[TheForge] oxy-propylene, propane tips and air-arc

[Ben Barrett]

So, propane has gotten a little more expensive since that
All-S...whatever FAQ price comparison was written up, but clearly it
could still be a big gain.  Right now I only have a couple small Oxy
tanks, so I wouldn't want to over-use that.  For basic spot-heating,
like fine-tuning twists and bends, can propane and compressed air be
used?  That sounds like the right price!!
I have a spare compressor tank (no motor or compressor) that I was
thinking of setting up just for that purpose... I don't care if I use
up a lot of compressed air, it is cheap :)

So, if no cutting is done, does compressed air work well enough with
propane through an oxy/acet torch?  Should I still use tips made for
propane?
If this works, it would be an incredible boon, using mostly what I
already have, which we can all appreciate.  Seems unreal.

ben



On 6/22/07, Ron Childers <munlaw2 at hcsmail.com> wrote:
> A #2 Propane tip works pretty well on my big ol Smith torch that was made
> for oxy-ace. It cost about 12-15 $$ and cuts rr rail ok. Once the metal is
> hot it's the oxygen that does the cutting. The Allsnakes torch may be better
> but I would have to be convinced to spend the extra $635 when my torches
> work pretty well..
>
> I've had no problem switching from acetylene to propane and back again- not
> enough mixing of gasses to matter by the time the regulator is swapped and
> the torch is lit anyway.
>
> If you want to get nasty, quick & dirty, use an air-arc torch. Truly a
> matter of function over esthetics. It isn't pretty but does the job.
>
> Ron C
>
>
>
> ----Original Message-----
> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ben Barrett
> Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 10:47 AM
> To: Sponsored by ABANA
> Subject: Re: [TheForge] oxy-propylene
>
> This is all *great* info... just another question, and a comment here.
>
> Q:  What are the downsides of using a torch made for oxy/acet, with
> propane?  Will I die or waste fuel or have no control, or what?  :)
>
> Comment:  Screw Airgas -- *sorry* if they're your only choice.  I get
> my B tank of acet, swapped along with a full 40 (I think, it is about
> the same size as the B anyway) of oxy, for $25 total here at IWSI.
> Right now that's about the same price as getting the 10-gal propane
> tank filled... I've been told to avoid Airgas, unless your employer
> makes the choice for you (even then...)
> Curious about cross-use of hoses and such, I've heard re-purposing
> *can* be safe, but that sharing should be avoided for this (ie, going
> back and forth between different gasses in the same hose/reg/etc).
>
> thanks!
>
> ben
>
>
> On 6/22/07, Chris Caswell <olayers at sover.net> wrote:
> >
> > I think propylene is hotter, and I would get it at Airgas where I get my
> > other supplies.  The price quoted to me for a B tank of propylene was
> > 24.99 (a refill) while acetylene was 27.32.   So it is  twice as much as
> > propane.  Wonder if I could run propane thru a propylene hose and
> regulator?
> >
> > Chris
> >
> >
> > Jerry Frost wrote:
> > > I know little to nothing about propylene as a fuel but even if it has
> > > better heating properties is it easy to get? I mean commonly available
> > > at every second gas station, Home Depot, 7-11, etc.? Is it economical?
> > > Say around $12.00 for a 20lb. / 5gl. bottle?
> > >
> > > I know I see propane signs and tanks everywhere; you can get a tank
> > > filled even in the remotest parts of Alaska. I don't recall ever
> > > seeing propylene for sale, at least not advertised. So, where would I
> > > look for it? What would I expect to pay for the equivalent of 20lbs of
> > > propane?
> > >
> > > The downside to an All-States oxy propane rig is it's initial price.
> > > Last time I checked they were running around $650 for the set. If you
> > > want the special propane tank that fits your oxy acet cart that's
> > > extra. The upside is that by the time I'd used up my first 20lb.
> > > bottle of propane it'd paid for itself about 3 times over. Consumables
> > > for the All-States oxy propane rig are about 2% what oxy acet is for
> > > the same amount of work.
> > >
> > > Is propylene that much better?
> > >
> > > Frosty
> > > -------------------------------
> > > If it ain't forged
> > > it ain't real.
> > > Wrought iron is.
> > > The FrostWorks
> > >
> > > Meadow Lakes, AK.
> > >
> > > http://www.artmetalradio.com/
> > >
...