Using Acetylene Regulator with Propane?

admin

I want to be able to use a large propane rosebud with my Victor Oxy-Acetylene set  (100FC torch).    It is a given that I need to buy a rosebud.  I already have T hose, so OK there.One of the local dealers suggested that I could use my acetylene regulator for propane.  The other did not mention that possibility, and quoted me $160 for a propane regulator.Is is acceptable and reasonable to use an acetylene regulator for propane?   This would not only save me money, it would make it easier to switch back and forth from oxy-propane to oxy-acetylene.  I use my oxy-acetylene occasionally, probably around 10 or 15 times a year.  The oxy-propane would substitute for some of oxy-acetylene use.Some of the web sources indicate that I am not likely to have problems using an acetyelene regulator on propane.  RichardLast edited by raferguson; 11-19-2010 at 03:03 PM.Sculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:I have a few Hobart regulators (which are posted in the classifieds) that are marked for both gasses. I think your regulator is likely to be fine. I don't know much about swapping propane into your torch setup and I'll leave that for someone else,KevinHobart Handler 210Tweco Fabricator 181iLincoln Squarewave Tig 175
Reply:If all the internal soft parts in your regulator are identical in part number with the same regulator as offered for propane, then propane won't eat them. As I recall all recent, common Victor regs are OK, but I'd check first, and always check parts lists on all my OA gear since it's educational.The output max pressure for propane is more, but most folks don't run propane wide open when using an acetylene regulator. For example, Victor 450-series parts (verified through their downloadable parts breakdown chart) are a match, and the stainless diaphragm is "fuel gas agnostic", so I use mine with either fuel gas. What model number is your acetylene regulator? http://www.thermadyne.com/victor/res...&categoryID=25I like propane because it doesn't have the overdraw or "slosh during transport related" drawbacks of acetylene, so I use propane for scrapping and field cutting.The torch itself works with both gases.Last edited by farmall; 11-19-2010 at 03:52 PM.
Reply:Regulator is Victor CSRM 360A.  This is a physically large single stage regulator.Looking at the Victor information at the link below, it appears that both the Propane and the Acetylene regulators have the same parts, including the same diaphram, just different gauges.http://www.thermadyne.com/.../DocLib...Regulators.pdf   link may not work, however.  :-(ThanksRichardLast edited by raferguson; 11-19-2010 at 03:54 PM.Sculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:I talked to a Smith rep that said that there is no deferance other than the 15 psi cut off. I have also been told that you can use regular aceteline hoses, but it will cut there life some. I just picked up a propane tip and am going to try it sometime.Travis(Try it at your own risk, I am not responsible for you following my guidence.  )
Reply:I went with a propane regulator, hoses and tips when I converted my Smith oxy/ace rig to propane.   I was in need of new regs anyways and the hoses I did for safety reasons.   It wasn't much money to do it 'right' and I know that everything works right for the intended purpose and is safe.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I bought a propane regulator just so I could easily switch back and forth propane to acetylene without moving the regulator each time.  As a plus I can run high pressure to the deep fryer/boiler and really make it cook!Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE