Oxy-Acetylene torch / Blue Wrench

[tweedlestan]

Just wondering what GJers use for stuck bolts. Looking to get an oxy-acetylene setup soon, wondering what tips/attachments I might need.

 

[RedRabbit]

I use a Mapp torch. Small and easy to use. since you live in ca there is no salt so I think a small Mapp torch wi be enough.

 

[DekeT]

Mapp gas is no longer available.

What kinds of things are you planning to do with your oxyacet setup? Thin panels, brazing, torch cutting, or just flaming stuck bolts?

 

[WhiffySpark]

I want a mini ductor but I always seem to find something else to buy

 

[dr_clyde]

The oxy- acetylene torch is one of the most useful tools a guy can have in the shop. I would look a a medium duty kit from Smith/Miller, Victor or Harris/Lincoln. The kit should come with regs, hoses, a torch body, welding/brazing tips and a cutting attachment.

Cost is $200-400 plus cylinders. My welding supply will swap anyone's cylinders, so I buy off craigslist. Otherwise, just get a set small enough that you can wheel it around without working too hard, but big enough that you don't run out after using it twice.

 

[Shootingblanks]

I have the Victor Professional Heavy Duty set. Came with regulators, hose, cutting torch, brassing torch and rose but. I live in the rust belt and is a must for stuck bolts and works like a charm.

I purchased the tanks and previous set up from an older friend who no longer had use for them. The older cutting torch was leaking and not repairable so I replaced it.

 

[george4]

The oxy- acetylene torch is one of the most useful tools a guy can have in the shop.

Yep. With a selection of few tips you can pinpoint or spread the flame as needed to really heat up or burn out problems much more precisely than with most other gases.

 

[Murphy4570]

Victor, Smith, and Harris make good torch equipment. I use a Victor 24" torch with Harris gauges myself. Get large bottles, and a spare oxygen bottle. The tiny pony bottle setup they sell at Home Depot for $300 is good for portable work too, but the bottles go empty too fast for prolonged shop use. Best to have two sets. Shop set should have 250-300cf Oxygen tanks, and larger Acetylene tank.

For cutting purposes and general heating a #1 torch tip is fine. Use a #2 it you'll be cutting above 1/2-3/4" thick steel. For brazing you'll want a dedicated brazing torch handle, with a few different tips (rosebud, etc).

Expect to spend $500-600 minimum all said and done for a fully outfitted torch setup.

 

[finn]

I've got a single stage Sears set, don't know the manufacturer, that I bought on clearance in about 1981 or 1982.

I don't use it for cutting anymore, as I am more comfortable using the plasma cutter for that, especially indoors.

It is indispensable for heating rusted and stuck bolts and press-fits. I usually use the smallest welding tips to pinpoint the heat application. In my case, the attachments (large tips and cutting head) are useless dust collectors.

I've got medium sized bottles and they last several years.

Most of the junkyards seem to have gone to propane setups instead of acetylene, because of fuel cost and availability. I don't know anything about them, but if you are just heating things up, that seems to be a viable alternative.

 

[sberry]

clyde has it right. I actually have an anxiety attack if I cant be within about 50 ft of a torch.

 

[shockwave]

Astro pneumatic has a complete kit minister cart and tanks

 

[tweedlestan]

Mapp gas is no longer available.

What kinds of things are you planning to do with your oxyacet setup? Thin panels, brazing, torch cutting, or just flaming stuck bolts?

All of the above, most likely. I like to have options.

Does anyone here have experience with Uniweld torches? They're USA-made and it looks like they're compatible with Victor.

 

[Jagmandave]

I have a Victor setup that I bought in the '60's, and while I don't need it often, when I do it's great to have it. Just last weekend a neighbor was trying to change out a rear wheel bearing on an older Kia, the thing was really rusted into the backing plate. I tried the press first, but 20 tons of Harbor Freight might wouldn't budge it! So, I used the torch around the edges and one good pop from a three pound hammer and it was free.

It's just really handy to have, but unless you're going to use it to cut thick stuff, I wouldn't get a cutting torch attachment or tall bottles. (mine are about 2 ft tall)

A couple of tips in different sizes should suffice.

BTW, I can buy MAPP gas at my local Home Depot.

