Mig Welders

[pmsmechanic]

I've read where people say you can't use propane for welding, because propane doesn't produce a CO2 gas coverage. How true that is I have no idea! :confused3:

Now you have me curious. I have O/A welded steel before with propane but haven't done it for a long time. I have some rods and steel. What do I need to look for?

 

[blueriver]

So just switch to propane? Anything gotta be changed.. Regulator? torch?

 

[pmsmechanic]

So just switch to propane? Anything gotta be changed.. Regulator? torch?

Everything stays the same. The present regulator just screws into the propane bottle. The only thing you need to change is the cutting tip. A local welding supply store or where you buy your oxygen should be able to supply you with a tip. Just take the old one along to make sure you get one that fits.

The puddle welding tips don't put out as much heat as they used to but I get along just using my largest tip for brazing. The other thing to remember is that acetylene rises in air so you light above the tip. Propane sinks in air so you light below the tip.

 

[Hilbilly]

Learn something new every day. Looks like I need to get on board with propane since all I use mine for is cutting and heating. I'll have to check out new tips and how the gauges will attach to the propane tank. Strange thing is that just yesterday I purchased a new smaller cutting tip for the O/A setup. How's that for lousy timing?

 

[Sodo]

Good timing for me, good info. I just accepted a free O/A set with an empty Acet bottle (big bottle!). It has a full Oxygen bottle though (200CF?).

 

[Shield Arc]

What do I need to look for?

I have no idea. I can't even remember the last time I welded something with O&A.

So just switch to propane? Anything gotta be changed.. Regulator? torch?

Here is a good video on getting set up with propane. It make a real nice cut, takes a little longer to preheat tho. I can't stand to use propane to heat shrink anything, just takes way to long.:thumbdown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2amO0T3vkQ

 

[Big Barn]

Learn something new every day. Looks like I need to get on board with propane since all I use mine for is cutting and heating. I'll have to check out new tips and how the gauges will attach to the propane tank. Strange thing is that just yesterday I purchased a new smaller cutting tip for the O/A setup. How's that for lousy timing?

Don't feel bad....

Terry

 

[pmsmechanic]

Learn something new every day. Looks like I need to get on board with propane since all I use mine for is cutting and heating. I'll have to check out new tips and how the gauges will attach to the propane tank. Strange thing is that just yesterday I purchased a new smaller cutting tip for the O/A setup. How's that for lousy timing?

Take it back and exchange it for a propane tip.

 

[Hilbilly]

I just finished using it to cut a circle in some 1/4" plate. Besides I only paid $7 for it. PA had a sale on.

I sure wish my cut looked like the ones Shield Arc posted. I spent way more time grinding than cutting. I think I need a LOT more practice.

Terry, that is a lot of tips and torches. I only have one torch, one welding tip, one rosebud and now 2 cutting tips. I don't get a lot of use from it but it sure is nice to have it when needed.

 

[Big Barn]

I just finished using it to cut a circle in some 1/4" plate. Besides I only paid $7 for it. PA had a sale on. I sure wish my cut looked like the ones Shield Arc posted. I spent way more time grinding than cutting. I think I need a LOT more practice. Terry, that is a lot of tips and torches. I only have one torch, one welding tip, one rosebud and now 2 cutting tips. I don't get a lot of use from it but it sure is nice to have it when needed.

Long live Princess Auto!

Terry