When using an oxyacetylene torch, what will using a tip that is too small cause?

Using a tip that is too small with an oxyacetylene torch can cause heat drain, which refers to the loss of heat energy that occurs during the cutting or welding process. When a smaller tip is used than what is appropriate for the material being worked on, it can lead to an insufficient heat concentration on the workpiece. This makes it difficult to melt and fuse metals effectively.

In this scenario, the torch does not provide adequate heat to raise the temperature of the metal to the necessary level for proper welding or cutting. As a result, the operator might need to spend more time heating the material, which can cause an inefficient operation and potential issues with achieving a clean weld or cut. Proper tip selection, which is based on the thickness and type of material, is crucial for maintaining an appropriate heat level and achieving optimal results in welding and cutting tasks.