Q&A for How to Set Up an Oxy Acetylene Torch

So, an oxy-acetylene torch produces three types of flames: oxidizing, reducing, and neutral. The oxidizing flame contains a higher proportion of oxygen, which results in a hotter flame that is used for cutting metals or welding materials like brass, where excess oxygen helps to form a protective oxide layer. Next is the reducing flame, which has more acetylene than oxygen. This type of flame is cooler and has a reducing environment, making it ideal for welding metals like aluminum and high-carbon steels where oxidation needs to be minimized. Lastly, the neutral flame is a balanced mixture of oxygen and acetylene, which provides a stable and clean flame that is perfect for general welding tasks. Also, keep in mind that the torch must be set up correctly by adjusting the oxygen and acetylene cylinders to the desired mixture that is tailored to the specific welding or cutting requirements.

Because it is a corrosion resistant metal that will not create sparks when struck against other substances.

There is a tip called a rose bud that produces a large area to heat metals. A brazing tip can work on smaller areas.

Two. A Cylinder Pressure Gauge and a Working Pressure Gauge. The CPG will show about 200psi on a full acetylene bottle and decrease as it is used. The WPG indicates the gas pressure to the torch and is set by the regulator.

Use a larger tip for cutting thick metal.

You can't, because it's a carbon gas. Do not try lighting with some oxy because that is an explosive mixture.

You could lay the oxygen bottle down, but never lay the acetylene bottle down. The acetylene bottle contains acetone, which helps stabilize the acetylene. Laying the bottle down could lead to venting the acetone. A general rule of thumb is don't lay either bottle down.

The acetylene regulator should be between 5-7 psi.

It is a back-flow preventer. It keeps the acetylene from mixing in the hoses and tanks with the oxygen and vice versa.

The work is dissipating heat faster than the torch is producing it. Turn up the torch or use a larger tip.

A different mechanism called “capillary action” is used for brazing. To achieve uniform capillary action, both parts must be evenly heated before adding rod. Preheating conducts heat through the joint and brings both pieces to the right brazing temperature. The torch must be kept in motion to evenly distribute heat and should be kept farther away than traditionally to keep sections from overheating.

Wait until the metal starts to glow, and then try the extra oxy. If it does not start cutting, heat it some more and try again.

Try a set of channel lock pliers. Then it might be good idea to have it checked out by a professional.

Check the manufacturer's instructions, but generally the acetylene should be set to about 10 psi and the oxygen should be set to about 40 psi.

Use a mixture of soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray all the connections. Watch for bubbles that form from the gas leaking.

Your setting will depend on the thickness of the material that you're working with. It's safe to start with your gases set to equal pressure. Some people bump the oxygen to 20 psi and the Acetylene to 5 psi.

Only open the acetylene tank two full turns, but open the oxygen tank all the way.

Acetylene first on torch. Then oxygen in torch, same step for tanks and then open the torch valves again to bleed any extra out.

Acetylene first because oxygen can't burn without acetylene. In case of emergency shut off acetylene from torch first.

No. You need to use pure oxygen. Otherwise, the flame won't be hot enough.

Check the valves for debris. Check for leaks in the valves, hoses and torch. Is the torch and tanks in good visual condition? If so, you will be fine. If not, get it seen by a professional first.