Holes can be easily pierced in steel plate using steel-tubular electrodes. The following technique is recommended:

a. Touch the plate lightly with the electrode at the desired point. Hold the oxygen trigger down and call for SWITCH ON.

b. Hold the electrode stationary for a moment, withdrawing it momentarily as necessary to start an arc and permit melting of the steel tube inside the covering.

c. Push the electrode slowly into the hole until the plate is pierced.

This technique has been used to pierce holes in 3-inch steel plate without difficulty (see Figure 2-5). A hole slightly larger than the electrode will be produced. The hole can be enlarged by working the electrode in and out in a sawing motion. A similar technique may be used with exothermic electrodes.