Oxy fuel newbie - what do I need?

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Hi folks,I've been fabricating for a few years, but given that I got a plasma cutter early on, never learned how to use oxy for anything.  I've run into several repairs recently in cast iron and aluminum where I've had to build a fire behind the shop to get the work preheated.  I know that a rosebud would've been way faster for this kind of job.  I also have a shop-made 5x10 plasma table.  Sometimes, we'd like the ability to cut thicker plate, which I also understand is a perfect application for gas.  We don't have acetylene available here, but do have oxygen and butane (very similar to propane).  So, what would I need to put together a rig that could handle both of these applications?Here's what I think I know:-Hand torch capable of dealing with propane (do I need a propane compatible torch, or just a specific tip for propane?)-Rosebud tip-Cutting tips-Machine torch with oxy preburner so the machine can control it via solenoids without losing the flame between cuts-Oxy regulator-Propane regulator (can I use an acetylene reg, or am I looking for one specifically meant for propane?)-Hoses-Sparker thing to start the flame?I don't need to be able to use both the machine and hand setup at the same time, so one set of regulators that can be switched back and forth should be sufficient. I know there are some limitations of using propane vs acetylene - but I don't have a choice on that one.  Will propane be sufficient for preheating and for cutting (maybe up to 2" plate?)Thanks in advance!
Reply:Im a relative newbie and I'm sure I'll get flamed but here is what I know.  I picked up a oxy/prop set up from a family member.  Had never used it before so my learning curve was pretty steep.  I only have torch with cutting tip for now.  The gas reg is acetylene and works fine.  I have seen some alt fuel regs out there.  You need to get multifuel hose set for propane.  The torch itself needs to be any good torch set up but yes all of your tips, (cutting, rosebud, etc) will need to be for propane or alt fuel.  I like my set up.  I am using a 20lb tank of propane that seems to have an endless supply.  I've used it pretty heavily and have not replaced it since I've bought it and it may have only been half full.  My grill uses more it seems.  The beauty is that I can exchange or refill the propane for under $20 even on weekends.  So that is my small bit of experience.  Flame on!
Reply:Most torches can use propane or acetylene by changing the tip.  However, there are few that are for propane only and they will work best with propane. A torch with an equal pressure or universal pressure mixer can use either acetylene or propane. An injector mixer is for alternate file gases like propane only.You can use the sames an acetylene regulator for propane and acetylene.  However, you can not use a propane regulator on acetylene, because almost all propane regulators will deliver more than 15 psi and acetylene should never be ran at pressures over 15 psi.OAdoctorwww.regulatortorchrepair.com
Reply:Oxy Fuel Welding (OFW) is really only suitable with acetylene. But heating and cutting with another fuel is fine, though the rate of burn is a bit less.That is how I learned it.My supervisor never understood my affinity for the acetylene torch cart. It takes practice to improve, and when the plasma goes down, I want to know what I am doing with a flame torch.If it were me, I would just spring for a bottle of acetylene. Options are good.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Propane will work fine for everything except fusion welding. Get propane cutting tips and rosebud along with T grade hose and you're good to go. You can buy kits from Victor and others all set up for propane.