Need Oxy-Acetylene Kit Help

[GabeTX]

Drawing acetylene at a higher rate than 1/7 total volume per hour can produce enough heat (reaction) to melt these plugs.

Just so you don't get alarmed, that would be an extreme worst case scenario.

The reason you're only supposed to draw 1/7 per hour is because the acetylene tanks aren't hollow cylinders like oxygen cylinders. They're filled with a porous substance that's saturated with acetone and the acetylene is dissolved into the acetone. If you exceed the draw rate for too long, the acetone can't give up the acetylene fast enough and you start drawing acetone from the tank (you'll notice this, as it will change the color of the flame and make it irregular.

If you draw off a ton of acetone, then there might be enough dead space in the cylinder for compressed acetylene to collect, and compressed acetylene (over roughly 15psi--that's why acetylene regulators have a red bar above 15 psi) has a chance of deflagrating (kinda like burning, but no oxygen is required).

I found this book helpful: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/00...4399/ref=pd_bbs_7/103-5809891-2480616?ie=UTF8

It's almost entirely about oxy-acetylene welding and cutting, and goes over just about everything you'd want to know.

 

[Mrwurm]

Good comments Gabe, its improbable, but I thought the guys should know. Next time I'll tone it down a bit.

 

[Bedlam]

Some more details about replacing the acetylene with propane? please

 

[RonR]

I'd heard the propane doesn't burn as hot at acetylene, but I have no proof.

ron

 

[GabeTX]

I'd heard the propane doesn't burn as hot at acetylene, but I have no proof.

It doesn't, which is why it's not recommended for welding steel.

However, cutting doesn't require as hot a flame as welding, because when you use a cutting torch you're not using the flame to make a puddle; instead, you're using the flame to heat the metal up enough so that it will burn when the oxygen stream hits it. So propane works fine for cutting, although you'll need a tip designed for it.

 

[HomeBrew2]

While it's always best to have the right equipment, an acetylene tip will work for most purposes with propane.
I have no idea how much a propane-to-acetylene/Prestolite adapter is or if they make one to fit the new safety tanks or if you have to cobble your own adapter.

 

[TOMDUALLY]

I use mine mainly for cutting and heating sure can see a big savings over accetylene. The gauges will hook right up using the inside threads on the new propane tanks The only thing you have to change is the tip on your cutting torch I think for a Victor it cost around $12 which you'll save on the first refill.

 

[KYErik]

I also once checked into using propane, but you may also need to buy new hoses- if I remember correctly there is "t" type fuel hose and an "r" type fuel hose- the standard type hoses sold with most kits is the "acetylene only" type of hose and supposedly using propane with it will cause it to crack and degrade over time (from the inside out). The other type is safe for both propane and acetylene. I was going to use propane also, but buying new hose and a new cutting tip for my little generic victor kit (hose, 2 rosebuds, both regulators, striker, handle and cutting tip were on sale for $99 at tractor supply 2 yrs ago after christmas) but by the time I bought a propane tank, propane tip and new hose, the cost savings would have been greatly reduced for me.

I too read that propane flame isn't quite as hot as acetylene and also something about it burning so clean that it made welding with it more difficult than with acetylene.

 

[RobJ]

If you are just getting started then look at Ebay. I bought my BIL a $75 kit there with the works and it;s still holding up after abuse after 2 years. the only problem was a leak at the hose, we repaired that (but the hoses are cheap, he keeps his outside in a covered barn, in a closed garage they would probably last longer). My Sis bought the tanks but look on Ebay for those as well. I remember seeing some sweet deals from a seller last year. I wouldn't go with anything less than a B acet and an 80 o2 combo. Plenty of gas and can be moved around pretty easy. Stay away from the small AC types, once you start cutting you'll run out of 02 before you know it.

 

[Jarrett]

I just recently bought a torch set for cutting plate steel to make implements, heating things to bend them, and heating things to break them loose. I bought, and I recommend you buy, the Lincoln brand set from Home depot for like 150$. It has a cutting tip and welding tip but no rosebud. You can buy a rosebud seperately.....

Thanks for all the great responses. I didn't even know that Lincoln made a set, I wonder if it is a rebadged kit made by somebody else.....

Thanks again,

Iowa2210

I just looked at the Lincoln set at Home Depot yesterday. The box said it's made by Harris Calorific, Inc. which is a Lincoln Electric Company. It's priced at $169.