[TheForge] oxy-propylene

[Kathy]

All of the other hydrocarbon based fuel gases except methane are estimated at
approximately one-half the cost of oxyacetylene to use when extra oxygen use and
increased cutting time are factored in. As to how much they cost compared to
each other, the difference is estimated at about10% max. These estimates are the
ones I've collected from such experts as are not involved in selling either fuel
gas or oxygen; those who do push such products either provide estimates that
very from the unlikely to the utterly ridiculous (in favor of their own product
Vs the other guy's of course), or else simply pile one misleading statement on
top of another.

The best way to go about choosing a fuel is the Frosty approach; look to
maximize the value in your fuel choice BY SUITING IT TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL
CIRCUMSTANCES. Also, never accept what 'experts' say about what you can or can't
do with a tool or a fuel at face value; who do we think they are serving--us or
their employers? The biggest advantage to propane or propylene as a fuel choice
doesn't come from price, but rather from performance; at least in so far as
torch cutting is concerned. As to welding, what fuel works best Vs the cost of
employing it depends on what material, size, and shape you wish to heat, cut,
weld, or braze; also how much time you've got to do it in. I'd rather weld steel
pipe with acetylene than even with TIG, so long as an employer is footing the
bill. On the other hand, I only have a tiny (smallest refillable size available)
acetylene cylinder at home; kept just for testing purposes, and the very few
jobs I can't use another fuel on while still getting certifiable results. I have
full size cylinders of propane, propylene, and Chemtane, and am planning to
collect a cylinder of Chem-O-Lene while I am still able. Someone is bound to ask
why not MAPP gas too? Propylene is quite similar to MAPP in its performance but
much less expensive in the Seattle area, and safer to store. If the price of
MAPP isn't dropped soon, it is on its way out. In fact, certain suppliers in my
part of the country are said to have substituted propylene for MAPP at times
without their customers ever catching on (the salesman who spilled the beans
back in 2004 asked me never to mention his name--he looked pretty uncomfortable
after he realized what had slipped out in conversation).
Mikey

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Grant Marcoux
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 6:54 PM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: RE: [TheForge] oxy-propylene

Oxy-Propane?  It is cheaper for the propane, but more difficult to cut and
weld with.  I have not used it, so I can't speak from experience.

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Chris Caswell
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 5:24 PM
To: Forge
Subject: [TheForge] oxy-propylene


Greetings all

I am considering switching to oxy-propylene (supposedly is cheaper and
will last longer)  - I use the torches for cutting and spot heating only.
Any opinions?

Chris Caswell
Caswell Wood & Iron
Burlington, VT
_______________________________________________
Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
theforge mail list group photo site is
http://www.photoaccess.com
Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
password:  anvil
___________

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.9.1/857 - Release Date: 6/20/2007
2:18 PM

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.9.1/857 - Release Date: 6/20/2007
2:18 PM

_______________________________________________
Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
theforge mail list group photo site is
http://www.photoaccess.com
Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
password:  anvil
___________