First time O/A welding...

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I have ZERO experience with O/A welding. ZERO!  I picked up a Henrob at a flea market and slowly gathered everything else. Harris 2 stage regulators, new hoses, flashback arrestors, check valves, and small tanks. I didn't spend more then $225 for everything. So far I've just put holes in a bunch of scrap,and had a bunch of little black flakes on a good part of my garage. My hats off to the guys that can really weld with O/A. No.... I didn't think I could do this out of the gate. It's a tough way to weld. Looks like I have a long road ahead of me. I am curious as to why the instructions say to shut off the acetylene first... I had a POP every time I did that and not one the other way aroud. No pics to even post. just sayin' though.
Reply:I did O/A a couple quarters ago in school, and I really enjoyed it! The brazing, I did not like, but the fusion welding side of things I got a real kick out of! If I had the welding torch setup and not just the cutting torch setup at home I'd do it more often for the fun of it!Good luck!Miller Performance AD Helmet - Camo Edition Soon to have: Jackson HSL 100 - Forest Digi CamoMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC((Currently at welding school))
Reply:Get a copy of the 1939 version of the Oxwelders Handbook. Tha canonical OA reference. http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Sear...&sts=t&x=0&y=0
Reply:I've always turned on acetylene, lit, adjusted, turned on oxygen, adjusted, welded, turned off oxygen, turned off acetylene. Never heard of people turning off acetylene first.Lincoln 175HD
Reply:That's the way the cutting torches worked for me, turn off oxygen first, then acetylene, smoke, BANG! Shut off gases in reverse, acetylene first, then oxygen, uneventful. All the books say the first way is "proper" to avoid the pop but doing so always gave me noise. No idea why, probably just me. YMMVXMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:If you haven't seen them, there is a number of demo videos of the henrob at youtube. Heres a link to the first in the series made by Amweld: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxGe8yxgWvc[/ame] Might pick something up if you take a look at them.
Reply:http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/OXY_handbook/589oxy1_1.htm"Turning off the fuel decreases the chance of Unburned fuel accidentally igniting."Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Thanks for those videos. I haven't seen those yet. In the past 6 months I have found a Dillon at a flea market for $10.00 and a couple of weeks ago I found another one at an estate sale for $20.00. Before anyone thinks I was nuts for shelling out the bucks for one of those w/o any experience, I didn't. What would you guys have done? About a year ago I bought a new in box Purox set up with the w-200 torch also. The Harris 9296 2 stage regulators I was talking about were also at the estate sale where I got the Dillon. $20.00 bucks for those too. It was the last day for the sale, so it was discount day.
Reply:I was real tempted to jump on a $10 Henrob torch at an auction this summer. No one ended up bidding on it, so it rolled over into the next lot. I don't do enough OA with the torches I already have, but it was mighty tempting at that price..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:There was another post in recent months showing proper use of O/A torch.  How to stand aside when opening cylinder gauges and adjusting regulators, lighting and adjusting torch, shutting off flame and torch valves, purging hoses, and closing cylinder valves.  Sorry I can't seem to find it right now...  Maybe someone else lokking on will recall where it is.- MondoPS: I saw another on youtube where the operator insists the oxy gauges and pressure regulator bonnet needs to point towards the ceiling lest an explosion in the bonnet does't hurt someone.-mMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Well that's 2 that say shut off the fuel first. I've also seen info from Harris and Victor saying to shut of the O first. This have something to do with the torch itself?
