O/A Conversion

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I want to change my acetylene to propane.  What do I need to do so far as the torches and guages.  Been told would not be able weld, but only use the torches for cutting and for heating.  Any help would be appreciated.
Reply:This guy welds with propanehttp://www.tinmantech.com/but he could probably weld with a match toodefinitely need new hoses for propane and TIPS. many acetylene guages can be used with propane, but some cannot be, you need to check the parts in your's against the same model offered for propane to be sure.ADDED: you'll probably need a bigger O2 tank as an oxypropane flame (4:3:1) uses much more oxygen than one burning oxyacetylene(1.2:1).Last edited by wirehead; 10-12-2011 at 06:33 PM.XMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:We used propane for awhile with Smith torches, you'll need an adapter that goes into the torch head & 2 piece propane tips and a different retaining nut for the tips, used the same hoses & regulators & never had a problem . Switched back to acetylene, oxygen use was damn near double with the propane  & it's pretty much useless with a rosebud, you'll spend more time changing oxygen tanks than heating.Last edited by Old Skool; 10-12-2011 at 07:24 PM.
Reply:I always heard Propane was better with a rosebud, much higher BTU rating and you can run high volume and pressure.VinceHobart CyberTig 300 stick/tig w/water cooler (my CL score)Victor 315/1060 on LP            mostly farm repairs/projects
Reply:Originally Posted by Old Skool. . . Switched back to acetylene, oxygen use was damn near double with the propane  & it's pretty much useless with a rosebud, you'll spend more time changing oxygen tanks than heating.
Reply:You only need new tips for whatever you want to do. New hoses, T grade, are recommended because propane will eventually degrade the standard hose, but you may as well use those until they wear out. Acy to propane is no problem as far as regulators go, you just wouldn't want to go the other way around because propane regulators can run the pressure too high for acy. I converted to propane for cutting and I actually like it better, it's easier to make clean cuts (for me anyway). It's been about 6 months since I've converted and no problems with the hoses either. Good luck. Lincoln Pro Mig 180Everlast PowerARC 200
Reply:No Matter who says what.  Propane burns much cooler than acetylene. Thats why its almost imposable to weld with it.  Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerNo Matter who says what.  Propane burns much cooler than acetylene. Thats why its almost imposable to weld with it.  Mac
Reply:Oxy/propane puts out more BTU than acetylene but acetylene has a higher flame temp.Welding with oxy/propane is not possible because the level of oxygen causes....drum roll pleaseoxidation.Oxy/acetylene burns at 1.1:1 while oxy/propane is 4:1.
Reply:Originally Posted by stevenstiltsYou only need new tips for whatever you want to do. New hoses, T grade, are recommended because propane will eventually degrade the standard hose, but you may as well use those until they wear out. Acy to propane is no problem as far as regulators go, you just wouldn't want to go the other way around because propane regulators can run the pressure too high for acy. I converted to propane for cutting and I actually like it better, it's easier to make clean cuts (for me anyway). It's been about 6 months since I've converted and no problems with the hoses either. Good luck.
Reply:I researched it, even looked at the parts list for the regulator that I was using, and found the propane version of that regulator was the same as acetylene, except for the gauge.  You might check the soft parts, to make sure that the diaphragm or o-rings are the same.I already had T type hose, so I was OK there.    I just bought an oxy-propane rosebud and I was in business.     I still need acetylene for other purposes, so I have not yet converted my cutting tips to propane.For what it is worth, I love my Smith acetylene-air torch for soldering and silver soldering, quite wonderful.My incentive to convert to oxy-propane was the limitation on the withdrawal rate from an acetylene bottle, so I could not have run a large rosebud with the (approx) 80 cubic foot acetylene tank I have.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Ok, might be a totally dumb question but when running an oxy/propane setup what do you use for a propane cylinder?  Are there special propane cylinders used or can you run it with a 20 pounder that you use for a propane bbq grill?
Reply:20 pounder (actually 15 lbs. filled) works just fine."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:Thanks Bob!
Reply:I use a 100lb'er for the shop and 20's for the road. Just had them filled, 100 = $75 & 20's were $18 ea from Amerigas. They have a location about 13 miles away that was $66 & $16, but I was already also going to the LWS for oxy & C25, which is in the other direction."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Brother switched to propane for cutting years ago, changed tip on torch, filled 100# bottles from bulk tank at home that propane supplier set up for us.  Figure it saved about $200.00 per month in gass cost at the time. (10 years ago)  Could weld with it in emergency, but would agree ac was more pleasant to weld with for looks and strength.  Figured could already weld with oa why switch for anything except cutting.