[TheForge] Oxy/Propane reprise

[Paul N]

I know some of this has been discussed here before, but I wasn't far
enough along in my "education" to be too concerned about it at the time.

I've recently bought a "moderately priced" medium duty oxy fuel setup
(torch handle, regulators, Type 'T' fuel line, etc) and picked up an O2
cylinder at the local gas supplier this week. I'm planning on using
oxy-propane to cut some 3/8" steel plate that I picked up for a song at
a barn sale a few months ago.

I've gathered some information about oxy-propane cutting, and I think
I'm ready to try that (I took a couple of welding/cutting classes at the
local community college, so I'm not totally unprepared)

I decided to go oxy/propane because I already have propane on hand, and
didn't really want to deal with another fuel right now. (although some
oxy/acetylene welding may be attractive to me from time to time for some
pieces too heavy for my little 175amp wire feed)

The question I have is regarding future use of oxy/propane as a fuel for
localized heating (tweaking scrolls, basket handles, collaring,
rivet-heading tenons, etc). I was just shopping around for a rosebud for
the handle I picked up (It says it's a 142T, which I believe is
compatible with a Victor 100) Anyway, the propane rosebud for the Victor
100 is about $80, which startled me a bit (on a tight budget...) Things
I've found "googling" indicate that using an acetylene rosebud with
propane would be a bad move.

So, should I be bothering with a rosebud, and perhaps just use the
"pre-heat" of the cutting head for my localized heating?

I have no experience with a rosebud, and I'm wondering if perhaps it's
overkill for my anticipated use. whattya think?


Thanks,
**Paul N.