Should I switch to Oxy-Propane?

[ATC]

I have an 80-cu/ft Oxy-Acetylene torch setup now, and I've been pondering the idea of switching to propane. The cost of acetylene, the hassle of dealing with the LWS to get a tank swapped, acetylene discharge rates, and the special handling requirements for it make me nervous when moving it around out of the shop...all have been in the back of my mind.
On the other hand, I rarely use my torch setup, especially since I picked up a plasma cutter years ago. One tank could possibly last me 7-10 years. I do have more projects this year I will be using it on, which is what popped this idea in my head in the first place.

I already have a few 20lb propane tanks. I also have a 100-pounder I could keep in the corner of my shop, and use the 20's for mobile work outside. I can swap a propane tank multiple places near me 24/7 for $20. I think my hose is rated for it, so all I would need is the tips for my torch.

No welding. Just cutting steel and heating stuck bolts/parts. I'm really thinking about doing it, if anything, to get me experience with the setup

 

[2ndGearRubber]

We have oxy/propane at work. Doesn't like to liquify stainless alloys like modern factory exhaust pipe, but will make it orange easily and can jaggedly melt it in globs. Heat takes longer to get into something so it then has more of a chance to spread out.

No black smoke/ash is nice. Propane works good for our use, although we seem to go through way more O2 than propane.

 

[alfadan]

Hobby user here. I'm happy with propane, though the tips are a little harder to find locally, but that's not really an issue.

 

[gearhead1]

I use propane. I can get propane almost anywhere almost anytime. The tip is different, and preheat distance from tip to work piece is different, but it’s no big deal, you’ll learn that in a few minutes.

 

[Firebrick43]

My dad has propane torches and for a while cut up a lot of scrap to clean up a friends farm who’s father was a hoarder. You will use significantly more oxygen compared to when running on acetylene.

1.2 oxy : 1 acetylene
Vs
4.3 oxy : 1 propane

It used to be pretty close to the price because of the oxygen use but now that acetylene is getting stupid in price it probably saves quite a bit especially if you have a wet hose to fill your own LP tanks.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you need to cut steel, nothing better than Oxy-Acetylene.

A straight acetylene torch is hotter than propane.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have run oxy-propane for about 50 years in my shop and like it fine. I got started with it while running a track torch on a construction job in my early 20’s.

 

[whateg01]

If you need to cut steel, nothing better than Oxy-Acetylene.

A straight acetylene torch is hotter than propane.

I've never used oxy-propane, but have always read/heard that it doesn't cut steel as nicely. I've kept my O/A setup for this reason. I have a PM44XP now that I cut most stuff with but for the occasional 3/4" thick part, I still pull out the O/A torch.

 

[gearhead1]

Can cut 1” thick with propane too, just need the right tip.

 

[whateg01]

I haven't had to refill the acetylene bottle in a few years. We know from the shielding gas thread that prices vary a lot by region. I guess I should start looking at what it costs to replace my O/A stuff with propane and see if it makes sense to do so when that time comes.

 

[Jack Ryan]

You will use significantly more oxygen compared to when running on acetylene.

1.2 oxy : 1 acetylene
Vs
4.3 oxy : 1 propane

That is for heating but it is not quite as bad when cutting as the oxygen stream is used to burn the steel. The oxy acet ratio jumps to approx 10:1 when cutting.

How that pans out in practice I don't know because I don't use oxy-propane. Comments anyone?

Jack

 

[Firebrick43]

That is for heating but it is not quite as bad when cutting as the oxygen stream is used to burn the steel. The oxy acet ratio jumps to approx 10:1 when cutting.

How that pans out in practice I don't know because I don't use oxy-propane. Comments anyone?

Jack

From my dad’s experience is still double the usage while cutting. He didn’t heat much except to start a cut and that takes longer to bring to cutting temp

It was enough more that he started rent a 160L dewar of liquid oxy as the (5) 300 cuft tanks he owned would be depleted before the weekend was out when he was scrapping

 

[u2slow]

I don't need fuel heat in the shop very often, but mapp is my default (cheap and easy to get from hardware store).

Larger cylinders are always a hassle for filling and transport, so I just figure it out to do it least frequently. I keep acetylene, oxy, and mig mix on-hand.

 

[fourjeepin]

I have my grandfathers oxy-propane setup. It works fine but I don’t use it that often and I have not noticed a high oxygen usage. I’ve had the propane tank filled but not the oxygen tank and my grandfather passed in 1989.

i wonder if it is out of date…

 

[whateg01]

I have my grandfathers oxy-propane setup. It works fine but I don’t use it that often and I have not noticed a high oxygen usage. I’ve had the propane tank filled but not the oxygen tank and my grandfather passed in 1989.

i wonder if it is out of date…

You might not notice high o2 usage if that's your only reference point.

 

[ATC]

Thanks everyone. For the cost of a couple tips, I think I will try propane for a little while once my current acetylene tank runs out. I'm OK with using more O2. More O2 and cheaper fuel (propane) vs. less O2 but expensive and harder to get fuel (acy.)

This is a good comparison video I found the other night. Realistically, the vast majority of my cutting will be 1/8" to 1/2" material. There might be some 5/8 - 3/4" stuff very rarely.

 

[whateg01]

Does it hurt anything to switch back and forth? I'll have to check my torch body to see if it's compatible with propane. I see some pages say not all are. I do have grade t hose. Can it be switched between the two? Or is it a thing where once it's had one fuel in it, it should only be used with that fuel?

 

[Jswain]

Oxy propane for heating/bending & a cheap plasma cutter for the bulk of the cutting.

 

[GaryM909]

Does it hurt anything to switch back and forth? I'll have to check my torch body to see if it's compatible with propane. I see some pages say not all are. I do have grade t hose. Can it be switched between the two? Or is it a thing where once it's had one fuel in it, it should only be used with that fuel?

I switched between propane and acetylene with no problems using type T hose