SC965 - Miller Smith SC965 Gas Axe 6-Foot Scrap Cutting Torch, 75-Degree Head

Smith SC965 Gas Axe Extra Heavy Duty Cutting Torch

The Smith SC965 Gas Axe is a legendary tool in the industrial demolition and scrap processing sectors, renowned for its uncompromising durability and safety features. This extra-heavy-duty straight cutting torch measures 72 inches (6 feet) in length, providing operators with a critical safety zone when working on large-scale demolition projects where heat radiation and falling debris are constant hazards. The torch features a 75-degree head angle, which is ergonomically favored for working on materials situated on the ground or at lower levels, reducing operator fatigue during extended shifts.

Engineered for severe applications, the Gas Axe utilizes a robust three-tube construction method. Unlike tip-mix or tube-mix designs that might blend gases earlier in the assembly, Smith's design keeps the oxygen and fuel gases completely separated within heavy-wall stainless steel tubes until they reach the cutting tip. This architecture virtually eliminates the risk of mixing tube burnout and flashback within the handle, a common failure point in lesser torches. The head itself is crafted from super-tough, thick-wall manganese bronze, a material specifically chosen for its ability to resist heat warping and withstand the physical abuse typical of scrap yards.

Versatility is a core component of the SC965's design. While it is excellent for use with propane or natural gas—common in cost-sensitive scrap operations—it performs equally well with acetylene and propylene-based fuels. The cutting capacity is immense: capable of severing steel up to 24 inches thick when using acetylene, and up to 20 inches with propane. The torch utilizes Smith's proprietary SC Series Slip-In Cutting Tips. These tips feature resilient Graf-Tite seat material that protects the seating surface from nicks and ensures a positive seal without the need for a wrench, significantly reducing downtime during tip changes.

Operational control is refined through the inclusion of stainless steel ball-style valves for smooth gas adjustment and positive shut-off. The Ease-On cutting oxygen valve is a critical feature for piercing thick plate, allowing for the gradual application of cutting oxygen to reduce slag blow-back and prevent key-holing. Furthermore, the cutting lever is reversible, allowing it to be mounted on the top or bottom of the handle to suit the operator's grip preference or specific job requirements.