Welding and Metalworking - Acetylene to propane?
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rustynut57
08-30-09, 11:44 PM
What is the best & least expensive way to convert my old oxy/acetylene rig to propane? For my needs, I can't justify the expense of acetylene. It will be used mostly for cutting & heating, as well as brazing. I don't anticipate doing any welding with it. I know a propane - specific rig would be best, but I won't be using it that much, so economy is a factor. All help appreciated.
TIA
Scott
TIA
Scott
Pilot Dane
08-31-09, 06:32 AM
You need a different torch to get good results. Oxy/acetylene torches are equal pressure style where a oxy/propane torch is an injector style.
Because propane contains more btu's in the outter cone of the flame it is better than acetylene for heating and cutting... but you need the right torch. Because acetylene is lighter than oxygen but propane is much heavier it needs a different gun. Simply changing the tip does not give you the best results.
Because propane contains more btu's in the outter cone of the flame it is better than acetylene for heating and cutting... but you need the right torch. Because acetylene is lighter than oxygen but propane is much heavier it needs a different gun. Simply changing the tip does not give you the best results.
rustynut57
08-31-09, 10:44 PM
How much efficiency will I lose by converting an existing oxy/acetylene unit to propane? Or will it work at all? I am looking for economy, since this will just be used occasionally. Thanks again.
Scott
Scott
rustynut57
09-01-09, 07:15 PM
Excuse me for being such a dumba**, but I am assuming an injector style torch has to be a complete unit - torch, regulators, etc. - not just a replacement torch head. Thanks for bearing with me.
Scott
Scott
mikeTN
09-08-09, 08:08 PM
What is the best & least expensive way to convert my old oxy/acetylene rig to propane? For my needs, I can't justify the expense of acetylene. It will be used mostly for cutting & heating, as well as brazing. I don't anticipate doing any welding with it. I know a propane - specific rig would be best, but I won't be using it that much, so economy is a factor. All help appreciated.
TIA
Scott
i pay about $30 for a 80 lb. tank of acetylene. not used much lately but it lasts a good while, depending on the use(heating/cutting). i would thing if you don't use it that much, the cost of the new equipment would offset any savings?! just wondering.
TIA
Scott
i pay about $30 for a 80 lb. tank of acetylene. not used much lately but it lasts a good while, depending on the use(heating/cutting). i would thing if you don't use it that much, the cost of the new equipment would offset any savings?! just wondering.