How long should torch cuts cool before initiating a saw cut on the same rail end?

The appropriate cooling time for torch cuts before proceeding with a saw cut is critical for ensuring safety and maintaining the integrity of the rail. Allowing the cuts to cool for approximately 5 minutes helps to reduce the risk of heat distortion affecting the rail material during the subsequent cutting process.

During this cooling period, the metal can stabilize and contract, ensuring that when the saw cut is initiated, the material is in a more manageable state, minimizing potential slag and allowing for a cleaner cut. If cuts are made when the metal is still excessively hot, it may lead to an uneven cut and damage, increasing the potential for safety hazards and compromising the quality of the welds or connections that will be made subsequently.

This cooling time balances efficiency and caution, allowing for a practical approach in the thermite welding process while ensuring the durability and reliability of the rail system.