Converting from acetylene to propane

[slowzuki]

I'm not sure about the gauge nut, I'm using acetylene regulator and it has a standard fuel gas nut. The new propane tanks still have it as an internal threads vs the new external propane thread.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I havent looked inside the new propane bottles lately, however when they first came out with the external threads, they continued to have the internal threads which were standard CGA 540 (I think that is the number anyway flammable gas threads). Have they now discontinued the internal threading?

 

[slowzuki]

No, I was trying to say they have both.

 

[J_J]

Just wondering if any one out there has converted thier cutting torches from acetylene to propane? and what would be needed to do it? My outfit has Harris regulators and the torches are Victor. I would need to cut as well as use my brazing tips. Propane is quite a bit cheaper here than acetylene.


Thanks for any help.............Scott

Just some good reading for those who don't know.

Oxy-fuel welding and cutting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yes they use different regulators, although I have used the same regulator. They also recommend against welding with propane.

Gasoline and O2 with the right, make a great cutting setup. About the cheapest fuel you can find.

Check it out. Watch the videos. It is pricy, about $1200.00

http://www.petrogen.com/

 

[Egon]

They also recommend against welding with propane.

Is welding with propane common?

 

[J_J]

Is welding with propane common?

I am sure that you can interpret , that some do try it. You can however braze with it.

 

[Egon]

Once the steel in the kerf is liquefied and the secondary oxygen is discharged Thru the center hole of the tip the molten steel itself becomes the heat generating fuel for the cut. A skilled operator can turn off the preheat fuel and maintain the cut. Thats why steel can be cut with propane but can't be welded using propane.[/QUOTE]

Is this statment in error JJ.

 

[Eagleview]

Unless you guy's have a different L/H internal thread on your Propane bottles than we do in OZ , the L/H Acetylene nut will bind up tight within a couple of turns . And unless you use a 12" shifting spanner , it will not seat the taper .

 

[J_J]

Once the steel in the kerf is liquefied and the secondary oxygen is discharged Thru the center hole of the tip the molten steel itself becomes the heat generating fuel for the cut. A skilled operator can turn off the preheat fuel and maintain the cut. Thats why steel can be cut with propane but can't be welded using propane.[/QUOTE]

Is this statment in error JJ.

NO, maybe. Why do you ask.

Andys Place, Propane vs Acetylene Cutting

 

[xlr82v2]

Yes, that statement is in error.

The reason that you cannot weld with propane is because the combustion products of the oxygen/propane flame contaminate the weld pool and cause severe porosity in the weld. Thus, propane cannot be used to make a sound, reliable weld. Sure, you can make 2 pieces of metal stick together with it, but I wouldn't trust it to hold anything.

Not being able to weld with propane has nothing at all to do with being able to shut off the preheat flame and still continue the cut. You can do that with any oxy/fuel cutting torch.

That being said, propane works very well for brazing... brazing is not welding.