
Stop work at once and take necessary steps to improve ventilation in the work area. Do not continue to operate if physical
discomfort persists.
This symbol appearing in this manual means
Attention! Be Alert! Your safety is involved.
Used to call attention to immediate hazards
which, if not avoided, will result in immediate,
serious personal injury or loss of life.
Used to call attention to potential hazards
which could result in personal injury or loss of
life.
Used to call attention to hazards which could
result in minor personal injury.
2
SP-GA 7/97
Valves – The C-43 torch is valveless. Control of the
gases should be done by adjusting the regulators on
the regulation panel. If a regulation panel is not used,
suitable ball valves or remotely operated solenoid
valves, and regulators should be installed for on-off
torch control.
Pipeline Filters – Regulation panel P/N 2116395 includes an oxygen filter . If a regulation panel is not used
but filters are desired, use P/N 2116734 for oxygen
and P/N 21 16339 for fuel gas. Filters should be installed
ahead of the inlet connection of each regulator.
Adaptors/Piping – ¾-in. (19mm) piping is recommended from each gas source to the regulators. V arious commercially available adaptors will be required
for the system. Be sure that all piping and adaptors are
free of grease and oil. Grease, oil, and similar combustible materials once ignited burn violently in the presence of oxygen. Teflon tape or paste or an approved
pipe compound must be used on all pipe threads.
Cutting Nozzles – Select desired nozzle from Cutting
Data Table on page 6.
Optional Accessories
Note:For reliable and accurate pressure settings use
gauge adaptors at torch gas inlets
TESTING FOR LEAKS
The system should be thoroughly tested for leaks when
it is first hooked up, and at regular intervals thereafter .
With the system pressurized down to the shutoff valves,
apply Leak Test Solution suitable for oxygen service,
such as P/N 998771 (8 oz. Container), on all joints and
connections. Bubbling of the solution indicates leakage. If leakage is detected, tighten the connection. If
this does not stop the leakage, then shut off the appropriate gas supply and open the torch valve to remove
pressure from the system. Break the leaky connection, wipe metal seating surface with a clean dry cloth,
and examine them for nicks and scratches. Remake
the connection(s) and retest. Do not try to light the torch
until you are satisfied that all connections are gas tight.
After lighting the torch and adjusting the flames, use
leak test solution to check for leakage around hose
connections at each valve fitting and at the nozzle nut.
Lighting And Flame Adjustment
Gauge Adaptors – The following gauge adaptors
are recommended for setting the gas flows (see
Table). Gauge adaptors connect to the inlet connections but should be removed when cutting over hot
material.
Cutting Oxygen T est Gauge Adaptor ..........21X48
Preheat Oxygen T est Gauge Adaptor..........07X17
Fuel Gas T est Gauge Adaptor.................... 639422
Connecting
1. Before connecting, make sure all metal seating
surfaces of hoses, torch, and regulators are not
damaged, clean, and free of grease and oil.
2. Connect hoses (2 oxygen; 1 fuel gas) to the proper
fitting on the torch and to the manual or solenoid
shutoff valves downstream of the regulator. T ighten
the connecting nuts firmly using two wrenches to
prevent twisting of tubes inside the torch.
3. Assemble the desired nozzle (see Table) to the
torch and tighten nozzle retaining nut firmly with
two 1-1/8 (29mm) open-end wrenches.
Adjusting Gas Pressures
1. Open the cutting oxygen line manual or solenoid
shutoff valve. Adjust cutting oxygen regulator to the
desired pressure (see T able) compensating for any
line loss to the torch through hose and valve. Then
immediately close the cutting oxygen shutoff valve.
2. Repeat above with the preheat oxygen, and then
the fuel gas.
Open the preheat oxygen and fuel gas valves and light
the gas about 3 inches from the nozzle face with a
friction lighter. Do NOT use a match. Use of a match
can seriously burn your hand.
Adjust pressure at the regulator if necessary. The torch
is designed to operate over a wide range of preheat
pressures. The pressures given in the Table may be
used as a starting point. Depending on the type steel
being cut, small adjustments may be necessary for best
performance.
Shutting Off
Close the cutting oxygen valve. Then close the preheat oxygen and fuel gas valves.
If operations are to be stopped for a half-hour or more,
pressure should be released from all regulators as follows:
1. Close station valve of each gas supply.
2. Open all torch shutoff valves.
3. When pressure on each regulator gauge drops
down to zero, back out the regulator pressure-adjusting screw .
4. Close torch valves.
OPERA TING PRECAUTIONS
Backfire: Improper operation of the torch may cause
the flames to go out with a loud “pop”. Such a backfire
may be caused by contact of nozzle with the work, by
spatter from the work, by the use of incorrect gas pres-
3
sures, or by leakage at the cutting nozzle seats due to
dirt or nicks on seats or to a loose nozzle nut.
Flashback: Under certain exceptional circumstances,
the flame may not “pop” out (backfire) but instead burn
back inside the torch with a shrill hissing or squeal.
This is called a “flashback”. A flashback should never
occur if (1) the equipment is in good condition; (2) preheat ports on cutting nozzles or welding tips are cleaned
frequently; and (3) operating pressures are correct.
