A method of working metal in which molten metal particles are ejected
from, for example, a welding electrode or from a metal workpiece being
cut or drilled. The ejected molten metal particles are caused to pass
through a contact region in which they make contact with a cryogen, for
example, liquid nitrogen or solid carbon dioxide. The contact renders the
particles non-adherent to any adjacent surface to which the particles
would otherwise adhere. Alternatively, the adjacent surface may be cooled
by contact with a cryogen so as to render the particles non-adherent
thereto.