1. Home
  2. ⚡ Welding Forums
  3. Propane torch adjustment

Propane torch adjustment

Went today and got a bottle of oxygen, 50' of T hose, flash arrestors, and a couple of Victor propane tips.

Got it home and put it together. Tested with soapy water. Everything looks good.

First thing I noticed is when you spark the gas, there is no black smoke to indicate the right amount coming out. The color of the gas is very different, too. Adjusted it to about where I thought it should be. Adjusted the oxygen so that the points of the blue flames are the same with the O2 valve open and when the handle is depressed. The shape of the blue flames is different from that of acetylene, rather like a loop than a cone.

Am I close? Any sites you can direct me to with pictures that will help me get the mix right.

I'm using 3-6# on propane, and 20-25# on oxygen with a size 0 cutting tip, according to the chart given me.

Got it on about four and twenty, actually.

I was told by the counter man that propane takes longer to heat up, other than that, it's about the same.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

I've used acetylene all my life, but didn't want to fork out $250 more for another bottle when I have about eight propane bottles. The charge was the same for any size bottle, so I got the big one, K, IIRC. Will watch for a larger propane bottle now.

Got some 7018AC 3/32 and 1/8 and am ready to buzz up some stuff for a neighbor. Looks like I'm welding again after a long pause. Still got my MIG, a Lincoln 175SP+. It's time to make some "stuff". And get a DC machine, IdealArc 250, I'm thinking.

TIA

Steve

Reply to
SteveB
Loading thread data ...

Reply to
dcaster

It's hard to establish any repeatable settings with an LP torch, just keep in mind that if you're not getting the results you need then adjust the torch- if you're getting a slow cut that's not starting quickly then you want more fuel and oxy. Too much heat isn't so likely but you'll see it sometimes, just back the flame off if you do.

When properly adjusted, an LP flame will be loud, offensive and intense- earplugs are most definitely called for. Flame propagation varies with different fuel/O2 mixes so you have to be a little careful bringing the oxygen in or your flame will go out. You'll also find that the point of greatest heat (in distance from the tip) can be changed- lay the tip on a piece of rusted scrap, about 30 degrees to the surface, and adjust the flame while you watch it. You'll see that as you vary the oxygen the point of greatest heat moves away or toward the tip. Bring this point to about 3/8" from the tip and go to work.

John

Reply to
JohnM

Thanks, John. The tip re: the sound is the most important. I would have gone with a softer sound.

With acetylene, you just adjust the acetylene up until you don't get the floating black boogers. The flame on the NG is totally on the other end of the scale.

I'll be getting some scrap to practice on, and learning something new.

I like learning new things.

Steve

Reply to
SteveB

PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.