Converting from acetylene to propane

[furnacebrook]

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

 

[BILL_K]

I just went to my welding shop and got some propane tips. No other change.
BillK

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Can you use just a regular propane tank... like a grill tank?

I've looked into this a little.

What are the drawbacks to propane?

 

[BILL_K]

Can you use just a regular propane tank... like a grill tank?

I've looked into this a little.

What are the drawbacks to propane?

I use a bbq tank and igger tanks also.

Propane is not as hot a flame. Billk

 

[Wheatland KB]

Can you use just a regular propane tank... like a grill tank?

I've looked into this a little.

What are the drawbacks to propane?

Change the cutting tip. The brazing tips are the same. You can use any propane cylinder. Play with the pressure regulator until the flame is correct. The delivery pressure for propane needs to be a bit higher (can't remember exactly what range right now).
Propane doesn't burn as hot so it takes a little longer to heat and cut but for price and availability I like it.

KB

 

[JB4310]

Good to know for emergencies, thanks.

JB.

 

[metalmeltr]

YOu need to make sure your hoses are designed to be used with propane ifnot the hoses will deteriorate and can cause serios problems. Also the propane can not weld easily but will braze fine

 

[rhamer]

I have recently done this and found out the following.

• The hoses are different (although I believe you can get ones that will work for both)
• The tips are different (the handle and blowpipe are the same)
• The regulator is different, as it does not have a cylinder pressure guage because LPG is stored as a liquid. I have heard of people using accet regulators, but I decided to get the one designed for the job, just in case. Also it has a longer connection stem on it to allow it to fit on some BBQ bottles that have a rim around the valve.
• Yes it is BBQ gas
• It cuts fine (I have cut up to 1" so far just as good as accet)
• It brazes fine
• You can't weld with it because you can't get a fine enough flame at the tip
• The tables I have show it running at the same presures as accet, so when you buy your parts, ask the supplier for the recommended presures V tip sizes.
• It is much cheaper

Cheers

Rohan

 

[slowzuki]

I converted years ago. They covered everything except on a BBQ tank you are only regulating gas. If you use a forklift tank you will have to use the gas port, I'm sure the liquid port won't let you hook up to it.

I use between 2-4 psi propane pressure normally.

The drawbacks, slower to start cutting and the extra preheat flames can remelt a cut back together sometimes. In thick material ie 1/4" up it cuts like actylene. Its a lot cheaper for preheating parts for welding as well.

Also, living in the sticks, I can steal my welding tank to finish my steaks when the BBQ runs out.

 

[Wheatland KB]

Also, living in the sticks, I can steal my welding tank to finish my steaks when the BBQ runs out.

Or vice versa when you run out in the middle of a project.