Initial Acetelyne cutting torch gauge settings?

   / Initial Acetelyne cutting torch gauge settings? #22  
Check your charts for tip size as suggested. Most tips up to #3 will work fine with no more than 5-7 PSI on Acetylene. Oxygen is more dependant on pressure than the acetylene as you need to adjust it for the tip size, the acetylene can be adjusted with the flow valve regardless of the pressure but dont exceed 15 PSI as previously stated (there is a reason the gauge is red past 15), but the O2 for the high pressure cutting cant be set with a valve, it has to be set correctly at the gauge to get a good cut. Anything up to 1/4" can be cut with a 00 tip and about 25 PSI on the O2. 0 tips for 3/8 and 30 psi, #1 can cut up to about 3/4" and 40-45 PSI and still only need about 5 PSI on the acetylene. Too much gas and you will be melting the steel prior to getting the Oxygen to it to "cut" it.
Popping is usually caused by getting the tip too close and sparks getting stuck in the holes from dirty plate, OR by air leaks either at the tip or more likely at the mixing barrel to cutting head connection. I just replaced the dual O rings in my cutting head at $2.50 each from my local welding supply. They were so hard that they no longer sealed properly. With new o rings, dont overtighten, 2 finger tight is sufficient to seal the connection.
 
   / Initial Acetelyne cutting torch gauge settings? #23  
I used to have an awful time with this until one of the guys grabbed the torch out of my hands, turned it off, roundly belittled me in front of a bunch of journeymen. They all enjoyed my discomfort. As noted previously the 5-7 on gas is typically good. I'd start in the 20# range on O2. If you've been having trouble it would probably be good to clean your tip, just to give you a clean start. When you start your torch, trim the flame so it is beginning to feather just about an inch off the tip. Don't allow any lift of the flame off the tip. Then feed your oxygen to it to deliver the sharpest point you can on the tip. It shouldn't be screaming at you. When properly set the torch runs pretty quietly really. Some may call it a blow torch, but that is usually only the operator. Clean the tip, clean the steel if possible, watch your tip angle for proper pre-heat and then and only then are you allowed to curse me;) Don't worry, it has been done before. You are wearing a good cutting lense aren't you? Another thing, for me, to do a good clean cut without screwing up my tip all the time I had to be able to swing the torch on line andcorrect gap to the metal. I'd practice the movement so I wouldn't be all elbows and knees and not be able to maintain position. That's the other kind of pressure;)
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2014 VOLVO VN SERIES DAY CAB (A50854)
2014 VOLVO VN...
(3) VACUUM PUMP TANKS (A50854)
(3) VACUUM PUMP...
Char-Broil Gas Grill (A50860)
Char-Broil Gas...
2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT Sedan (A50860)
2014 Chevrolet...
Lot of 5 Dell Laptops (A48083)
Lot of 5 Dell...
2006 GENIE GTH6622 TELESCOPIC FORKLIFT (A51242)
2006 GENIE GTH6622...
 
Top