Oxy /Propane conversion update

admin

This thread is an update to an original thread I asked here, if anybody had regrets switching over from O/A to O/P.   here's that thread:  http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=252841UPDATE:  Well, I've had my new Victor Journeyman II with Edge series-4 regulators for a few days now.  Ive really pit the torch through the rimger.  I must say that I am very impressed with the ability of oxy/propane cutting!   For one, it really cranks out the overall heat in the BTU "department."  Using a rosebud, I can feel,the difference in heat output on my face, when compared to an O/A rosebud set up.   The O/P rosebud tips really makes pr-heat an enjoyable experience.  For cutting, yes O/A has a hotter neutral flame than O/P, but so what.  So I preheat for maybe 3 seconds longer.... Big deal.  It didn't take me long to figure out how to "tune in" a neutral flame with an oxy/propane cutting torch.  Yes, its different than an O/A set up, but it literally took me a couple,minutes to learn how to read the inner and out flame of an O/P torch.   Check out this excellent video, even though it was done with a Smith torch, on how to tune in a neutral O/P flame:[ame]www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2amO0T3vkQ[/ame]Finally, the hassle free and worry free aspect of having a simple propane tank, instead of an acetylene tank in the garage.  I don't have to worry about the stupid 1/7" rule any longer either, which sure makes me happy.  I did however buy a bigger O2 bottle (250cf, v my old 125cf bottle).   The O/P set-up does use more oxygen, but significantly less "fuel" gas.   My propane output pressure is only 3-5 psi and I see it lasting a long long time.  Plus, propane is everywhere and significantly cheaper than acetylene.  People say that one can't weld with an O/P set up, but only an O/A torch.  Why on earth would I weld with an Oxy flame torch anyway, when I have perfectly good mig and stick welders????The torch and the propane set-up work beautifully.  After a few practice cuts, I was able to make much cleaner cuts with significantly lower dross, as compard to my O/A set upIn a nut shell, I highly highly highly recommend an O/P set up over a O/A set up any day of the week, if one plans on cutting steel.  Its a far less expensive, yet extremely capable system to have in one's shop.Last edited by SuperArc; 03-18-2013 at 06:00 AM.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:99% of my cutting is done with the Ellis saw now a days. I switched to propane couple years ago. I find it does take a little longer to preheat, and you have to hold the torch a little higher off the metal. My first cut was on some 3/8-inch flatbar. Latter I had to rip a 1-inch thick plate. The 1-inch plate is a little rusty because I left it outside the shop for few days before taking the picture. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Nice....Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Dayyyum, nice cut.  Hand held or machine?I will find it hard to set aside my OA rig.  Oddly it's the O2 that gives me the creeps not the acetylene.  Is there less a concern about flashback with OxPropane?