End View of Cutting Tip:

Drag might also be expressed as a percentage of the cut thickness. A ten % drag means that the far side of the cut lags the near side of the cut by a distance equivalent to ten percent of the material thickness.

A enhance in cutting speed with no enhance in oxygen flow usually results in a larger drag. This might cause a decrease in cut quality. There is also a strong possibility of loss of cut at excessive speeds. Reverse drag might occur when the cutting oxygen flow is too high or the travel speed is too low. Under these conditions, usually poor-quality cuts result. Cutting stream lag caused by incorrect torch alignment is not considered to be drag.

Cutting speeds below those suggested for best quality cuts usually result in irregularities in the kerf. The oxygen stream incompatibly oxidises and washes away additional material from each side of the cut. Excessive preheat flame results in undesirable melting and widening of the kerf at the top.