Torch cutting cast iron

Factual Questions
1

I want to make some coupons to practice hand filing out of some cast iron weights that I have. There is no problem cutting this stuff with a cutting torch, right?

Thanks,
Rob

2

So long as you’re wearing the proper protective gear, there shouldn’t be.

3

Be aware that the slag on the edge of the flame cuts will have some rock-hard inclusions. Best to clean up the edges with a grinder before other operations. You might also need to preheat the casting, and bury it in vemiculite (to allow slow cooling) after cutting to avoid cracking…though if it is only test coupons, you’ll probably not need to bother.

4

OK, I’ll ask. What’s a “test coupon”? :confused:

5

http://www.saber.net/~jere/Weldingaccess.html

see bottom

6

Thanks! Never heard it called that. I just call it scrap!

7

Well, I guess they do look like coupons in a way. Seems like scrap metal would be cheaper.

8

“Coupons” is the term normally used in welding. I’ve not heard it used with respect to machining (or filing in the case of the OP). I rather suspect sweeteviljesus might be a weldor.

The idea is that they are of known alloy. Especially for welding, various alloys require different filler or technique, and in the case of aluminum, some alloys are not weldable at all. It is not uncommon to make up your own test coupons, in fact I don’t recall seeing them for sale before the link above. Makes sense though. Coupons need to be of flat stock, (distructive testing) and maybe the project only requires tubing.

9

Actually, I am just a hobbyist who wants to learn flat filing. Weyger’s The Complete Modern Blacksmith describes a series of mechanic’s exercises that the author had to do while learning to be a marine engineer. I want to try my hand at this stuff. I have some cast iron barbell weights as well as a weight from a gas pump that are made of cast iron, but that is it. Anyone know where I could obtain any more suitably sized pieces of scrap?

Thanks,
Rob