SC50-0 - Smith SC50-0 Heavy Duty Propane Cutting Tip Size 0

Technical Overview of the Smith SC50-0 Cutting Tip

The Smith SC50-0 is a specialized heavy-duty cutting tip engineered for industrial oxy-fuel applications utilizing alternate fuel gases such as propane or natural gas. As part of the SC50 series, this tip features a robust two-piece construction, consisting of a brass inner member and a copper outer shell. This design architecture is critical for alternate fuels, as it allows for the specific recessed tip geometry required to stabilize the flame and prevent blow-off, which is common with slower-burning gases like propane. The Size 0 specification indicates a calibrated oxygen orifice designed to cut mild steel with a thickness of approximately 3/8 inch (10mm), providing a balance of gas economy and cutting speed for light-to-medium fabrication tasks.

One of the defining technical characteristics of the SC50-0 is its "Heavy Preheat" classification. This feature ensures a high volume of preheat flames surrounding the cutting oxygen stream, significantly reducing the time required to bring the base metal to kindling temperature. This is particularly advantageous when working with materials that have surface contaminants, such as rust, mill scale, or primer, which typically require higher heat input to initiate the cut. Operators should note that when using liquid oxygen systems, the high flow demands of heavy preheat tips may require external evaporators or manifolded cylinders to maintain sufficient gas volume and prevent starvation.

Compatibility is a key factor for the SC50-0. It is designed to interface seamlessly with Smith Equipment's proprietary seating systems found in the DG200 and SC200 cutting attachments (up to max size SC50-5). It is also fully compatible with all Smith SC and DG series hand torches, as well as Smith 2-hose (max size SC50-6) and 3-hose machine cutting torches. This versatility makes it a standard inventory item for shops utilizing Smith apparatus. The tip is not compatible with acetylene and must be used strictly with the designated fuel gases to ensure safety and performance.