Thread: "Cheaper" oxy-acetylene

A lot of tradies seem to be using oxy-propane these days to save money.

Yes, oxy-propane would probably be hot enough for what I do, i.e., silver soldering or brazing. Propane alone just isn't hot enough for silver soldering anything with a bit of mass.

I think I'd have to buy new welding equipment to change systems.

My CIG Comet system is still in very good nick.

Originally Posted by p38arover

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My CIG Comet system is still in very good nick.

You just need to change the tip.

Hmm, I wonder if BOC still service CIG Comet systems, e.g., tips.

What about my regulators? I guess the oxy one will be OK but I'd need a new propane reg - or do they not use one? That reduces the bottle hire if I don't have acetylene.

I've not investigated oxy-propane.

I assume my cutting gear won't work with oxy-propane.

I just had a look, BOC make an LPG upgrade kit that costs $330. I doubt I'm going that route. I may be better off going the CoreGas route with my existing equipment.

There are sure to be cheaper options.

I see one can cut with oxy-propane.

I just realised, I think my system is a Comet Jr 2. I'll have to go through the garage filing cabinet for the instructions.

Originally Posted by p38arover

I just had a look, BOC make an LPG upgrade kit that costs $330. I doubt I'm going that route.

The upgrade kit is size 15 tips - which come in the standard kit too!!!
You don't need to change the reg, they are just trying to sell you stuff.

A quick search on the welding/shop forums turns up:

I have used my acetylene regulator on propane for over 10 years. I have had no problems.

Acetylene regulators sometimes have lower output pressure ranges than propane, but this poses no problem for most use. Victor 450-series regulators and some others have stainless-steel diaphragms and use the same seat part numbers for acetylene and propane, so it's incapable of damaging them. (Thanks to OADoctor on Weldingweb for that tip, confirmed by downloading the manuals from Thermadyne.)

All common regulators have their part numbers available online, if you want to to check yours. The Seal-Seat catalogs cover most common makes.

When I switched over to propane from acetylene I use about 5 lbs more regulated line pressure as I did before the switch over (11-12 years ago) no problems.

My regulators are CIG Monitor 2 units like this:

I have found oxy-acet very handy at times but, as others have indicated, the rental was a killer.

When ending my lease I asked the gas company could I buy bottles from them - no! If I could get my own bottles would they fill them - maybe, and I would be charged an inspection fee each time, and their own bottles would get priority on all occassion. I got the impression they would keep them at the end of the line until they were hassled enough to fill them.

Seems people can own bottles privately in the US - why can't we? I wonder how much revenue flows out of Oz under current arrangements?

And I don't accept the 'safety is an issue' line. I had one rental set for over 3 years and not once called upon for a safety check - so long as you pay the rental they don't care. They will argue that their hire system keeps us safe. One oxygen bottle valve was done up so tight by their fill depot to stop the valve leaking that I had to use a wrench to get it open. Saw a BHP safety bulletin once that said any oxygen bottle that cannot be opened by hand is a safety hazard because of the danger of high exit pressures and ignition of any oil contamination source. On other occasions I've had difficulties getting my near new regulators to seat on the scored necks on hire bottles.

I'd certainly be interested if someone can recommend an oxy-acet equivalent system but where you only had to buy the gas, and the bottles are yours - without having to live overseas .