Acetylene vs. Propane

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I recently changed from acetylene to propane torch, and I used it for the first time today. Also, it was wind 5-10 mph. And it sucked. even if there were no wind, I still wouldnt like it. I am already planning to go back to acetylene. Any of you feel the same about propane?I will keep paying for the more expensive gas...
Reply:Originally Posted by lingarner...changed to propane torch, and I used it for the first time today. Also, it was wind 5-10 mph. And it sucked. even if there were no wind, I still wouldnt like it. I am already planning to go back to acetylene. Any of you feel the same about propane?...
Reply:I run Propylene(MAPP) gas which is very simalar to propane(I run propane on my other set of torches with the same tips). Once you learn how to light the torch in the wind you will be all set. All you need to do is crack the gas, AND oxygen valves, then strike it. I won't ever switch back to dinosaur gas(acetylene), no tank lease on MAPP/propane, can run over 15 PSI, heats better, Propane is cheap(so am I), you can run off a BBQ tank(also cheap), and no "little witches" flying around when you light the torch. Just my 2 cents, either you love it or you hate it.Last edited by TozziWelding; 04-05-2007 at 06:32 PM.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:If you don't weld with your gas torch, you'd be almost stupid to use acetylene.
Reply:I assume you had propane tips?
Reply:I really like propane.  I went through the same feeling when I started with propane after switching from acetylene.  I really cuts well, last much longer and is safer.  I haven't noticed any increased consumptions of oxygen.Most large cutting companies around here use fuels other than acetylene. As Mac suggested, are you set up properly to run propane?
Reply:Yea, you guys sound right. I had just tried it today, and noticed that I cannot turn the gas on as much as acetylene. It was really foreign to me. But seeing all you guys using it, I am sure there is a reason. What do I need to set my regulator on for propane?
Reply:Originally Posted by lingarner... noticed that I cannot turn the gas on as much as acetylene... What do I need to set my regulator on for propane?
Reply:The trick I use when lighting a propane torch is to light it, open the fuel until the flame moves away from the tip, bring it back to the tip and then use the oxygen to bring it to neutral.  Open the fuel until the flame moves away again, bring to neutral.  Do this one more time.  When you get the flame right, it will whistle some.  If bring the flame down on to a metal plate, you should see orange fingers about 2 inches long radiating outwards if the flmae is set up properly.  Once you get the hang of propane, you'll never go back.
Reply:A propane tip helps a whole bunch.  I do a lot of cutting and acet is hotter, so I use that.  If I have a big preheat job with the rosebud out comes the propane.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Cutting tips need to be replaced.  Also, hoses need to be replace to run propane.Porpane provides more than enough heat to cut metal.  Heat does not do the cutting, oxygen does the cutting.This topic came up several months ago.  I thought acetylene was the norm.  I have been using propane several years, now.  However, after several post and some local inquiries I found many people use fuels other than acetylene.  Some local large operations use natural gas and chemolene.  These companies run cnc tables all day long and cut 5+ inches thick.
Reply:Natural gas? Could this be done with an ordinary cutting torch? Since I already have NG in my garage Could I T into the line and run it to the torch regulator? I really don't see why not since all I had to do to make my BBQ from propane to NG is drill the jets slightly larger. And NG is cheaper still than propane and you never run out.
Reply:Originally Posted by hywyh8rNatural gas? Could this be done with an ordinary cutting torch? Since I already have NG in my garage Could I T into the line and run it to the torch regulator? I really don't see why not since all I had to do to make my BBQ from propane to NG is drill the jets slightly larger. And NG is cheaper still than propane and you never run out.
Reply:I will allways use acetelyn for my stuff, but using the rosebuds with propane sounds like a good idea.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:It seems to take forever to preheat for a cut in heavy steel with Propane.  I have the proper tips too.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Also, hoses need to be replace to run propane.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RIt seems to take forever to preheat for a cut in heavy steel with Propane.  I have the proper tips too.David
Reply:This is why I love this site!ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Originally Posted by DirtyLittleSecretThis is why I love this site!
Reply:Originally Posted by David RIt seems to take forever to preheat for a cut in heavy steel with Propane.  I have the proper tips too.David
Reply:It is my understanding that oxygen is an oxidizer.  It causes things to burn. The heat brings the metal to a certain temperature, then the straight oxygen from your jet causes the metal to oxidize rapidly.  Clean jet = clean kerfYou can actually turn your flame off after cutting starts (keep oxy lever depressed) and the torch will continue to cut for a while.  Try it.  Eventually it will stop cutting because the metal cool.  If you just apply straight heat not much cutting occurs just a molten mess.My initial point was -it doesn't matter what fuel you choose to get the metal hot the oxygen does the cutting.  There is a propane grade hose.  I didn't change my hoses out either.  However, propane degrades acetylene hoses.Last edited by tapwelder; 04-07-2007 at 10:32 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by littlefuzz... have never heard of anyone replacing the hoses to swap over to propane...
Reply:Well guys I am humbled once again, it goes to show you never quit learning DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:probably a dumb question but if you switched to propane, what size tip would you need? i mostly cut 1/2 inch and smaller metal.
Reply:If you use a Smith setup, a 0 or even a 00 tip will cut half inch just fine.  It's a common mistake to use too large of a tip and even the small ones will cut some thick stuff.  The 00 is recommended for materials up to 1/4" thick, but will cut up to 1" thick.For the degredation of hose, your acetylene hoses which normally last 5-7 years may only last 3-5 years with propane.  Don't worry about replacing them until they actully wear out, then you can get the more expensive T grade hose.There IS a difference in using acetylene or propane . I've used both . for home or small shop use ,i definitely prefer acetylene. it has a higher temp(about6200degrees vs 5200 for propane . with oxygen, of course. propane spreads out the heat , acetylene concentrates it. where propane shines is when you are using vast qauntities for burning & have a 350 gallon or bigger propane tank , and it is stationary , piped into your shop to burning  machines.[SIZE="5"Yardbird"
Reply:One thing I like about propane, you can crank up flow and pressure to heat or cut way beyond the theoretical limit of a given tip size. This is nice for field work, less luggage.AND... You don't even have to think about dangerous instability.Last edited by denrep; 04-08-2007 at 09:33 PM.
Reply:thanks 76gmc1500,i dont have a smith, ive got a harris. i should have mentioned that. ive got 0 and 00 so ill just try them both and see what happens. never cut with propane but if its cheaper i can sure use the break on that.
Reply:If I'm reading you guys right , I can use my existing hoses to try the propane setup , what type of regulator will be needed to run from a commonly availabe propane bottle, or do you guys get propane in a more conventional welding type cylinder?
Reply:KolotYou only need to change to a fuel tip, then you're ready to go.  I get propane anywhere propane is sold.
Reply:Originally Posted by shahzadmasihHi, this post is very informative; however I would like some specific information. If someone can help me then please send me a private message. Best Regards,
Reply:Thanks to all your info, I just recently changed to propane. Just last week. And it does take some getting used to. All I changed was the tip. The local welding shop said that was it, but of course, he didnt seem like he was sure. The tips are in 2 parts also. Much different. But works well.
Reply:Is there a good website to buy the tips and hoses?
Reply:I guess I'm gonna have to swap to propane at home too.  Sexton's closed down and they were the only ones that would fill my tanks DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools