Set Up an Oxy Acetylene Torch
An Oxygen Acetylene torch is a tool used to bond two pieces of metal together by means of extreme heat. In addition, Oxygen Acetylene torches can be fitted with a "Cutting Head" and used to cut one solid piece of metal into two or more pieces.
Contents
Steps
- Clean the nozzle on the head. This should be done with a fine, round metal file. Just make sure that this nozzle hole is unobstructed. If holes are obstructed, a torch tip bore cleaning tool may be necessary.
- Securely fasten the "head" of the torch on the end of the hoses. It should thread into a socket where both the Oxygen and Acetylene hoses come together. Usually this joint is brass.
- Tighten both valves on the "head" that you just secured in the socket. Make sure these valves are shut completely; otherwise, your gas/air mixtures will be off.
- Turn on your valves on the tanks. Acetylene main valve should only be opened 1/2 turn, and the regulator set at 5 to 7 psi (pounds per square inch). (If acetylene is turned up too high, it can become unstable.) For welding, the oxygen should be set between 7 and 10 psi. For cutting, the oxygen should be set between 15 and 25 PSI.
- Now, this is where a cutting head and a welding head are different. A welding head is simple, and has two valves located near the base of the head. To use this head:
- Turn on the Acetylene valve until you hear a slight hiss of gas from the nozzle.
- Take your striker/lighter and light the torch.
- This should produce a dark red-orange flame which puts out very putrid black smoke.
- Now, slowly turn on the valve that controls your oxygen, until you see the flame change. Careful: too much oxygen and you can "bleed out" the flame -- which means the flame will go out. In this event, turn the oxygen off and try again.
- The flame should be blue with a white inside tip. The inner, white tip should measure around {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} long.
- For cutting, there is a different head. You will notice a trigger, and three tubes going up to the nozzle.
- First, turn the oxygen that IS released by the trigger, all the way on.
- Turn on the Acetylene valve until you hear a slight hiss of gas from the nozzle.
- Take your striker/lighter and light the torch.
- This should produce a dark red/orange flame, that puts out very putrid black smoke.
- Now, slowly turn on the valve that controls your Oxygen (there are two valves for oxygen on a cutting head, one blocked controlled by the trigger, one unrestricted), until you see the flame change. Careful: too much Oxygen and you can "bleed out" the flame. Meaning the flame will go out. In this event, turn the Oxygen off and try again.
- The flame, when the trigger is NOT compressed, should be a blue flame, measuring about two inches, with about a 1/2" bluish-yellow inner flame.
- When the trigger is compressed, the flame will become much shorter, louder, and faster.
- When cutting, always heat the metal up to a nice cherry red, and then press the trigger for oxygen. Caution: Sparks will be thrown, so be aware and safe.
Tips
- Always wear appropriate safety equipment:
- A welding helmet with appropriate UV protection (shade 5 works well)
- Leather welding gloves
- Closed toed Shoes
- Long Pants
- A long, sleeve shirt This is hot work and the clothing makes it hotter, but safety is better than injury.
- Welding and cutting different metals require different temperatures. Adjust your heads, mixtures, and temperatures as required for these metals.
- Aluminum and Copper have high thermal conductivity, and may require more heat.
- Cast iron is very brittle, heat it slowly and evenly so it doesn't crack from thermal shock
Warnings
- Know what acetylene smells like so if it leaks you will know.
- Never, ever weld or cut alone. If there is injury or accident, you need someone around to help or call for help.
