oxy/propane outfit?

soarkrebel · Feb 7, 2003

I was curious if you buy a set for oxy/acethylene can you use propane instead of acethylene with the acethylene regulators?
i know you have to have the tips for propane but what about the regulator?

Anonymous Poster · Feb 7, 2003

You can use the same regulator, and you'll need an adaptor because propane and acetelene tank threads are usually different.
You'll also need more oxygen.

soarkrebel · Feb 7, 2003

franz when i first thought about asking this question you were the name that came to mind.
i knew you could answer this. welding supply stores sell the adaptors i take it?
My grandfather always used propane never acethylene. he mainly just cut with it. i need it to cut and heat to bend.
i have a oxygen tank with papers and propane tank. i just need a torche set. i will get a acethylene tank later.

thanks.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 8, 2003

The adaptors are readily available at welding supliers, last one I saw was about 20 bucks.
Oddly, while propane cylinders all seem to use the same thread on the valve everywhere, acetelene cylinders don't.
Once you learn to cut with propane, it is more useful for cutting than acetelene, especially on rusty and multi layer cuts.

OkieG · Feb 8, 2003

Franz,
A couple years ago, I bought small MIG and TIG welders. I didn't figure I'd be doing much flame welding, so I opted for an oxy-propane torch set, mostly for convenience. With my limited use and skill, I've been happy with it, but, I always kinda thought it was second best to oxy-acetylene.
What is the advantage of Propane for cutting rusty or multi-layered material?

OkieG

Anonymous Poster · Feb 8, 2003

Propane will cut thru multiple layers, and or rust. Acetelene will blow back in your face.
Propane is slightly colder than acetelene, and the argument about welding or brazing with it is ongoing, and will probably never end.
I know people who can cut stainless with propane, and do a half way decent cut on cast iron with it too. I ain't one of them.
There is also a gas called MAPP, (Methyl Acetelene Propane) that combines the best fetures of both gasses. MAPP/air torches will melt brass with no trouble.

bgott · Feb 8, 2003

I've noticed that I can make better cuts with propane. I seem to be able to see the soapstone layout better so I'm not guessing where I'm going. I guess, since it burns cooler, that it doesn't melt the line before you get to it with the torch.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 9, 2003

Are you baking your line on before you start cutting?

OkieG · Feb 9, 2003

My newbie understanding of propane vs acetylene is the inner cone of the acetylene flame is hotter than propane. It also consumes all the Oxygen in the flame which makes for an oxidation free weld.

However, the outer flame of propane is either hotter than the outer acetylene flame or at least closer to the same temp. as the propane inner flame. That makes propane nice for heating metal, and maybe better than acetylene for brazing cast iron. That's just my understanding.

Somehow, I have 2 one pound cans of granular flux...more than a lifetime supply for me. I've never tried welding mild steel with propane, but I wonder if using a little flux might overcome the potential propane has for leaving oxidation behind?

OkieG

Bird · Feb 9, 2003

My first experience with welding of any kind was a MAPP gas rig. I went to buy an oxygen/acetylene rig, but the salesman at the welding supply company recommended the MAPP gas because at the time I was living in town, and it would be kept, and used, in the attached garage. He said acetylene leaks could be very dangerous, but that MAPP gas smelled strong enough that you'd notice it before it reached dangerous levels. It worked quite well for both cutting and welding. Of course, I was slow and my welds didn't look as good as I thought they should, but that salesman demonstrated it and could lay as pretty a bead as I've ever seen done with gas or electric.

Of course, the last few years, living in the country, I had a farmer neighbor who used the electric for welding and propane for cutting, and he, too, could do a lot prettier job than I ever could, cutting with that oxygen/propane rig.