Abstract: The specification describes a thermal cutting machine for cutting up a continuously cast ingot during operation of a continuous casting plant, comprising a clamping means for entrainment of the thermal cutting machine with movement of the continuously cast ingot. A drive moves the thermal cutting machine along the continuously cast ingot and a cutting burner can be adjusted transversely with respect to the continuously cast ingot and can be driven. The thermal cutting machine is substantially enclosed by a cooling shroud, which only has a few passages for shafts, more particulary of support wheels and furthermore for a drive shaft of the cutting burner holder and for an actuating linkage of the clamping means.