Changing Acetylene regulator to Oxygen use?

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My oxygen regulator is dying. (VTS460)Any reason I couldn't fit the CGA540 fitting from it to my spare  acetylene  regulator and use that on the Oxygen side?From a pressure standpoint it'd be like a Victor "B" regulator which would be nice since I rarely use more than 10lbs of oxygen for anything and would give me a better adjustment capability at low pressures.Is there anything in the acetylene reg that might be incompatible with oxygen use? oil?Would the acetylene use itself be a dangerous contaminant? Hard to imagine but I'd better ask you experts out there.ken
Reply:oxygen is at much higher pressure, not sure acetylene regulator would handle, besides the possibility of adverse reaction of something to the oxygen . . . .-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:BAD IDEA. HOPE YOU HAVE GOOD INSURANCE. Let me know if you try this, I want to get my Cousin Clem. Clem likes to watch fires and explosions.
Reply:Common sense say that what your are trying to do should work but a wiser common sense a long time ago decided to make the connections different for a reason and changing them should be avoided.  If you need the o2 reg to be more precise at a lower psi setting then change out the gauge on the reg for one with a lower pressure range.       Quick story. A worker at a refinery need to run an air line but the connector at the pipe was different so he took it upon himself to change it.  He made the change and ran the air line into a confined space and started to use it when someone noticed something was wrong.  They traced the line and discovered that it had been a natural gas line he had tapped into.
Reply:It'll work fine if you're suicidal.The Oxygen tank pressure is WAY higher, and any regulator that hasn't been cleaned for oxygen service can be assumed to be contaminated.
Reply:Nope.Short answer:  Nope.Longer answer: No way in hell.  Just get a new oxygen regulator.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Hmmm lets think about this.....a regulator designed for hundreds of pounds, used in a system with thousands of pounds.....hmmm. Now apply high pressure oxygen to porus metal parts, seals, diaphrams that have been used with a fuel gas, and acetone....hmmm. Of course if one had stopped to think about it, or do a little research ( 45 seconds worth ) the question would never be asked. Im not trying to be mean....but geesh.....[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqygjzC8DP4&feature=related[/ame]
Reply:Of course it seemed like a dodgy idea, that's why I asked rather than just doing.Asking isn't stupid as some of you are suggesting, doing without asking IS.
Reply:Doing without asking isn't stupid, it's fatal. What seriously concerns me ( now im going to use you as an example, but dont take it personally ) is someone using a torch setup, that does not have the most basic knowledge of how the system operates, the dangers, and the safety precautions. What other safety items are you missing? What details in the rigs condition are being missed due to lack of knowledge? You may have a ticking bomb in your hand, but not realize it due to ignorance of how the system functions. You REALLY need to get a book on O/A safety and useage. Esab has one free online in the education university center at www.esabna.com. If anyone is picking on you, its only because we are worried about your safety, and with a question such as you asked initally, it is quite apparent that your safety IS in question. Do you and your family a favor, read up, study up, and be safe.
Reply:Here are some excerpts from the US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Labor (aka OSHA).  Pay particular attention to the section about using regulators only for the gas and pressure for which they are intended (i.e., designed for).1910.253(e)(6)  Pressure-reducing regulators.1910.253(e)(6)(i)  Pressure-reducing regulators shall be used only for the gas and pressures for which they are intended. The regulator inlet connections shall comply with Regulator Connection Standards, 1958, Compressed Gas Association.1910.253(e)(6)(ii)  When regulators or parts of regulators, including gages, need repair, the work shall be performed by skilled mechanics who have been properly instructed.1910.253(e)(6)(iii)  Gages on oxygen regulators shall be marked "USE NO OIL."1910.253(e)(6)(iv)  Union nuts and connections on regulators shall be inspected before use to detect faulty seats which may cause leakage of gas when the regulators are attached to the cylinder valves.Almost all major OA torch manufacturers offer free safety literature to protect themselves from lawsuits and users from injury.  Here is one:  http://www.thermadyne.com/victor/com...categoryID,24/TeddCoHTP Microcut 400 & Invertig 160DC  Smith Dual Guard MD-510 OA Rig  Lincoln SP135+  Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160
Reply:Pretty certain with the pressures in that cylinder you will have an immediate fire.
Reply:Originally Posted by pistolnoonPretty certain with the pressures in that cylinder you will have an immediate fire.
Reply:Just have the VTS 460 rebuilt. Besides posting Very Useful Info on these forums, OAdoctor rebuilds regulators:http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/
Reply:Aren't those threaded the opposite way to avoid such ideas?  Yeah, its good on paper but not in practice.  Besides, it would still need to be recalibrated for acetylene which would cost as much (if they even will do it)  as getting the acetylene regulator repaired in the first place.  Kinda like trying to use a scuba cylinder to hold co2 for infinite paintball shooting.   They won't fill it even if they can for safety's sake.
Reply:45 Years in repairing Regulators.  There are to many differences.  Don't try it, Buy another.  JGSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :