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I have one of those HomeDepot small tank oxy acetyl kits with the plastic holder, and I'm trying to learn to gas weld. I took a class at a local community college, so I know the basics. Now I'm trying to practice and build some skills. My problem is that it takes a long time to get hot and puddle the metal, and the pressure reading at the acetyl tank goes to zero after a few seconds of welding. It seems like I'm not getting enough fuel. I opened the valve more, but this didn't change anything. I have been able to cut and weld thinner stock, but when i try to weld a thinner bracket to a thicker C channel stock (maybe 3/16") it just doesn't get hot enough. I'm using a #3 tip. I have been able to cut with the cutting torch, but then also the fuel gauge at the tank goes to zero after welding for more than 20 seconds or so, and cutting gets more difficult. ALso, how do you tell when an acetylene tank is empty? Because the tank pressure gauge goes to zero, I thought it might be empty, but I just got a refill and have used it less than 5 minutes practicing. Thanks for any help. Wayne
Reply:I think you have a small "MC" tank for the acetylene. An "MC" tank is about 10 cf IIRC. My first thought is that I'm wondering if you are over drawing the tank and pulling the acetylene out faster than it can come out of the porous material in the tank. They recommend you don't draw off more than 1/10th the volume in an hour which would be 1 cf of gas with that size tank.That tank is really way too small to do much cutting or welding. You would probably be better with a "B" bottle (40 cf) or larger. I've never tried to cut with one of my small tanks. The smallest acetylene tank I use to cut with is usually 75 cf. My "B" bottle is used for the air/acet torch for soldering and I haven't hooked up the "MC" tank I was given this summer to the air/acet torch yet..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:sounds to me like the problem experienced is lowflow, changing to noflow..with welding a tip sized for the thickness of the metal, assuming it isnt thick with millscale, and assuming the torch is set close to right, you should get a puddle in 2 or 3 seconds..could be a regulator prolem..doesnt sound to me like an overdraw situation, especially since its happening during welding..cutting is where you see the overdraw..and that results in acetone coming out the hot nozzle..not a zeroflow situation as is being reported..id say its in the regulator,but cant help from there..
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadsounds to me like the problem experienced is lowflow, changing to noflow..with welding a tip sized for the thickness of the metal, assuming it isnt thick with millscale, and assuming the torch is set close to right, you should get a puddle in 2 or 3 seconds..could be a regulator prolem..doesnt sound to me like an overdraw situation, especially since its happening during welding..cutting is where you see the overdraw..and that results in acetone coming out the hot nozzle..not a zeroflow situation as is being reported..id say its in the regulator,but cant help from there..
Reply:Thanks for the quick replies all. I ran out of oxygen last nite, so I'll have to get some more before I can test anymore. I may pick up a smaller tip to see if that helps. Its very tempting to just upgrade, since I'm getting the idea that this rig is probably too small to do some of the things I want to be able to do. I'm wanting to weld bike-based contraptions, some brazing, some welding using mostly steel tube, rod and bike parts, maybe some sheet metal. Not really artsy, but certainly creative. I also need to do simple fab and repair around my woodshop. I've got an ancient AC stick welder that works pretty good, but I like the torch and want to develop skill there first. Should I be considering an upgrade to 40cf tanks and maybe a Victor performer? I'm a woodworker, not really smart enough to be a welder. Thanks for the help.
Reply:The torch is probably fine but definitely upgrade the TanksEd 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:you have out grown the baby tanks so now would be the time will be cheaper in the long runcheaper to refill,last longeridealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:Thanks all. Now I gotta find something to sell or find some money to do this.
Reply:Frequently the supply place will upgrade your tank to the next size or so when you exchange it. You usually just pay for the fill and the difference in price between the 2 sizes. I've done this several times. I started out with a tiny 40 cf mig tank and quickly realized it was to small. It's now an 80 IIRC after being upgraded, and I've managed to pick up a couple spare small bottles over the years and trade them up also. Also keep an eye on CL. I picked up 2 40 cf tanks with air acet torches last year, each for less than $50. At that price I couldn't pass them up. I usually see those sets going used for $100-$150 depending on the torch. I've also seen several spare 40cf tanks go cheap, as guys start looking for extra cash for christmas gifts.Also take a minute and add your location to your user CP at the top, that way we all know where you are from. Someone reading the post might have an interest in your smaller tank, or a larger one they nolonger need and might be willing to part with.Last edited by DSW; 12-06-2009 at 02:38 PM..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 |
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发表于 2021-9-1 00:40:19