If a rail end has been torch cut, how many inches should be removed after thirty minutes?

When a rail end has been torch cut, the process creates a heat-affected zone and can lead to residual stresses in the material. After allowing for a specific cooling period, such as thirty minutes, it is important to remove a certain amount of material to ensure that no weak points remain where the torch cut was made.

Removing six inches after thirty minutes provides a practical amount of material to eliminate any compromised integrity resulting from the thermal cutting. This extra length ensures that you are working with a clean, solid section of the rail, allowing for effective and safe thermite welding. The choice of six inches also aligns with industry standards and practices designed to maintain structural integrity and ensure successful bonding during the welding process. Proper adherence to these guidelines is essential for achieving high-quality welds that meet safety regulations and performance requirements.