Initial Acetelyne cutting torch gauge settings?

[ridger]

setting is 12 and 30

 

[TedLaRue]

I was taught that the popping is caused by pre-ignition of the gas inside the torch tip, and that this is caused by sparks flying back up into the torch tip. Rusty, dirty, or painted steel can cause a lot of sparks, and thus a lot of popping. Also, if the gas flow is too low (from low pressure) you are more likely to have pre-ignition because it is easier for a spark to fly upstream into the torch.

For cutting, I think O2 pressure varies with the thickness of the steel, but also the speed with which you are cutting and the angle of the torch. That's probably why we're posting so many different combinations.

 

[crash325]

Another :2cents:
Most of what I will say is basic. One of you that went to welding school should have already said it.

Cutting tip clean & flat, slight 45 degree angle around the outside edge. Clean also means the whole tip, shinny not black. Clear each hole with a tip cleaner or tiny drill. Yes drills those sizes are easy to get and often fit better than a tip tool.

Ac. Gauge pressure needs to match tip size. Look that up on a victor chart. Different tip sizes for different thickness metal, again check a chart.

Never run more than 15 PSI on the Ac gauge. Ac in open container can explode at or above 15 PSI. Hose equals open container.

Light Ac turn up until flame leaves the tip, close off until it just returns to the tip. Add Ox, if flame leaves the tip reduce Ox pressure. Adjust to netural flame, no feathers (rich) or hissing (lean).

Press cutting leaver, if torch blows out reduce OX flow and / or pressure. If it goes rich adjust Ac flow or pressure.

Blow back is most often caused by improper pre-heating. Trying to cut before the metal is hot all the way through or just not hot enough.

Torch should be aimed slightly in the direction of the cut to heat the metal ahead of the cut.

Got to quit that's about 5c worth. :laughing:

 

[yomax4]

20 and 5 will get it done. Don't forget to check your o-rings if it's been a while. They will cause popping as well.
Visit the torch brand website for other settings and safety info.

 

[deereman75]

I remember we had to cut some 3/32 with the torch, and first we tried 5 and 20 (what my dad always used as a carpenter to cut re-bar) and it just melted it in gobs and made a mess. We then looked at welders handbook and tried 2 and 10, and it made a nice clean cut.

 

[deereman75]

Wait, Ken what size tip are you using, if you use a tip that is too big it will make a mess, and will be more likely to pop becuase even if you are using the right amount of gas for the steel, it wont be enough gas for the tip.

 

[Tobias Dunlap]

Your gas pressures will vary between thicknesses of steel and tip size.
I usually run 5 and 35 on mine and it does just fine with a #2 tip.

As for the popping, it sounds like your torch is sucking air. Make sure your O rings in the barrel are in good condition and make sure the tip retaining nut is not leaking.

Hope this helps

Toby

 

[LD1]

Another :2cents:
Most of what I will say is basic. One of you that went to welding school should have already said it.

Cutting tip clean & flat, slight 45 degree angle around the outside edge. Clean also means the whole tip, shinny not black. Clear each hole with a tip cleaner or tiny drill. Yes drills those sizes are easy to get and often fit better than a tip tool.

Ac. Gauge pressure needs to match tip size. Look that up on a victor chart. Different tip sizes for different thickness metal, again check a chart.

Never run more than 15 PSI on the Ac gauge. Ac in open container can explode at or above 15 PSI. Hose equals open container.

Light Ac turn up until flame leaves the tip, close off until it just returns to the tip. Add Ox, if flame leaves the tip reduce Ox pressure. Adjust to netural flame, no feathers (rich) or hissing (lean).

Press cutting leaver, if torch blows out reduce OX flow and / or pressure. If it goes rich adjust Ac flow or pressure.

Blow back is most often caused by improper pre-heating. Trying to cut before the metal is hot all the way through or just not hot enough.

Torch should be aimed slightly in the direction of the cut to heat the metal ahead of the cut.

Got to quit that's about 5c worth. :laughing:

Thats how I was taught:thumbsup:

And I run 8psi and 30-35 psi on my guages

 

[DanD78]

If you have an older torch set I recomend adding check valves at the torch. They come standard on new ones.

Dan

 

[deereman75]

I had bought a brand new blueshield industrial torch kit from air liquide, and it didnt have check valves, oh well I added flash back arestors anyways.