putting together an oxy/propane cutting setup...

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so reading through the old threads it sounds like to cut using propane instead of acetelyne requires new tips and that's it.  is this right?  i was thinking about getting this setup.  am i safe to assume that all i need to provide is an oxygen cylinder and a propane take and new propane compatible tips?i'm looking for a cheap setup as i only need to cut for a single project through nothing thicker than .250.  mainly .180 and thinner.  thanks in advance.oh, and any other advice is appreciated.andy
Reply:The only things different are the tips and the pressures.Tip manufacturer will have info for pressures for their tips.It takes a bit of getting used to,as propane is a little more sensitive to mixture,but once you get it down,you'll be fine.
Reply:You need new hoses, too.  Propane regulators are usually marked for higher pressures, 30-60 psi on the low pressure side.  However, not many applications require over 15 psi and the acetylene regulators work just fine.  Your old welding tips can be converted by countersinking the hole at the end, but you have to purchase special cutting tips.
Reply:well, i don't have a setup of any kind so i'll be starting from scratch.  will my LWS have all the junk i need; ie-propane hoses, tips, etc?andy
Reply:another question i had was how much should i expect to spend on filling small oxygen and acetelyne tanks like these:http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/2...rt-a-torch.aspthanks again.andyLast edited by racerwad; 12-18-2006 at 12:38 AM.
Reply:To fill the tanks?  $15-30.  I really suggest you get something bigger, though.  If you do have your heart set on a portable kit, this is a really good deal:http://cgi.ebay.com/SMITH-PORTABLE-W...QQcmdZViewItemI do believe this one comes with tanks.
Reply:no, i don't have my heart set on a portable setup.  the criteria is mainly cost.  i can only think of a single project that i'd like to do that would be made significantly easier with a torch setup.  after that, it would really be occasional use so i didn't think that i'd need a full size setup.  ideally i'd just get a kit that has the torch, regs, and tips, use my BBQ propane tank, and then buy/rent an O2 cylinder.  too bad the medical oxygen tanks have a different valve stem on top that appears to be incompatibile.  otherwise i'd have all the oxygen i'd ever need.  andy
Reply:If it's a CGA 300 something valve stem, there are regulators that fit.  Don't underestimate how useful a heating and cutting outfit can be.  Even if you don't cut much, I use my cutting torch all of the time for burning out bolts.  I use a rosebud for freeing up seized fasteners, hose couplings, trailer hitches, etc...  Those little tanks will never run a rose bud.  If you really don't think you'll be using your torch very much, go ahead and get the portable setup.  You'd be supprised how many uses you'll find for it once you have one.   If you go propane, you won't be able to weld, but you can still braze and solder.  Don't oversize your tips, either.  I don't know about other brand's sizing, but if you go Smith get a 0 and 00 tip.  This will cover all of your cutting needs.  Even though the 0 says up to 1/4", you can sucessfully cut up to 1" thick with the tip.  The preheat just takes longer and piercing is more difficult if you undersize the tip.Last edited by 76GMC1500; 12-19-2006 at 12:15 AM.
Reply:so i've finally gotten the pieces together.  i have a harris (lincoln electric) torch kit and just a regular old 20lb propane tank from under my BBQ.  i know that the threads are left handed but the regulator doesn't seem to thread very easily.  is there some sort of incompatiblity i should be aware of?  the instructions talk about setting up for propane so it appears that the manufacturers have taken propane use into account.soooo, i was wondering if i might be missing anything.  thanks!andy
Reply:You just feel resistance against it as you are threading it in??  The newer OPD valves have a spring tensioned face (ahem, safety feature) where as the older tanks ran in freely till it was metal to metal.  If you plan on using propane and the small tanks exclusively, you might think of getting the BBQ type adapter for your regulator set up.
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500If it's a CGA 300 something valve stem, there are regulators that fit.  Don't underestimate how useful a heating and cutting outfit can be.  Even if you don't cut much, I use my cutting torch all of the time for burning out bolts.  I use a rosebud for freeing up seized fasteners, hose couplings, trailer hitches, etc...  Those little tanks will never run a rose bud.  If you really don't think you'll be using your torch very much, go ahead and get the portable setup.  You'd be supprised how many uses you'll find for it once you have one.   If you go propane, you won't be able to weld, but you can still braze and solder.  Don't oversize your tips, either.  I don't know about other brand's sizing, but if you go Smith get a 0 and 00 tip.  This will cover all of your cutting needs.  Even though the 0 says up to 1/4", you can sucessfully cut up to 1" thick with the tip.  The preheat just takes longer and piercing is more difficult if you undersize the tip.
Reply:and safer.