Acetylene Question

[MinnesotaDave]

Good idea Dave!

I've been using oxy/propane since the 90's and have never regretted making the change

A person can't weld with propane, but I've got mig, tig, stick so it's of no concern.

[Ironken]

Good idea Dave!

[MinnesotaDave]

You may want to look into using oxy/propane - that's what I use for cutting and heating.

Cheaper and no withdraw rate or overpressure issues.

[Ironken]

USMCPOP....you hit the nail on the head. I only have a #4 acetylene cylinder and my rosebud draws 51 scfh.......I need 350+ cu. ft. To use safely. I was overrunning my cylinder's capacity. Im glad you brought this up. Coulda got ugly. Thank you!

[USMCPOP]

What is the consumption of that rosebud in CFH? Make sure your tank is large enough to safely support that withdrawal rate (1/7th or 1/10th rule). I saw some of the Smith rosebud specs and all recommended one or more 350 CF tanks. They also recommended high-flow flashback arrestors. Flow restrictions could affect your pressures.

[Ironken]

Definitely an acetylene regulator. Thanks guys for the help. I used to set it and not worry in a shop setting but, as I get older and the fact that my kids are on the same property......the wreckless abandon has been replaced with caution.

[Portable Welder]

Good question, when all the valves are closed, set it to 15 psi and you be safe, I'm 98% sure that if the regulator shows 20 psi when closed you are operating outside the safe limits.

Make sure you dont have a propane regulator, they can look the same and allow you to operate at much higher pressure.

The one I use for the big rose bud looks just like a acetylene but says propane when you rad the info.

The line pressure gauge should be red after the 15 psi and above.

[Caligner]

Acetylene Question

No, perfectly normal. Unless it spikes drastically, then there may be a problem.

[Ironken]

A question that I should know the answer to.... but, I don't. For my Smith rosebud tip that I am using, the pressure chart calls for 15 psi on the acetylene. I know that much above 15 psi is dangerous. Now the question. When I have the gas valve open on the torch handle, the gauge reads at 15 as I set it. When the gas valve is closed the gauge spikes up to about 20 psi. Is this a problem?