To help the torch tip ride smoothly along the side of the bar rub the bar with soapstone. It works like a high temperature lubricant. A very gentle side ways pressure is used to hold the torch agains the guide. The user then only has to contend with height of the torch off the work and travel speed.
Some people design their guide bars so that they can ride the shoulder of the torch tip nut on an edge so that height is predetermined.
If one has to cut many slots or belvels that are all identical then some sort of guide will increase the quality of cut as well as increasing the speed. The picture below shows a Tee shaped guide used to cut flanges on beams when they are laying on their side.
There are several other guides hanging wating for another opportuninty to save time and trouble.
Running "buggo" or track burners can save considerable time and produce long quality cuts. The picture below is Tony's (workmate) invention. He used these little brackets to support the track when having to split beams into tees.
