Stupid questions for an oxy/acy newb

[Frank]

Yeah, I posted this on another site too, but I am eager to fire it up tonight.

I'm not new to an oxy/acy rig, but I have found recently I didn't know as much as I thought I did. I have read lists everywhere regarding safety and feel pretty well educated now and feel like a bomb technician every time I approach the bottles. I have a couple of questions I haven't seen answered.

Obviously, you don't use any oils or lube on the threads. I figured I could just use some soapy water in a spray bottle to check for leaks. I suppose a few drops of dishwash soap in a spray bottle is fine, right? (I questioned this after somewhere reading to make sure you are using an "approved" leak detector formula)

In the past I used teflon tape, but now I hear that is wrong. I think I've got my fittings as tight as they will go, but I know I am still leaking acy at least. I can smell it around the gauges. These are brand new regulators too BTW.

Also, what causes popping when trying to light? As soon as I start to add the oxy to the already lit acy, it pops and extinguishes.

 

[A_Pmech]

Yeah, I posted this on another site too, but I am eager to fire it up tonight.

I'm not new to an oxy/acy rig, but I have found recently I didn't know as much as I thought I did. I have read lists everywhere regarding safety and feel pretty well educated now and feel like a bomb technician every time I approach the bottles. I have a couple of questions I haven't seen answered.

Obviously, you don't use any oils or lube on the threads. I figured I could just use some soapy water in a spray bottle to check for leaks. I suppose a few drops of dishwash soap in a spray bottle is fine, right? (I questioned this after somewhere reading to make sure you are using an "approved" leak detector formula)

Mr. Bubbles from your favorite retailer with a toy section.

In the past I used teflon tape, but now I hear that is wrong. I think I've got my fittings as tight as they will go, but I know I am still leaking acy at least. I can smell it around the gauges. These are brand new regulators too BTW.

Do not use teflon tape on the regulator couplings or standard hose connections. They do not require it. The leak is probably due to dirt in the taper of the Acetylene valve or a damaged coupling taper. It could also be a leaky valve packing. It helps to clean the tapers and crack the bottle valves to blow the junk out before connecting the regs.

Also, what causes popping when trying to light? As soon as I start to add the oxy to the already lit acy, it pops and extinguishes.

My guess is you need to purge your lines before lighting the torch. To light the torch, crack the Acetylene valve and light the torch, open the Acetylene until it stops smoking then crack the Oxygen slowly until the flame starts to change color and advance to neutral.

 

[Jack Olsen]

http://smartflix.com/store/video/95/OxyAcetylene-Welding

 

[sberry]

Popping is fuel starvation, turn the fuel valve on further, too short pre-heat flames, bigger the tip the more starvation is an issue, I am not shy about reg pressure with aceyt, 5-7 or so. Regulate it with the handle valve.

 

[s_ontario]

FYI do Not use grease on any part of a torch will go BOOM

 

[nate379]

Need more acetylene if it pops. I do it once it a while too. I hate all the little black floaters if I have it up too much though. The dog goes nuts chasing them around teh garage!

For general heating I run it around 7psi acy and 15 psi oxy.

For cutting 12-15psi acy and 25-30 psi oxy.

Just don't run over 15psi on teh acy and you will be ok.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Besides checking the threads and getting them clean, tight and leak free, use a chart to set your pressures until you get used to what you are doing. I still use them when I haven't cranked up my torches in a few weeks. With the potential hazard that you are dealing with, I like to double check for safety.

Tip and pressure chart

Edit: make sure you don't overrun your acetylene supply. If you start using large tips or rosebuds, you might need to string a few tanks together with a manifold. There is a 1/7 rule with acetylene because it is disolved in liquid acetone. If you flow more than 1/7 of the tank capacity per hour, you WILL have a problem. Do some research if you plan on using large tips on your home tanks.

 

[amt]

Get this book:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1418052752/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It is the most complete welding book I have seen. Covers everything.

Oxy/acy welding is a little intimidating at first, but it's a very enjoyable way to weld, IMO. I would still prefer TIG in most cases, but there's something, uhh, "natural" about torch welding that just feels nice.

 

[Nostraquedeo]

^The class I took last fall used that exact same book. Easy to read and follow along.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Another good online resource for most questions using oxy/acy can be found here:

Oxy/Acy Handbook

 

[78Bird]

Need more acetylene if it pops. I do it once it a while too. I hate all the little black floaters if I have it up too much though. The dog goes nuts chasing them around teh garage!

For general heating I run it around 7psi acy and 15 psi oxy.

For cutting 12-15psi acy and 25-30 psi oxy.

Just don't run over 15psi on teh acy and you will be ok.

Whoa, are you cutting 12" plates?

5-7 psi acy will cut anything most hobby users will EVER need. Once it's hot enough to kindle, it's the oxy that cuts anyhow.