Some basic torch advice

[Little Red Tractor]

After thinking it would be a good idea, I finally have put a set of torches together, buying pieces by way of FB Marketplace and Craigs List. Once I get them all assembled, I need to get back into the groove--it's been about 35 years since I've had my hands on a torch, let alone set the regulators.
What's the general thought on pressures for cutting and for welding?

 

[Clintock]

I run 7-10 on acetylene and 55-60 on oxy. Ain’t got a clue on welding with torches. Never done that.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

I run 7-10 on acetylene and 55-60 on oxy. Ain’t got a clue on welding with torches. Never done that.

Thanks.

 

[CADplans]

On a welding forum, there is a LOT of talk that acetylene is not available right now,,
Blown up plants, tanks unavailable,, etc,,

You may need to learn propane-oxygen,,,,,,,,,, and braze the parts together.

At least propane is great for cutting,,

Let us know if you get some gas,,, ,,,,,,,,,, No not from chili!!

 

[Little Red Tractor]

On a welding forum, there is a LOT of talk that acetylene is not available right now,,
Blown up plants, tanks unavailable,, etc,,

Thanks for that. In my collection, the two acetylene tanks both are supposed to be at least partially filled. With my current usage plan, and my current age, that could be a lifetime supply . I hope I outast the gas...and the gas outlasts any shortage.

 

[WranglerX]

I find this a really good reference for tip sizes and pressures combinations...

It can be found online or at most welding supplies...

And if availability of acetylene is a issue may be propane or propylene could be alternative....

 

[big bubba]

don't forget the anti flashback valves on both lines

 

[Sberry]

20-25# oxy unless cutting over 1/2. The idea is to burn it not bloiw it away. A good tip reduces oxy use as it doesnt have the turbulence of an old eroded one. 5 to 7# acety with number 1 or 2 Victor and even bit less with smaller ones but not as critical as it is adjusted with the knob.

 

[DavenFla]

Never lay down acetylene tanks when using them. Try gas and O2 as low as you can and increase from there. I usually start with 3lbs gas 25lbs. O2 I also prefer smaller tips. Remember it's not a gas axe. If you see and orange/red flame at the tip... the set up is wrong.

Check valves (mentioned earlier by another poster) very important
Good tip cleaners
Soap stone
Pig skin gloves (tig gloves)
I prefer a tinted face shield (#4), welders hat and clear tight fitting fog proof glasses
Long pants over high top leather shoes when cutting. Learned this the hard way
Welders apron or sleeves, I prefer the apron

FR long sleeve ***** or HD cotton. Avoid exposed skin, believe me hot sparks and metal will find it.

 

[jaxs]

Sberry,in case you didn't already know,it really chaff's my hinny that I can't do that but you can.

 

[grsthegreat]

Heck…even mig gas and cylinders are hard to find right now.

 

[jaxs]

Heck…even mig gas and cylinders are hard to find right now.

Were inert gases and oxygen not used for other things besides cutting & welding,hobbiests wouldn't be able to buy them. As it stand's acetylene get's more expensive with each passing day.

 

[Sberry]

Turn oxy up to 40 for speed. View attachment 728922

Sberry,in case you didn't already know,it really chaff's my hinny that I can't do that but you can.

The plasma took a dump but it reminds me I dont do it much anymore. I cut some the other day kept me holding my breath.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

Thanks for all the advice so far. I got the set together this afternoon when I had a few minutes and the garage was reasonably warm.

I found the gauges largely inoperative. I replaced the oxygen set as I'd been given a new set. The ox gauge tells me I've got about 1400 pounds of pressure in the tank...should mean it's reasonably full, right?
The acetylene bottoms out at 100 pounds but pops up to about 400 when I turn the tank on. I'm guessing that's pretty decent for that tank???

I bought all the stuff used. I'm hoping I did OK on the tanks, as long as they're reasonably full.

Once again, any and all information appreciated.

 

[5030]

My only caution besides not setting yourself on fire IS, ALWAYS TURN THE GAS OFF BEFORE THE OXYGEN.

 

[monkeyduster]

Another caution is to never get oil or petroleum products on the oxygen gauge or hose fittings. It will cause a violent reaction.

 

[big bubba]

as mentioned, don't transport or lie tanks horizontally, & if you have to, allow 12hrs or more for the acetone to settle in the acetylene tank. otherwise, apparently can do damage to reg. assume you have anti flashback valves on both lines as well regards

 

[WranglerX]

I have had Oxygen fresh off the LWS dock at 2100 PSI and Acetylene at 200 PSI...

 

[5030]

One thing I don't do is exchange bottles. I own all of mine including the shielding gas bottles. and I have them filled and returned to me. Airgas has a compressor station south of me so I have a pretty convenient place to get them filled. When transporting them, I lay all of them down flat in the bed of the truck but I stand them up and let them sit for a day or 2 before using them, especially the acetylene because it's dissolved inside the bottle in a substrate. My bottles all have my company name on them as well.

 

[Sberry]

Burning some rods.