Torches can be used to bind two metals together, heat up metal or cut through metal.

Oxygen is combined with the acetylene in the torch, which produces a high temperature acetylene flame.

To connect metal, the flame is applied to the base metal and held until a small puddle of molten metal is formed. The puddle is moved along the path where the weld bead is desired.

For cutting, the flame brings the metal to its ignition temperature. The edge of the steel is heated to melting point, and then a separate cutting oxygen valve releases oxygen from the central jet. The steel is instantly oxidized into molten iron oxide, producing the cut.