propane cutting torch

[CarbedNotch]

I want to get a O/A cutting setup but then I heard about a propane option. Can anyone tell me about this before I purchase a Smith M-D O/A setup?
Is it as good? Propane sounds like a bargain when it comes time to re-fill.
Thanks

[Shep]

I've used them a couple times. They work ok. Not as hot of a flame produced by propane compared to acetylene so it takes a little more pre heat time. It was a long time ago, but i think it is just a different kind of tip (2 piece) that you put in a regular torch??

[Jim-TX]

I've never used a propane cutting torch, but from what I've seen they are used more in scrap metal places where they only need to hack something apart and don't care about the quality of the cut. They probably operate cheaper than acetylene but I've never seen a professional welder use propane.

[enwhy]

My last shop used propane exclusively. I grew to like it. It's alot slower (more preheat like mentioned) but i found it produced a much cleaner cut. As far as cost comparison I have no idea. What i do know is that with propane your gas valve needs to be alot more open than the "quarter turn" of an acetylene valve.

[enwhy]

forgot to mention....

Yes, the tips are different. I'm not an expert on gases, or torches for that matter, but from what I've been told.....Propane is a low pressure gas which requires a special tip to increase the flow of gas to allow it to cut. Unlike an acetylene tip, which has a center orifice surrounded by a number of gas orifices which are all round in shape, the propane tip has a center orifice surrounded by a bunch of tightly grouped slits that are recessed. Getting back to why I replied a second time ....... the propane tips tend to be a little bit harder to clean.

ok now im done good luck w ur decision

[CarbedNotch]

Will they sell the propane tank at the same place as the oxygen?
I wonder what the price difference is...

[CarbedNotch]

I've never used a propane cutting torch, but from what I've seen they are used more in scrap metal places where they only need to hack something apart and don't care about the quality of the cut. They probably operate cheaper than acetylene but I've never seen a professional welder use propane.

My friend worked at a shipyard in the south for many years and he said propane is all they used. I should go see what he suggests...

[arraflipper]

Tip

The tip is the only thing you have to change. If you take the tip out of the torch it comes apart to clean. It takes a while to heat the item up, but cuts great and is a lot less the acetylene. More pressure is needed, once you get on to it works fine.

[Sandy]

For long term use with propane your fuel hose should be a 'T' grade hose.

[Jim-TX]

My friend worked at a shipyard in the south for many years and he said propane is all they used. I should go see what he suggests...

Obviously I have not been in a shipyard. From the sounds of it, propane is more popular than I realized. I just don't see much of it used around here.

[lynx_welding]

i use propane for cutting on my rig. its very conveniant especially on the road away from the big city's. propane is readily available around the small towns. it is also easy to find in the job trailers of the companys i work for. when cutting thick pipe just one extra preheat around the pipe and its' good to go. setting the propane takes a little more getting used to but when it's set glass cuts everytime very little kerf lines are noticable and the slag falls off witha file

[nfinch86]

Propane ?

i use propane for cutting on my rig. its very conveniant especially on the road away from the big city's. propane is readily available around the small towns. it is also easy to find in the job trailers of the companys i work for. when cutting thick pipe just one extra preheat around the pipe and its' good to go. setting the propane takes a little more getting used to but when it's set glass cuts everytime very little kerf lines are noticable and the slag falls off witha file

Lynx, If you are not using Acet. , What regulator do you use ?

............... Norm

[glh]

make a tip

[i went to my friends welding shop and and asked about a propane tip about 2 years ago and he said he would sale me one but if it was him he just make one. i asked how and he told me to take one of the tips i had and drill the center orifice 1.5x the size it was but drill a square hole (that means the hole depth will be the same as the bit size) for example if you had to drill a
1'' square hole the hole you drilled would be 1'' round and 1'' deep
anyway i know alot of yall knew that but alot dont
i tryed it and it seemed to work fine
never had a factory made propane tip to compare it to tho
give it a try on an old tip so if you do it rong its not money wasted
gary...

[PTsideshow]

First off just be aware that you CAN NOT weld with anything in the fuel gas line properly other than acetylene! NO MATTER what it says on the box or salesperson or in the instructions. You need a neutral flame to get a properly done gas weld ferrous with ferrous filler rod.

The other thing is for every pound of propane that you burn, you will get .87 pounds of water after the chemical reaction of combustion. So you may see more rust faster.
Peace! Of course the flame temperature will be lower than the flame of an oxy/acetylene rig.

Propane tips are the same tips that you use with natural gas.

If you are using it for rusty or scaled surfaces you would want the tips with a heavy preheat.
say Harris 6290-NFF cutting tips in assorted sizes.
Here is Harris tables for gas pressures, for propane,MAPP, hydrogen and acetylene check their other downloads as the had a tip chart with the pictures of the ends.
http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/e...nt/manuals.asp

The difference is larger and more holes in the tips, a regular tip and torch set up will not preform properly.

[andyman]

just wondering

would welding with propane be easier than O/A.

buddy at work is taking classes and is playing with O/A welding he says once you get it up to heat you gotta move fast when your welding. since propane isnt as hot would travel speeds be slower ?