Oxy/Acetylene Cutting torch Questions

[Vulcan]

y

Then there's the equipment... . To change to propane, you're going to need all new tips for oxy/propane, a new fuel gas regulator, new hoses (if your hose is for acetylene only) and perhaps a new torch.

Sean

Thats why I mentioned setting up that way from the start. The fact is its cheaper to set up if you start new because you don't have to spend a bunch on another tank. I have several tanks for different gasses and they aint cheap. I don't know about that 3 time the oxygen figure, that does not sound right. A couple of the steel yards I go to around here use all propane. Although I should mention I use it mostly for cutting, heating and bending and ocaisionally brazing.

I do my welding with the mig or spool gun.

 

[sstefanini]

If you want to justify any added costs associated with acetylene just try using it and propane side by side. Propane may be cheaper and more stable but has a cold flame which will make for slow piercing and travel speeds. It also seems to create more slag.

 

[formula]

If you want to justify any added costs associated with acetylene just try using it and propane side by side. Propane may be cheaper and more stable but has a cold flame which will make for slow piercing and travel speeds. It also seems to create more slag.

Oo.



Indeed, on a ft^3 for ft^3 basis, propane is cheaper than acetylene. However, that fact alone means squat. Cost savings depends entirely on your application.



Sean

 

[WyattEarp]

someone help me out here, and its been a LOOOONGGGG time since shop class, was it 7lbs oxygen, and 12 lbs acetelyne... . ??? i was wondering if i remembered correctly or not.

 

[formula]

Oxygen pressure will be the same as or higher than the acetylene pressure. The pressure used will depend on what you're doing and what size tip you're using. For example, when cutting 1/2" I'll run about 7psi acetylene and 40psi oxygen. When I use a bigger cutting tip, such as for 2 1/2", then I set the acetylene at about 10psi and oxygen at 60psi. For 1/8" it's about 4psi acetylene and 30psi oxygen. Cutting tips are changed to match the thickness of the workpiece. When I use the rosebud or a welding/brazing tip both are set at 10-15psi.



Sean

 

[nickleinonen]

What was the saying "Ox before Gas and up goes your (butt)

in school, i was always told "A before O or up you go!" i do that starting up and shutting down

 

[Nate]

Well you have to do that to light the torch. You can't light oxygen



Shutting off doesn't matter IMO. I shut the oxygen off first actually.

 

[RT66DOC]

Shutting off doesn't matter IMO. I shut the oxygen off first actually.

Yeah but then you don't get that nice little "POP".



<---- Three Little Welders