Propane cutting on the cheap

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I have two oxy/acetylene setups, but two oxygen tanks and one acetylene tank.  I'd like to have a propane cutting setup.  What is the cheapest way to do this?  I may use this setup, and I may not.  Depends if I like it and find it useful.I just checked amazon, and they have a grade T hose for 60 bucks.  If that's the start, then it's not worth it to me, since I don't know what I'll be using it for until I have it and see how it works.Peregrine FisherCave Junction, Oregon1981 Miller Thunderbolt 225VOxy/AcetyleneSome broken shovels and rakes
Reply:You'll need a new torch. Torches designed for acetylene should not be used for propane and vice versa. As I recall, you'll probably also need a new regulator-one designed for propane. I'm not certain about this part. I welcome someone to correct me if I'm in error here.But, you also need to look at the bigger picture. First off, oxygen is by far the biggest cost, not fuel.  Propane burns at a lower temperature so as a consequence you'll spend longer preheating the metal. That wastes both time and oxygen so it's unlikely you'll realize any fuel savings.However, I consider propane to be safer than acetylene, as far as material hazards. Overall the risk of accidentally setting objects on fire while you're working is about the same.
Reply:you will need to get propane tips for your current torchyes you should get the t grade hose but if you want to try it out just get a Propane Tip for you torch and try it outMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:It would help if we knew what equipment you use. If your regulator has a CGA510 inlet, it will thread into a propane cylinder. If you have the CGA300 connection, you will need a simple adapter to use your current regulator. http://http://products.esabna.com/EN...tegory_id.5577Propane is said to deteriorate the inside of an "R" hose, so for long term use I would get a new "T" hose. For just a short trial period to see if you like it, your current hose will be fine.Get a propane cutting tip slightly larger than you think you will need. It will work fine if you spend the time to learn the flame characteristics of oxy/ propane vs. oxy/ acetylene. This topic has come up on this site before, so search it and do some light reading. There are pros and cons with each setup, and everyone has their own opinion. I prefer acetylene for what I do, but I also have a spare set of regulators, and torch for use with propane. If you spend a few dollars to get setup with propane and decide you don't love it, then at least you have a back up for when you run out of acetylene and need something cut "right now". Good luck, and let us know what you come up with.Last edited by wnywelder; 06-03-2012 at 07:23 AM.Reason: misspellingIAMAW Local 330Airco 300 AC/DC HeliwelderAirco Dip-Pak 200 with Profax spool gunPowr-Kraft AC225Everlast PowerArc 200stBuffalo Forge No.21 drill pressSpeedglas 9100xxAirco, Oxweld, Purox, Victor torchesLincoln Ranger 8
Reply:Yup... Change tips and try it out.  If you want to stick with it, pick up a grade T hose, and you're good to go.
Reply:You'll need a new torch. Torches designed for acetylene should not be used for propane and vice versa.
Reply:I want to use my older harris setup and torch.  I'll have to look at it closely and see what type of tip or tip/adapter will fit it.Peregrine FisherCave Junction, Oregon1981 Miller Thunderbolt 225VOxy/AcetyleneSome broken shovels and rakes
Reply:Originally Posted by PeregrineI want to use my older harris setup and torch. . . .
Reply:Tips only needed , we use natural gas , used for heating and cutting . Have cut 17 inches with no problems.  Saves lots of money. We run a gas booster to run 60psi for preheat but with a injector torch only oz. of pressure needed.
Reply:Originally Posted by JoshfromsaltlakeYou'll need a new torch. Torches designed for acetylene should not be used for propane and vice versa. As I recall, you'll probably also need a new regulator-one designed for propane. I'm not certain about this part. I welcome someone to correct me if I'm in error here.But, you also need to look at the bigger picture. First off, oxygen is by far the biggest cost, not fuel.  Propane burns at a lower temperature so as a consequence you'll spend longer preheating the metal. That wastes both time and oxygen so it's unlikely you'll realize any fuel savings.
Reply:was it at all a surprise Mr. Sticky.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Da BIG scrapping torches....are run off LP.You're being corrected, most acet regs will work with LP.
Reply:Originally Posted by JoshfromsaltlakeYou'll need a new torch. Torches designed for acetylene should not be used for propane and vice versa. As I recall, you'll probably also need a new regulator-one designed for propane. I'm not certain about this part. I welcome someone to correct me if I'm in error here.But, you also need to look at the bigger picture. First off, oxygen is by far the biggest cost, not fuel.  Propane burns at a lower temperature so as a consequence you'll spend longer preheating the metal. That wastes both time and oxygen so it's unlikely you'll realize any fuel savings.However, I consider propane to be safer than acetylene, as far as material hazards. Overall the risk of accidentally setting objects on fire while you're working is about the same.
Reply:Here's some pics SweetWilliam posted of trimming some thin stock with a tiny propane rig:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=30006&page=5
Reply:I changed over for $40.  My regulator didnt fit, so I got one off eBay and 2 tips.  Don't try to use an acetylene tip, it needs the recess on the propane tip.  So my cost to change over was less than a tank of acetylene.  Also, the amount of gas you get out of propane is astounding because of its liquid state.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:been running propane on our farms all of my life, dad never has bought T type hoses, (mine are T's), standard ox/ace torch kit with a LP tip. unless your are welding with it propane is the way to go. no draw down rates to worry about either,and less $$$VinceHobart CyberTig 300 stick/tig w/water cooler (my CL score)Victor 315/1060 on LP            mostly farm repairs/projects