Abstract: A cut-off device for a horizontally moving continuous casting includes a carriage assembly carrying a cut-off torch mechanism and a clamping mechanism. The assembly is mounted for reciprocable movement on a rod-like track which is open-ended to permit fast removal of the assembly for repairs. When the assembly is clamped to the moving casting, it is carried along therewith while the torch cuts through the casting to form billets of desired length. The track is floatingly mounted to permit deviation from the vertical by the casting without adversely affecting the cutting operation. The carriage assembly is tiltable on the track to permit horizontal deviation of the clamped casting. The torch is operated by a cam having a drop-off portion which quickly returns the torch to starting position. Upon release of the clamping mechanism, a damped counter-weight automatically returns the carriage assembly to its initial position on the track.