Henrob torch on propane?

[whyNick?]

I recently picked up a used Henrob (Dillon) torch setup but it didn't come with any bottles. I'm a cheapskate; I only paid $2 for the kit and I'm loathe to pay $500 for a pair of tanks so I'm hunting for some cheap used ones. In the meantime can I run the torch on propane? I've seen people use propane with conventional torches before but the Henrob seems to be a different animal. Does anybody know if this will work or will I just 'splode myself?

Nick

 

[Zeke]

Propane is fine but you need oxygen to use that torch. A single hose torch uses atmospheric air as a mix to burn. Your torch won't do that.

However, I wonder if you could hook up to compressed air with a regulator to get air to the O2 side. Won't be too hot of a flame.

 

[zkling]

Yes you can, but you need the proper tip set, and compatible hoses that will tolerate propane gas. Either way you will still need a bottle of O2 for your oxidizer source, as zeke mentioned above.

 

[whyNick?]

Thanks guys, I intend to get a pair of bottles when I can find a deal on them but I was hoping to play with the torch today and I've got a 100lb propane cylinder. I guess I'll have to keep looking.

It sounds like you guys have used a Henrob before, how do you like it? I saw a demonstration at a swap meet last winter and was intrigued (those swap meet snake oil salesmen always get me) but the price was a no-go so when I saw one for $2 I jumped on it. Can you use standard regulators or do you need the ones Henrob sells? It looks like they may have a low pressure output.

 

[Bill Bowman]

If you only paid $2.00 for the kit, let me be the first to say, YOU **** SIR. Bill

 

[Zeke]

The regulators can be any size as long as they are in good shape. You will be using lower pressures than usual. I have a Meco which is similar in size and performance. As with any torch there are various tips. You can can tiny tips for jewelry work and go up until you are in the welding range. I welded panels on a car with a mini torch and it worked great.

 

[whyNick?]

If you only paid $2.00 for the kit, let me be the first to say, YOU **** SIR. Bill

Well, gee, I don't know what to say, I'd like to thank the Academy, my producers, the whole cast and crew...

Thanks Bill (my first you ****!).

A guy who runs an autobody repair business out of a barn at the back of his property had a garage sale a couple of weeks ago. I saw it sitting in a dusty corner of the garage and initially thought he was asking $200 but when I picked it up I saw the decimal point and began to sweat. The kit is used but is in good shape and only seems to be missing the assembly wrench. I already have a pair of regulators and a hose so I think I just need to scrounge a pair of tanks.

Speaking of, I've seen a few of those portable Oxy/Acetylene torch setups selling cheap at garage sales (you know, the kind that come with two small tanks in a plastic tote) but I've always heard that the small tanks don't hold enough gas to be economical with a conventional torch. As I understand it the Henrob is more efficient, would the small tanks that are typically included with the portable torch setups work better with the Henrob?

 

[ttpete]

The regulators can be any size as long as they are in good shape. You will be using lower pressures than usual. I have a Meco which is similar in size and performance. As with any torch there are various tips. You can can tiny tips for jewelry work and go up until you are in the welding range. I welded panels on a car with a mini torch and it worked great.

As you're probably aware, Victor bought Meco. Unfortunately, they no longer make the little Aviator Jet torch, which is my favorite. I have enough pieces to last me, including the cute little cutting attachment.

For the OP: You can use propane to heat, braze, or cut, but it's not hot enough for proper fusion welding of steel.

 

[whyNick?]

Thanks, I'll probably be using it mainly to heat and cut but someday I'll probably try to learn to weld with it.

 

[Bill Bowman]

Well, gee, I don't know what to say, I'd like to thank the Academy, my producers, the whole cast and crew...

Thanks Bill (my first you ****!).

A guy who runs an autobody repair business out of a barn at the back of his property had a garage sale a couple of weeks ago. I saw it sitting in a dusty corner of the garage and initially thought he was asking $200 but when I picked it up I saw the decimal point and began to sweat. The kit is used but is in good shape and only seems to be missing the assembly wrench. I already have a pair of regulators and a hose so I think I just need to scrounge a pair of tanks.

Speaking of, I've seen a few of those portable Oxy/Acetylene torch setups selling cheap at garage sales (you know, the kind that come with two small tanks in a plastic tote) but I've always heard that the small tanks don't hold enough gas to be economical with a conventional torch. As I understand it the Henrob is more efficient, would the small tanks that are typically included with the portable torch setups work better with the Henrob?

Your welcome. New, they sell in the $400.00 range +/- a few bucks. Many body guys who bought them, threw em in the corner, because the mig welder was fast and dirty. That said, your's has probably not been used a lot. Enjoy. Bill