Reply:The production of oxygen, and later the liquefying of air, along with the introduction in 1887 of a blow pipe or torch, helped the development of both welding and cutting. Before 1900 hydrogen and coal gas were used with oxygen. However, in about 1900 a torch suitable for use with low-pressure acetylene was developed and the oxyacetylene gas welding and cutting processes were launched.In this day and time... O/A is the most "overlooked" option to joining thin metal (steel). For the past 75 years, a young welder was taught to O/A weld before being taught to arc weld. Why? Because it teaches the basics of welding. The process is slower and much more forgiving than SMAW or MIG.Today, the manufacturers of arc welding , MIG and TIG equipment promote the products they sell. As you can see from the sponsors of this site, there is little promotion of O/A.In time of a disaster (natural or man made) when electric power is lost...... The man who can O/A weld and has some supplies will be just as much in demand as the village blacksmith of 200 years ago.Again, JMHO.Thanks,Hobo Attached ImagesLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:I have not OA welded for years (when I was in highschool)  Nor am I a welder just a hobby welder.But I do remeber how to start with a new tanks from start up to shut down.I would recommend checking for leaks atlest on the acet.  Not a gas to play with.Lighting turn on the acet, light, adjust, add oxygen adjust, adjust for cutting.Turn off the acet first, propane whatever gas.  Gas is shut off first always.Reason being the flame goes out the tip and extinguishes.  The oxygen blows it out the torch.  If you shut off the oxygen then the gas the flame can (key word can) travel back down the hose.  How likely is that probably not that likely, but possible not something I want to play with.So I have an always will shut off the gas first.While this is a toy more or less I recently bought a map gas/oxygen setup.  (like a little propane bottle torch) like I said a toy compared to what everyone here uses.  But an OA setup is not in the budget right now and it gives me enough heat for those stubborn bolts or stock u-joints etc...  (very little use)I still start up and shut down this setup the same as an OA setup.  Really it is the same thing just different gas and a really small scale.  Keep in mind (someone correct me if I am wrong) Acet is unstable past 15 PSI, so do not adjust the line pressure higher then 15 psi.  The tank can handle the high pressure because (again correct me if I am wrong and feel free to add) it has some type of material in it like a sponge.  (more like rock but will all the holes.)  For whatever reason this makes it stable at high pressure.
Reply:Originally Posted by slotardI've always turned on acetylene, lit, adjusted, turned on oxygen, adjusted, welded, turned off oxygen, turned off acetylene.
Reply:I have posted this on here before, but for the benifit of those who want to learn the proper set up and uses of oxy/acet I recommend the following two books:  The first is THE OXY-ACETYLENE HANDBOOK by LIND REFERENCE LIBRARY and AIRCRAFT WELDING by L.S. ELZEA.  You can purchase AIRCRAFT WELDING @ www.lindsaybks.com.  The other book, THE OXY-ACETYLENE HANDBOOK will be a bit harder to locate.  Hope this info helps those who would like to further their knowledge of this very useful tool.  As a side note, I find this tool a most relaxing past time as you can do so many things with it, such as welding, brazing, heating and bending steel, cutting steel and so much more.  Truely probably the most useful tool in your arsenal of welding equipment.  Just my opinion.  Best  Bob
Reply:I think this is the video to which I referred.:[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLwH3GKpVvo&feature=related[/ame]Member, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Based on my notes from a welding class at the local tech school last spring:When lighting the torch, once the pressure regulators have been adjusted open the fuel gas valve on the torch handle first and ignite the flame,  Adjust to a non-smoking flame then open the oxygen valve and adjust to a neutral flame.   This porocedure prevents high pressure oxygen from backflowing into the fuel gas tubes and vice-versa.When shutting down the torch  turn off the high pressure gas (oxygen) first.  This prevents he risk of getting oxygen back into the fuel gas tube inside the torch handle.  The flame of the still burning fuel gas will prevent the fuel gas from backflowing into the handle oxygen tubes.- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:one tip I learned was not to bother with the o2 guage because the ones on newer kits don't read low enough for real OAW, just torch cutting.  I used OAW exclusively for years!  I wouldn't listen to anyone about how arc welding was so great!Anyway, I was told the oldtimers adjusted their pressure by opening the valves while holding the torch to their cheek.  Just enough to feel it...most people set the pressure too high and blow through alot.  Also, get every tip size you think you'll need.  it's not fun to be using too big or too small a tip.If you get good at managing warpage with OAW, every other process will become a snap!  Good luck!
