[TheForge] MAPP gas vs. acetylene

[David E. Smucker]

Why use acetylene?  Two reasons one is history, lots of experience and
equipment the other more important.  It is the only gas that has works
really well for gas welding.  Who still gas welds, well that is history.

Dave Smucker
Brasstown, NC

-----Original Message-----
From: TheForge [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce
.
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 9:42 PM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: [TheForge] MAPP gas vs. acetylene

I've just started thinking (again) how convenient it would be to have a
hotter torch.  Currently I have a Bernzomatic-type propane torch which I can
use with MAPP gas.  I also have some sort of swirling/mixing ambient
air-propane torch which puts out a lot more heat than a standared propane
torch; a good torch, but not a really well-designed one.

I've thought of getting an acetylene rosebud torch, but also was thinking of
getting a propane-oxygen torch.  I just inquired about the latter at a local
gas supply retailer and was told the same equipment can be used for propane
as for acetylene, except that an adapter was needed for the propane
cylinder. (I knew that.)

Just as I'm mulling this over in my usual slow fashion, I stumbled upon an
article from 1992 in "The Powerhammer" by "H&K Publishing".  There's no
by-line on the article itself, but the publisher was Richard R. Kern, who
apparently also wrote a book on the Little Giant Power Hammer.

Anyway, the author of this 3-part article makes a strong case for MAPP gas
in lieu of acetylene.  He asserts that MAPP gas is (in my words), better,
cheaper, and safer than acetylene. This may be a considerable
oversimplification of his assertions, which I haven't fully digested yet,
but if his assertions are correct, it makes me wonder why anyone still uses
acetylene.

I'd be interested in other opinions on the subject.

Bruce
NJ
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