[TheForge] Recommendations on gas welding set

Sat Dec 20 08:38:09 2003

        Marc,  The torch manufacturers offer "multi fuel" rosebuds.  It is
my guess you should go with a regular set of torches instead of what I would
suggest for light work(being one of the Victor aircraft torches).......as
they won't deal with the occassional 1" square localized heat for bending.
        I'd suggest a combination set (which is probably your best bet) - so
you get the regulators, hose(T-grade needed for propane/multi-fuels), torch
body, welding tips(with propane good for soldering and brazing), cutting
head (with proper tip will cut with propane), rosebud(for multi-fuel will
work with propane).
        It is possible to cut 16 guage sheet by setting a welding tip to an
"oxydizing flame" - which leaves you with balled edges to clean up.  You
won't get great results with a cutting torch head, but it does cut
it........the kerf will be about 1/4 to 3/8" however with a standard size
cutting head and small tip(so hard to follow a tight line).
        I'd stick with Victor or Concoa (used to be airco) as parts would be
easy to get and regulators needing rebuilt later would be easier to get kits
for.

        If you'd care to come up to the shop, I can let you try the propane
cutting torch I have, the Victor aircraft torch, and multifuel rosebud I run
on propane from a gas saver.  It might let you see which one you'd want to
invest in before you buy.

Ralph

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marc Godbout" <[email protected]>
To: "WeldingProcess" <[email protected]>;
<[email protected]>; "TheForge" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 4:22 PM
Subject: [TheForge] Recommendations on gas welding set


> I've decided that I've been a good enough boy this year to buy myself a
> new toy. We use an OA torch in class to weld, braze, and do localized
> heating. It seems a natural addition to my shop. My needs are a little
> different than class, so I don't think I need that type of setup. But
> what should I get?? Here's what I'm thinking.
>
> First, I already have propane for the forge, so I want to stay with
> oxy-propane. Also, I've got a TIG setup - no foot control, yet, but I'm
> working on it. I can use that for any fancy welding, letting me stick
> with propane. So what I would use the torch for is:
>
> 1) Cutting. I'd like to do clean, curved, cuts, like leaves, petals, ...
> in sheet from 10g down to 16g, and then other stuff maybe up to 1". I
> don't see myself cutting bigger stuff very often and would probably
> borrow or pay someone for that. So can torches do nice cuts on 16g? I
> know - get a plasma cutter. But I haven't been *that* good a boy.
>
> 2) Localized heating for bending, forming, etc. Maybe up to 1" square,
> but mostly in the 1/4" - 1/2" range.
>
> 3) Brazing. Same sizes as above.
>
>
> I think I would be better off with a smaller, lighter, setup than the
> normal welding kit. I've seen writeups on the Henrob, but that's a
> little expensive. How about the Versa-torch? Any other ideas?
>
> Thanks, and have a very merry Christmas.
>
> -Marc
>
>
>
> --
> Marc Godbout
> http://www.ironringforge.com
>
> New England Blacksmiths Membership Director
> http://www.newenglandblacksmiths.org
>
>
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