Hope this is a simple beginners question

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I'm trying to get started here.  I bought an oxyacetylene torch, regulators and cylinders.  The acetylene cylinder connector does not seem to be compatible with the acetylene regulator connector.  Picture is attached.  Thanks for your help.  Mike Attached Images
Reply:First off Mike, Thank You for asking questions when you aren't sure.... We are here to help beginners learn, and keep them safe.Moving on to the Picture, your regulator has the appropriate, and more common "Bull Nose" fitting for Acetylene, so that much is a non-issue, but I do have SERIOUS Reservations about the condition of your Acetylene Cylinder...Ummm.... WHERE it the HANDLE?Yes, I see the stem, but HOW do you open or close it?  Vice Grips?  If you own the cylinder, I would suggest you seriously consider getting it inspected, and re-valved before use.Back to your issue... To my knowledge, there are 2 accepted types of fittings for Acetylene.  The Bull Nose Fitting, that is on your Regulator, and (I forget the name) the other style that has a square cut stem, and a gasket which mates to the valve on your cylinder.Now, they DO make a Brass adapter to allow you to connect the mismatched fittings up - It looks like a short Brass sleeve, with a collars on each end that have internal threads.  One end mates up to the Bull Nose fitting, the other has a square cut stem and a gasket that makes the seal.My Victor Journeyman Torch Set is equipped with a "Bull Nose" fitting, so I have a couple of the adapters with my gear at the shop in case I switch from a cylinder supplied by Linde (No adapter) to a cylinder supplied by Air Liquide (Adapter required)If you own the cylinder, or have access to a number of cylinders with the gasket-style connection, you could always go to your LWS (Local Welding Supplier) and purchase a different "Stem" for your Acetylene Regulator that is the gasket-style so that everything matches.I use the adapters for SHORT TERM use ONLY - Basically "In a Pinch" if you will.Under normal circumstances, I match the stem coming from the Regulator, with the Valve on the cylinder.Less connection points = Less places for a leak to develop = SAFETY + Cost Savings.On a Personal Note: I am not keen on the gasket seal, as I have seen too many failures from either damaged, or MISSING gaskets, which resulted in flames coming out of the connection on the Acetylene Cylinder, so I prefer the Bull Nose fitting for my own personal gear, and the shops that I work in.Last edited by Black Wolf; 10-09-2010 at 08:13 PM.Later,Jason
Reply:Your reg has a CGA 510 nut and nipple for a larger acetylene cylinder. The cylinder you have is a "B" size with a CGA 520 valve. The numbers should be stamped on both units so it's easy to check. You will need to get an adapter to convert the reg to fit the cylinder. Your LWS will have one or can order it for you. Tractor supply also stocks some adapters as well. One issue is with a full sized reg on a small "B" cyl, they tend to be tippy, so be sure to keep it well secured in an upright position. Alternately you can get a replacement CGA 520 nut and nipple to replace the one on the reg  and not use an adapter. Often the original nipples are installed with red loctite, so they don't back out, so some times it's a bit hard to get the brass nipple out.A "B" size cylinder is boderline for many cutting operations and too small to run big heating tips. You might want to look into what exchanging the "B" sized cyl  for a 75cf one that has the CGA 510 valve instead. "B" cyl are usually used by plumbers and HVAC guys for air/acet torches. The bigger cyl will also cost less to refill than the smaller one cf for cf. Most welding supply places will swap up cyl for the cost of the gas and the difference in the cyl prices.If you can't find the parts you need local, OAdoctor here can get you the parts you need. Oh BTW if you go the adapter route, be sure you keep the adapter with the reg. It sucks to find you forgot and left it on the cyl and the truck picked up the empties after you left.Edit: I found a pict of my knobs. Attached ImagesLast edited by DSW; 10-09-2010 at 08:24 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
Reply:Jason The "B" sized acet cyl and the smaller "MC" sized acet cyl don't use handles. They use a stupid small square hole wrench to open and close the cylinders.  I found a standard SCUBA valve handle has that same small square hole and works great for a knob and is way easier to use even if it won't stay on FT. That what I keep with my small plumbers torch for soldering with my air/acet torches..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:Thanks for that Doug,I have used the T-Handle on Acetylene Cylinders YEARS AGO, and I didn't see the "Flats" on the stem until I went back and examined the picture a little closer.  In my defense, the valves on those cylinders looked a bit different that what was pictured, but I was incorrect, all the same.Later,Jason
Reply:This is the stupid small square hole wrench DSW was refering to. It is for "B" and "MC" cylinders. Here is a link to them http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...epot/5bmc.htmlHowever, I kinda like the idea of the scuba handle."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:Originally Posted by DSWEdit: I found a pict of my knobs.
Reply:Black Wolf,  DSW and Stick-Man,   You guys are great.  Thanks for the help.   Mike