[TheForge] oxy-propane torch equipment

[terry l. ridder]

hello;

switching from acetylene to propane will save some money but there will
be some payback period.

0. what grade is your current oxy-fuel twin hose?
   normally, the twin-hose is rated for acetylene only.
   r grade is for acetylene only.

   you may need to buy new twin hose that is graded for any fuel.
   t-grade hose is for use with both acetylene and propane.
   
1. i personally purchased a propane regulator. i still have an acetylene
tank and regulator for those times i need that extra heat acetylene
gives.

2. i have found that if i use the acetylene tip two sizes larger than if
i would use for acetylene it works fine. the tips specifically labeled
for propane are really just an acetylene tip with different markings.


the other option would be to go to a larger acetylene tank/cylinder.

not sure how much heat you need but i have found using a gas forge
burner with an added handle works rather well to heat metal. beats using
a propane torch.

the other option would be to use a small weed burner propane torch
connected to just a 40lb or perhaps a 60 lb propane cylinder.

On Sat, 14 Aug 2004, John Switzer wrote:

john> 
john> I am in the middle of a project using a torch to archive a local heat for 
john> an upset on 1" bars.  Using oxy-acetylene  is getting pretty expensive (an 
john> acetylene  bottle lasts about 20 upset bars)  I was wondering about 
john> switching to oxy-propane.  Does anyone know what additional equipment would 
john> be required, besides a propane rosebud tip.  Is it OK to just move my 
john> existing acetylene regulator back and forth as the need changes?
john> 
john> Thanks
john> 
john> John Switzer
john> 

-- 
terry l. ridder ><>