Bending Thick Metal - What Oxy-Acetylene Tip?

[Texasmark]

I used Propane here for many years since I had a Propane tractor and nurse tank with a liquid line. Only problem is getting the cut to start as compared to Acetylene even with Propane tips. But like anything else get used to it. What I liked besides price was availability. I had a couple of #1 I think, 5' tall, thin, thanks for my Oxygen which didn't require a trip to town very often.

Mark

 

[kidr]

I use a big weed burning torch on big pieces of steel with good results.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Rosebuds are different for Propane? I thought it was only cutting tips that were different (I ask because when I am out of acet I am switching to Propane).

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Rosebuds are different for Propane? I thought it was only cutting tips that were different (I ask because when I am out of acet I am switching to Propane).

Yes, the rosebuds are also different, I have played around with an acetylene rosebud on propane, but it didn't work very well.
I use the cutting tips for heating (usually my biggest one).

 

[Gary Fowler]

Propane rosebuds have about triple the amount of holes. They look similar to the propane cutting tips. An acetylene tip if you get it to light wont heat very well and tends to pop and backfire into the tip really bad.

 

[dragoneggs]

I use a big weed burning torch on big pieces of steel with good results.

Hey I got one of those... good idea.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I've got a Smith too. A rosebud is nice, but it can burn through a lot of gas. But you can burn through a lot of gas too if the tip is too small on the cutting head if you use that. Just make sure you have it turned up high enough with the cutting tip so that it is not oxidizing but putting out about as much flame as the head can stand. Start with a small spot of red/orange, and gradually move it back and forth slowly at first to spread the heat where you want it, getting it further and further out and faster and faster as you go. (But not too fast) It'll do it, I think if you have a decent tip in it. Do you know what size tip you have? Set acetylene for about 10 and oxy about 40 or a little less. I think Smith recommends a little different, but that's the way I learned to set it and it works for me.

 

[Arc weld]

A weed burner/Tiger torch throws a lot of heat but it is not concentrated or hot enough to turn thick steel red hot for bending or straightening. They are used a lot for preheating thick sections prior to welding.

 

[dragoneggs]

A weed burner/Tiger torch throws a lot of heat but it is not concentrated or hot enough to turn thick steel red hot for bending or straightening. They are used a lot for preheating thick sections prior to welding.

Yes, this was more of what I had in mind for my weed burner... :thumbsup: