Which tool is typically used for cutting metal plates in boilermaking?

The plasma cutter or oxy-fuel torch is the preferred tool for cutting metal plates in boilermaking due to its ability to quickly and accurately cut through a variety of metal thicknesses. Plasma cutters utilize a high-velocity jet of ionized gas to melt and blow away the metal, making them ideal for thick materials and intricate cuts. Oxy-fuel torches, which rely on a flame produced by burning a fuel gas and oxygen, are also versatile for cutting and can be adjusted for different thicknesses.

Both tools can handle large plates efficiently and allow for a variety of cutting techniques, including straight cuts, curves, and intricate designs. In contrast, while band saws, hand shears, and drill presses have their functions in metalworking and fabricating, they are not typically used for cutting large metal plates in the same manner or efficiency as plasma cutters or oxy-fuel torches. Band saws may work for some smaller plate operations but are less efficient for thicker materials, and hand shears are generally used for thinner sheet metal, leaving the heavier cuts to be more suitably managed by the plasma or oxy-fuel methods.