torch setting, propane.

[Don c]

Have asked a couple of questions about cutting torchs and have received good answers, so now I went out and got a new one yesterday, have not owned one since the 60s or so, had to get everything except 02 cylinder. From what I have been told a lot of people are using propane so I went with that as a first time set up. Need suggestions on setting torch flame proper way for cutting stuff up to 1/2 inch also regulator pressures. Thanks for any and all help. Don c

 

[Howard H.]

Not sure what settings you mean...

We just adjust the flame down to about a 1/4 inch inner blue flame - similar to an acetylene flame, though it will look "fuzzier" than acetylene...

Works fine for cutting, but I like acetelyne better for brazing...

Howard

 

[Roy in georgia]

the knob closest to the end is for air adjustment for the flame. turn it all the way off then open the air at the base of the handle up 2 or 3 turns.Then open the gas a little light it and then turn the one at the end until you get the flame you want adjust the gas for more flame. I have cut rail road track with one that my father-in-law said it couldn't be done but he wont listen to me on how to adjust it he is used to the 2 knob type. also there are different size tips for cutting different sizes of metal.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You mean that you bought a new torch and there arent any instructions on how to set the guages. What size cutting tip do you have and what size welding tips did you get. The charts that came with your set-up should tell the settings.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Did you happen to buy a cutting tip for using propane. Just wanted to help. chris

 

[Texasmark]

I started out on Acetylene. Moved to the country and it was a long ride to the gas store but I used Propane on my tractor and home. So I got setup with Propane. Yes I had to buy different tips for it as it burns cooler than Acetylene and needs more and more pressure to get the desired result.

Starting a cut with it is somewhat of a problem. you have to get the tips of the flames (the little ones coming out of the little holes in the torch) right on the material and sit and wait till you see material melt (which takes awhile) and then hit your oxy.

My bro-in-law gave me his Acetylene rig lately and ASC has started stocking gasses so I am back to it and I had forgotten how much better it is to work with. Seldom use my Propane any more.

Mark

 

[rrlund]

That's what I was gonna ask. It takes a special propane tip for it to work right.

 

[Coloken]

If you mean how to adjust the flame..like Howard say and I would suggest that you point the flame at the edge of a thin piece and slowly adjust the mixture till the metal gets the hottest. The hottest flame looks a little diferent than an acetilene one. Been along time but I seem to remember it was a longer flame.

 

[Anonymous-0]

For 1/2 inch about 35 psi oxygen should be good. A little higher won't hurt. Propane isn't as dangerous as acetylene, so the pressure can be higher without risk of an explosion. 15 Psi should be OK. As long as you can get the size of flame you want, the pressure is high enough. Use a propane 2 piece tip recommended for 1/2 inch thick material. With propane, the oxygen is turned a little higher than acetylene when setting the flame to get the hottest flame. The oxygen valve on the torch body should be opened all the way and the flame adjusted with the valve on the cutting attachment. It shouldn't take too long to preheat. Experiment a bit and you'll figure out what works best. Dave