Why should oxyacetylene torches not be used to remove welds?

Oxyacetylene torches are not suitable for removing welds primarily because they generate extremely high temperatures that can easily damage the surrounding steel while trying to cut through the weld. The intense heat can cause warping, structural weakness, or even melting of the steel in areas adjacent to the weld, leading to further problems in the integrity of the component being worked on.

When specialized tools or methods like grinding or dedicated welding removal tools are used instead, they allow for more precise control of heat application, minimizing the risk to the surrounding material. This is crucial in structural body repair, where maintaining the integrity of the base material is critical for safety and performance.