 

[trackwelder]

Buy a good quality name brand set. I have used them all but love my medium lifetime Smith set. Another nice feature of Smith is that all the tips can be changed with just your hands, no wrench needed.

I also would advise on installing check valves at the torch and flash arresters at the gauges. I use big 250-300 cu ft tanks in the shop, and 120cu ft tanks in the field. Believe it or not it's only a few bucks more to fill a big oxygen compared to the small ones.

 

[trackwelder]

Don't forget your PPE also. I like the full #5 face shield for heavy torch work.
For light heating and cutting I like the sun glass style # 5 glasses, they have some very comfortable models available.

 

[WhiffySpark]

You can't buy mapp gas at Home Depot it's a different formula

I've never used anything but a cutting torch. We heat everything with it

 

[bobcatdan]

Get a rosebud for what ever torch you get. Night and day difference in getting something hot verse the standard cutting head.

 

[dr_clyde]

I have a Victor setup that I bought in the '60's, and while I don't need it often, when I do it's great to have it. Just last weekend a neighbor was trying to change out a rear wheel bearing on an older Kia, the thing was really rusted into the backing plate. I tried the press first, but 20 tons of Harbor Freight might wouldn't budge it! So, I used the torch around the edges and one good pop from a three pound hammer and it was free.

It's just really handy to have, but unless you're going to use it to cut thick stuff, I wouldn't get a cutting torch attachment or tall bottles. (mine are about 2 ft tall)

A couple of tips in different sizes should suffice.

BTW, I can buy MAPP gas at my local Home Depot.

You can get the replacement for MAPP at Home Depot. MAPP is no longer made. What you are getting is Map/pro. I believe it is a propylene propane blend, whereas true MAPP had Methylacetylene-propadiene blended with propane in it.

 

[Uncle_Charlie]

You can get the replacement for MAPP at Home Depot. MAPP is no longer made. What you are getting is Map/pro. I believe it is a propylene propane blend, whereas true MAPP had Methylacetylene-propadiene blended with propane in it.

Is there a difference in the flame temperatures?

 

[dr_clyde]

Is there a difference in the flame temperatures?

Absolutely. True MAPP gas was second only to acetylene for flame temperature.

I don't care for the substitutes and will continue to use my pirates hoard of MAPP gas until it dies. Then I'll probably switch to a B acetylene.

 

[zkling]

If you are just heating and cutting, I'd consider a oxy propane setup instead.

 

[skruft]

While I have an oxy-acetylene setup, I have found that a stuck bolt can usually be handled with an air-acetylene brazing torch, of the kind used by plumbers, or with the original MAPP gas. They are both hot enough.

 

[sberry]

Yes, LP setup is cheap and still have one on my pickup. Used it for years before we had plasma.

 

[2oolhound]

I'd stay clear of the mini sized bottles because if you look at the refill costs you'll see you pay a service or handling fee when you exchange bottles. Since the mini tanks run out much faster you'll end up paying a lot more of those handling fees over the coarse of several years. Plus, tanks never run dry when you're not using them. They always run out when you're doing work with them.

I'd get oxy/ace first and then consider some of the other alternatives later if you think they'd be advantageous. Oxy/ace will do it all but these lesser alternatives will only do the low end of the work possibilities.

 

[bobcatdan]

Maybe its just because I'm so use to acetylene, but I pretty much hate propane. My shop is the last hold out at work that has acetylene, rest of the plant is propane. On the number of times I've had to use propane, I find lighting a pain in the ***, especially if it is windy out. Also I don't feel it cuts as quick, but that could be just me.

 

[trackwelder]

I would definitely go with oxy/ace which allows you to cut,heat,braze,and gas weld. Propane has its advantages such as being cheaper to buy and easier to obtain. You cannot gas weld or braze with propane. For the amount that your going to use it the savings is minimum.

 

[404]

If you are just heating and cutting, I'd consider a oxy propane setup instead.

This. Acetylene is only needed for gas welding.

 

[RedRabbit]

Mapp gas is no longer available.

What kinds of things are you planning to do with your oxyacet setup? Thin panels, brazing, torch cutting, or just flaming stuck bolts?

Not the real Mapp. The Mapp pro bernzomatic has.

 

[mbret2004]

One of the must have tools, especially if you live in the rust belt. I have a medium duty Victor set-up and it's great. I agree; if you have the room get the larger tanks, you will be happy you did.