Should a flashback occur, IMMEDIATELY shut off the
torch. Allow it to cool off for at least a minute. Then
check your nozzle or tip, gas pressures, readjust regulators if necessary, and relight the torch. If flashback
recurs, send the torch with the nozzle in use when flashback occurred to ESAB Remanufacturing Center, Florence, SC or to your distributor for repair.
The C-43E can be equipped for use in powder cutting
operations. See your ESAB Representative or Distributor.
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
For all repairs other than those covered below,
Send the apparatus to ESAB Remanufacturing
Center, Florence SC or to your ESAB distributor
Improperly repaired apparatus is hazardous.
Injector: to remove injector for cleaning or replacement, first unscrew the mixer chamber plug P/N
134Z55. Remove spring and remove injector with or
w/o screw .
Examine the injector carefully, particularly the tip face
projections. If it is bent of if its tip has been nicked or
marred, it should be replaced by a new injector.
Before assembling inspect the torch body to make sure
that it is clean and free of chips. When assembling be
sure to use a new O-ring unless the old one appears to
be in equal-to-new condition. Slip injector into torch then
insert spring and push down hard to seat the injector
against body. Then insert mixer plug and tighten plug
firmly.
Cleaning Cutting Nozzles
Preheat Holes: If the cutting nozzle does not produce
straight, uniform flames, or if any of the preheat holes
become clogged, clean them by using one of the tip
cleaners in the Oxweld Cleaning Kit, Part No. 753F00.
Maintaining clean preheat holes is essential for quality
performance of the torch.
Cutting Bores: If the cutting orifice becomes clogged
or fouled, insert the sharpened, tapered end of a common wooden pencil and gently rotate until the fouling
is removed. Next, insert the appropriate cleaning drill
(see table) and gently push in and out. DO NOT TWIST
THE DRILL
4
REPLACEMENT PARTS
To order replacement parts, identify the required parts from the drawing below and specify by part number and
name. The C-43-02 (P/N 20827) and C-43-03 (P/N 20828) were discontinued in 2000. Some replacement parts
will not be available after existing stock is depleted.
Head - 20822
Nut - 33A34
Plug (1/8" NPT)
60601012
Connection (Cut Oxy.) - 18Z55
Red. Elbow (1/2" X 3/8" NPT)
Nipple (3/8" NPT X 2") - 2114095
(2) Street Elbow
(1/4" NPT) - 2114091
Connection (F .G.) - 3390
(2) Reducing Elbow (1/4" NPT) -
(2) Connection
(Water) - 10Z30
C-43-03
Oxy-Tube - 20816
Silver Braze
Injector Assem. - 01Y58*
Water Tube - 20817
Mixer Tube - 20818
08144231
Casing - 20820
O-Ring - 86W85
Nipple (3/8" NPT X 5") - 67100955)
Bushing - 2115695
Plug (1/4" NPT) - 69Z15
Cap Body 2114030
Connection
(Cut Oxy.) - 18Z55
Connection
(Cut Oxy.) - 21 13803
Body - 20823
Spring 40A39
(2) Connection
(Water) - 10Z30
C-43-02
Inlet parts
Connection (P .H. Oxy.) - 3389
C-43-01
Inlet parts
OXY
Connection
(P .H. Oxy.) 3389
Connection
(F .G.) - 3390
Connection
(P .H. Oxy.) - 3389
Plug134Z55
C-43-03
Inlet parts
Coupling (1/4" NPT) 2115696
Nipple (1/4" NPT) 2115697
Valve (Cut Oxy .) 2114114
(2) Valve (P.H.) 950987
Connection
(F .G.) - 3390
* (Includes O-rings 187W01 and 86W04)
NOTE:Apply one drop of Loctite Compound No. 290 (73585426) on 2nd or 3rd male thread on all pipe threaded joints before assembl y.
C-43-01 T orch.................................................................. P/N 20826
5
CUTTING NOZZLES: Part Numbers, Operating Data & Cleaning Dat a.
GENERAL NOTES:
1. When using any of the nozzles listed in the cutting tables, the recommended hose sizes are 1/2-in. for cutting
oxygen, 3/8-in. for preheat oxygen and fuel gases.
2. All gas pressures are measured at the torch inlet connections with gases flowing.
3. The tables show average values based on typical conditions. The type and quality of steel, its surface condition,
the purity of oxygen, etc. will always have a bearing on the end results.
4. The cutting speeds shown in the following tables are approximate, and will vary depending on steel temperature
and carbon content.
** 1431 Series Nozzles - Cutting speeds are based on cutting steel at temperatures over 1000°F (1832°C), and have tapered divergent cutting bores. These nozzles are used in continuous
casting cut-off or plate ripping applications where it is necessary to *slice through’ quickly.
- U.S. Dimensions
- Metric Dimensions
6
Ring Flame Fuel Gas Nozzles*** (2-Piece) - U.S. Dimensions
12021218482119485*Up to 150450-76038.2
14021194862119485*150-2506.3-8.12.82.7250-50052.411.66.1
16021195782119485*250 & Up250-50059.5
*** The "Ring Flame" Nozzles-Cutting speeds are based on cutting steel at temperatures over 1000° (1832°C), and have tapered divergent cutting bores.
Applications are the same as the 1427 series nozzles. The ring flame design has a preheat gas ring (instead of holes) surrounding the cutting bore and is less
susceptible to fouling due to slag blow back. The ring flame nozzles can operate up to 5-in. (127mm) off the work surface and corner starting is less critical.