Stupid Acetylene Question
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 64
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From: Colorado Springs
I know when I was in welding school they used a gas called MAPgas. It was slower on preheat but would get the job done. One of the Shops I worked in also used Natural Gas to cut with. I've also cut with propane. I've been out of the welding biz for almost 6 years soo I don't know the price differences, just suggestion on alternatives.
Brad
Brad
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bossier City, LA
Map is the only "stabilized" gas on the market, maning it is the only gas that can be used at pressures higher than 15 psi safely. It is used extensively in underwaster cutting operations, due to this ability.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bossier City, LA
Natural gas has a pretty long preheat time, but the major problem with using it from a homeowner standpoint is that it is delivered to you house from the meter in oz. and not psi. You would have to have a 25 lb. meter case and then an 4-6 oz meter case cutting the gas pressure for household appliances and get your shop gas off the 25 lb meter. Needless to say it would be expensive if you could even get it done anymore.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
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From: The Big, Oregon
I have used natural gas in shops before, it's not bad to work with. With the right tip, it cuts up to 1/2" steel nice and clean.
The ultimate system IMO is natural gas or propane and an oxygen generator with a drop and double hose reel in every bay- No bottles to lug around, get in the way, or fall over, and no refills unless you are using propane, but that wouldn't be very often.
The ultimate system IMO is natural gas or propane and an oxygen generator with a drop and double hose reel in every bay- No bottles to lug around, get in the way, or fall over, and no refills unless you are using propane, but that wouldn't be very often.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bossier City, LA
Jared, thats what we had at the shipyards I worked in. 6 port manifolds on every beam in the shop with a very large oxygen generator, and a propolyne (hybred propane gas, very clean cuts and great washing capabilities) storage tank. We used quick connects, you had to drag hoses, but you never needed more than a 50' hose and your torch.
Hose reels are a tad spendy, but worth every penny. Anyone that is on propane for heat is half way there. For anyone setting up a shop, ss tubing (rated for 1800 psi in standard .032 wall) is the way to go for hardpiping to the hose reel, even from the tank in the yard as it will never corrode and it is direct bury. Its cheap and very easy to work with, can be bent easily (up to 1/2") with hand benders, therefore eliminating many 90's and threaded joints that can be leak points.
Hose reels are a tad spendy, but worth every penny. Anyone that is on propane for heat is half way there. For anyone setting up a shop, ss tubing (rated for 1800 psi in standard .032 wall) is the way to go for hardpiping to the hose reel, even from the tank in the yard as it will never corrode and it is direct bury. Its cheap and very easy to work with, can be bent easily (up to 1/2") with hand benders, therefore eliminating many 90's and threaded joints that can be leak points.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 15
From: Wichita, KS
Originally Posted by Nitramjr
...Besides, in order to get them somewhere I'd have to transport them in my truck, laying down and I'd much rather know that they are empty to do so.
...
...
Dave
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Elkhart IN
Originally Posted by whateg01
Transport laying down is fine. As mentioned, stand upright for a few hours before use to allow the acetylene to be re-absorbed. Just don't transport them in a closed vehicle.
Dave
Dave
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: North of Boston MA
Originally Posted by chrono4
Not supposed to be. The reasoning behind it is if you were in an accident the could shoot off. If there strapped straight up and down, its alot less likely to happen.
I do need to empty them at some point since they are getting old and my comfort level isn't as high as it should be.
Anyone have anything they want torch-cut?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bossier City, LA
Not wanting to split hairs with anyone, dot regs aside, laying them down and secruing them is safer than half azz strapping them standing up with an opportunity to fall. FWIW, I have seen a few bottles fall over in my lifetime (more than 1 time is too many) never have I seen one bust the valve with the cap on. They do work, however testing them is something I would not get into the habbit of. If the truck is rigged to carry them, by all means stand them up, if not just make darned sure they cannot fall over.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
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From: Elkhart IN
Acetylene is dissolved into a honeycomb substance because it is unstable in gas form under high pressures. When you lay them down, the liquid flows out of the honeycomb, and if used shortly after being layed down it can result in an explosion.