Why is the Oxy Reg gauge max. scale reading so high

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Even when cutting, you're not running the oxygen above 25PSI so why do all the oxygen regulator gauges (Low-pressure) read up to such a high level, like 100PSI or more.  Seems like it would be nice to have a higher resolution reading down at the lower end of the pressure spectrum.  Why not have the gauge scale max at something like 30PSI?
Reply:You can change out the gauges for O2 clean lower pressure gauges. The regs however often will go to at least 200 psi. I've converted O2 regs for HP air use and run them at 160- 185 psi. If you put a 30 psi gauge on that reg and some one cranks in the handle your gauge is shot as soon as the pressure tops 30psi. Also if you have  a high pressure seat leak the pressure will quickly climb above 30psi and destroy the regs.Often the only differences between an "oxygen" regulator and one for some other gas like helium, nitrogen, air etc. is the CGA fittings on the reg, AND that the regulator is assembled with O2 compatible parts and lubricants. Some mfgs will treat everything as O2 clean unless the O2 clean materials are not compatible with the gas the reg is designed for. This simplifies production and cuts down on the posibility of errors installing the wrong components or lube in an O2 reg..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:ashley1284, to add just a bit to DSW's great post. There are applications for cutting "thick" materials where you might see 100+psi applications, you might additionally use an oxygen regulator for supplying oxygen to a oxygen lance cutting application, this could certainly require greater pressures for a particular application. A bit more for you to consider. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Most oxygen regulators will delivery between 100 psi and 120psi.   The manufacturers  use a gauge with a scale of 150% to 200% of the regulators delivery pressure.  The inexpensive gauges used by today's manufacturers are most accurate in the middle of the range. (This information was presented to me at a Victor Equipment torch and regulator repair school I attended) Putting a lower scale gauge will work, but you will blow the gauge if you increase the delivery pressure higher than the gauges max.OAdoctorwww.regulatortorchrepair.com
Reply:Originally Posted by ashley1284Even when cutting, you're not running the oxygen above 25PSI so why do all the oxygen regulator gauges (Low-pressure) read up to such a high level, like 100PSI or more.  Seems like it would be nice to have a higher resolution reading down at the lower end of the pressure spectrum.  Why not have the gauge scale max at something like 30PSI?
Reply:When your running a rosebud the size of a silver dollar, or cutting 4" plate you will need every pound that regulator will give you.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:i'm hearing that there are times you will use 100psi ox to cut..but  you cant run acet above 14 psi or so.. i was taught the ox/acet ratio should be about 5 to one..but   you are gonna use 100 # ox with 14 # acet?
Reply:Hello weldbead, I believe the ratio you are referring to has to do with the oxy/acet ratio for the preheating flames or an oxy/acet welding tip, the 100+ psi. referred to in the above posts would likely have to do with the oxygen cutting stream coming from the center orifice on a cutting tip or the end of an oxygen lance. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Lowest pressure I have seen on an O2 cutting tip is 35 psi.  Wash tips typically run at 60 psi and can run in excess of 100 psi for the larger ones.  But honestly, you don't need the higher resolution.  At work, we run the most worn out regulators with the most worn out gauges and the most worn out torches.  We set for 10 psi and 40 psi with a Victor #1.  Open both valves on the torch, throw a spark at it, and BANG! you've got a perfect flame.  There is no need to dial in, a torch will make a good cut over a very wide range of flame conditions just as long as it errors on the oxidizing side of neutral and you've got sufficient O2 pressure for the cutting jet.  40 psi + works but as you get above 60 psi when you hit the cut jet there is so much gas coming out it blows the torch away from where you want to cut.
Reply:Okay.  Thanks, guys.