[TheForge] oxy-propane torch equipment

[Ralph Sproul]

Hi John,  I've heard of folks running propane or acetylene off the same
regulator, but I have a seperate regulator for each.  The mercaptan (added
stink) is the culprit in deteriorating components of your torch system. I
think I paid $25 for the propane regulator from my gas
supplier..........that was cheap enough to keep one on each for me.

Using a "T" grade hose is good for multiple fuels - to cut that
deterioration down that I mention above to the rubber of a standard hose.

The propane doesn't have as many BTU's as acetylene, but it will do the job
with a little more pressure.  Initial lighting of the torch is usually done
below 5 psi........then mix in oxy, add propane pressure, add oxy,
etc........until flame intensity is achieved.  If you have a gas saver at
this point, that really saves some time - so you don't have to light,
adjust, and bring up the flame each time.  The correct oxy/propane mix will
light from the pilot real well.

When using high pressure propane for heating, you should be careful of not
breaking/cutting a feed line.  It doesn't take long for things to get real
exciting when a hose has 10-25 psi gas pressure on it when it springs a leak
or breaks.  Your oxygen consumption will go up dramaticly with propane as
your running higher pressures.....hence volumes of oxygen..........But -
oxygen is cheaper than acetylene by about 50-80% depending on what you pay
for it.

Is the upset on the end of the bar? why not use coal.......this is where
that fuel would excel cost wise.

Ralph

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Switzer" <switz at mindspring.com>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2004 6:49 PM
Subject: [TheForge] oxy-propane torch equipment


>
>
> I am in the middle of a project using a torch to archive a local heat for
> an upset on 1" bars.  Using oxy-acetylene  is getting pretty expensive (an
> acetylene  bottle lasts about 20 upset bars)  I was wondering about
> switching to oxy-propane.  Does anyone know what additional equipment
would
> be required, besides a propane rosebud tip.  Is it OK to just move my
> existing acetylene regulator back and forth as the need changes?
>
> Thanks
>
> John Switzer
> 7019 Burnt Mill Rd
> Beulah, CO 81023
> (719) 485-3109
>
>
>
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