SC50-8 - Smith SC50 Series Size 8 Heavy Duty Propane Cutting Tip

Heavy-Duty Industrial Cutting Performance

The Smith SC50-8 Cutting Tip is a specialized, high-performance consumable designed for extreme heavy-duty cutting applications using alternate fuels. Engineered by Smith Equipment (Miller), this Size 8 tip represents the pinnacle of propane and natural gas cutting technology, capable of severing steel sections ranging from 18 inches (457mm) up to 20 inches (508mm) in thickness. Unlike standard general-purpose tips, the SC50-8 features a "Heavy Preheat" configuration. This design facilitates the massive thermal transfer required to bring thick plate steel to ignition temperature rapidly, compensating for the lower flame temperature of propane compared to acetylene.

Structurally, the SC50-8 utilizes a robust two-piece design, consisting of a brass outer shell and a removable inner member. This architecture is essential for alternate fuels, as it creates a recessed flame anchor point that stabilizes the combustion of slower-burning gases like propane and natural gas. The tip face features a concave, recessed geometry. This critical engineering choice serves two purposes: it protects the precision-drilled orifices from damage if the torch is accidentally bumped against the workpiece, and it helps shield the tip from molten slag blowback during piercing operations. This results in a significantly longer service life compared to flat-faced tips.

The internal gas passages are fully swaged and smoothed to optimize gas flow laminar characteristics. This reduction in turbulence ensures a coherent oxygen cutting stream that maintains its shape over long distances—a vital requirement when cutting materials nearly two feet thick. The tip is designed for compatibility with a wide range of Smith Equipment apparatus, including DG200 and SC200 cutting attachments, all SC and DG series hand torches, and 3-hose machine cutting torches. Operators should note that due to the high volume of gas required for a Size 8 tip, manifolding multiple cylinders or using external evaporators may be necessary when using liquid oxygen sources to prevent starvation.