Arc weld
Veteran Member
Oxy/acet. is close to a 1-1 ratio. That's why it is the only fuel to give a true neutral flame needed for welding. Propane has more BTU's in the outer envelope while acetylene has more BTU's in the inner envelope. That's why propane is good for cutting thicker steel. The technical term for oxy/fuel cutting is rapid oxidation. Who would ever believe you're basically rusting through the steel when you're cutting.:confused2: I've heard stories of the cut continuing when shutting the oxygen off and have actually seen it but the steel has to be above a certain temperature for this to happen. Someone once claimed they did this on 1" plate. That plate would have to be really hot! When cutting thick plate or bevelling it's common to preheat before cutting and also have another torch to preheat the plate so you don't lose the cut.