O/A bottle size, pressures, etc.

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i was reading a post a while ago and folks were talking about being careful to get the tip size with the correct bottle size and pressures.  In tech, we were taught to set the act. on around 7-10 and the Oxy around 50-70 and adjust the flame with the torch no matter what tip we had, and I used from a #1 to #3 with those pressures.  Would someone one give me a little more explanation on bottle sizes, flow pressures and tip sizes?
Reply:WHOW WHOW..............Are we talking about cutting tips or the welding tips?#1 welding tip is <1 oxy/ <1  act..#2 welding tip is 2 oxy/ 2 act#3 welding tip is 3 oxy/ 3 actAs far as cutting tips... We use...8 act/ 35 oxyLast edited by ThunderRobo; 04-20-2007 at 10:34 PM.-Clarke 130EN-Miller MaxStar 150STL-Miller Elite 29' Roadster
Reply:We [students in the welding program at TSTC] were taught that the material we are wanting to cut will determine the tip size to use. Each size of cutting tip is designed to to cut only a certain range of thicknesses.Then the tip size determines the gas pressures to use, this is usually a very narrow range.For example, if you wanted to cut 1" material you would want to use a Victor size 2 tip (assuming you have a Victor cutting torch, of course). The size 2 tip is designed to be run with 35-40 psi oxygen and 3-6 psi acetylene.Then say you wanted to cut some 3/8" material. You might think, "well, I'll just turn down the gas pressures and use the same (size 2) tip...." right?  Wrong. The big problem comes from the fact that bigger tips have bigger orfices (holes) for the cutting oxygen jet. If you try to run too low of pressure through a big cutting jet orfice, you will not get a good, straight, steady stream of oxygen, and cutting performance will suffer. Also, if you run too low of pressure, you run the risk of having the preheat flames burn inside the tip. Possibly destroying it and damaging the torch in short order. Originally Posted by bigcountry1009we were taught to set the act. on around 7-10 and the Oxy around 50-70 and adjust the flame with the torch no matter what tip we had, and I used from a #1 to #3 with those pressures.
Reply:good write up Tensaiteki, I use a plasma cutter to do all my cutting, haven't touched our set of torches in a long time for cutting.But, yes, i agree 100% with you, and bigcountry1009's setting if WAY off.-Clarke 130EN-Miller MaxStar 150STL-Miller Elite 29' Roadster
Reply:Originally Posted by bigcountry1009  In tech, we were taught to set the act. on around 7-10 and the Oxy around 50-70
Reply:Tank size also matters in that you can´t use an acetylene tip that draws more than 1/7 of the tank´s volume per hour.
Reply:Ok, well, I was speaking of welding in the origionaly post, but I guess I need to watch out for this when cutting as well.  My torches are Harris.  I have the largest tanks National Welders will actually "sell" to you to own.  The larger ones require a lease.  I think it's a 95 act and 165 oxy, but those are guesses.  I can't remember exactly.
Reply:WHAT!!! Your using welding tips at 7-10 and the Oxy around 50-70????????The Tip# tells you what pressure to run...#1 welding tip is <1 oxy/ <1 act..#2 welding tip is 2 oxy/ 2 act#3 welding tip is 3 oxy/ 3 actWith oxy at 50-70 you'll burn a hole though your tip!-Clarke 130EN-Miller MaxStar 150STL-Miller Elite 29' Roadster
Reply:Wow, I agree with ThunderRobo. Those settings are way off for cutting but absolutely ludicrously wrong for welding.here's a scan of a chart I have for Victor tips. The actual tip numbering system might be different for a Harris setup, but the pressure/material thickness relationship should be pretty close.Visit Tensaiteki.com
Reply:ok, I'll be sure to change my ways before I try again