Reply:When working with explosives or dangerous equipment always do as recommended. I agree with hobo, when I first started welding we weren't allowed to touch any arc welding machines until we were proficient in the procedure. and id torch cut with a carborized flame, less slag and gives a smoother cut.
Reply:"and had a bunch of little black flakes on a good part of my garage".The reg pressures need to be set for the tip size you use.Open the Acet valve on the torch body a little more than you have been. Yes, it will "pop" when you strike, but you won't get the black buggers (carbon) floating around. Then back the Acet valve down to keep the flame at the torch tip and slowly open the Oxy valve on the torch. You'll have to find the balance of both to get the flame lenght and neutral condition for the tip size you're using.
Reply:Some manufacturers say to turn off the Ox first and some say to turn of the Fuel first. Some folks are saying that one or the other should always be turned off first. My question is should folks ignore the one size fits all response and go with the manufacturer procedure for the specific torch (which makes sense) or should they go with what is taught in school? Also, could the torch design change the way to shut it off properly?I know nothing about oxy/fuel welding but want to get into it and would prefer not to blow myself up.
Reply:Originally Posted by SnuffySome manufacturers say to turn off the Ox first and some say to turn of the Fuel first. Some folks are saying that one or the other should always be turned off first. My question is should folks ignore the one size fits all response and go with the manufacturer procedure for the specific torch (which makes sense) or should they go with what is taught in school? Also, could the torch design change the way to shut it off properly?I know nothing about oxy/fuel welding but want to get into it and would prefer not to blow myself up.
Reply:Invaluable for braize and solder ops. I've not done it, but I know a couple of guys that did alu welding repairs on the job because that's what they had to work with.
Reply:Originally Posted by SnuffySome folks are saying that one or the other should always be turned off first. My question is should folks ignore the one size fits all response and go with the manufacturer procedure for the specific torch
Reply:My old Linde book (Purox, Oxweld) says shut off Oxy first.  The Smith video above says the same."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welderOriginally Posted by MondoBased on my notes from a welding class at the local tech school last spring:When lighting the torch, once the pressure regulators have been adjusted open the fuel gas valve on the torch handle first and ignite the flame,  Adjust to a non-smoking flame then open the oxygen valve and adjust to a neutral flame.   This porocedure prevents high pressure oxygen from backflowing into the fuel gas tubes and vice-versa.When shutting down the torch  turn off the high pressure gas (oxygen) first.  This prevents he risk of getting oxygen back into the fuel gas tube inside the torch handle.  The flame of the still burning fuel gas will prevent the fuel gas from backflowing into the handle oxygen tubes.- Mondo
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumMy old Linde book (Purox, Oxweld) says shut off Oxy first.  The Smith video above says the same.
Reply:And just think....automatic torches shut off BOTH at the same time....oh myDifferent torches with different mixers like to be treated differently. Either or is not dangerous, just avoid the method that causes the POP as it soots up the internals.
Reply:Originally Posted by makoman1860And just think....automatic torches shut off BOTH at the same time....oh my.
Reply:Originally Posted by fran...k.Well yes sort of,  For both the harris 50 and 18 (any other automatic torches out there) if you operate the control fast essentially they shut both off at the same time however if I work mine slowly (the way they are set up) the fuel comes on first and goes off last.  You might also note the recomended attachments are devoid of rosebud attachments.
Reply:I'm keen on giving O/A a go at some point. Actually probably go with oxy/LPG for reduced tank rental when I do. To be honest, its a little scary though.It seems to be somewhat cheaper compared to plasma, plus where I live at the moment, we only have 1 10 amp circuit to the shed. That makes plasma hard, as most plasma's I've seen are 15+ amp, and then you need a compressor on top of that.for now though, with the little I really do, angle grinders are getting me by.
Reply:Originally Posted by makoman1860You bet there are rosebuds for the 50 and 18, although small ones. In my experience popping has more times been caused by a leaking oxygen valve than anything, and tends to be more prone in larger torches. In reality it is more of an annoyance than anything as one should probably clean the mixers and necks with some regularity.