Final answer:
A good oxyacetylene cut should be straight, square, and require little or no post-cut cleanup; this is achieved by the skilled use of an oxyacetylene torch which generates high temperatures by burning acetylene gas in oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, a good oxyacetylene cut should indeed be straight and square and require little or no post-cut cleanup. Oxyacetylene cutting, which involves the use of an oxyacetylene torch, is a process where acetylene is burned in oxygen to produce a very high-temperature flame.
The combustion of acetylene in the presence of oxygen is an exothermic reaction that generates temperatures over 3000°C, sufficient to melt the metal for cutting purposes. The skill of the operator, along with proper settings and handling of the torch, plays a significant role in achieving a cut with minimal dross and a clean edge, thus reducing the need for post-cutting grind work or other surface finish treatments. When safety precautions are observed and the equipment is correctly used, the oxyacetylene cutting process is highly efficient, creating precise cuts that reduce the need for further processing.