Oxy/Acel setup

[cfiiman]

Hey guys,

I already posted this buy accident in my "tucking forks" post but thought this question might be more appropriate in a new topic:

"Hey,

Thanks again guys...I love this board...I just wish I would have found it sooner...anyway I went to the store last night and bought some steel frame rails and metal cutting wheel for my compound miter saw (which works beautifully, I was worried it wouldn't) and am in the process of making some stuff...I really want an Oxy/Acel torch system though...question, since i've never used one (have only been using the wire fed arc welder) I am wondering if it is ok/safe to use one without any expert watching in...I can buy one from a local store for under 300 bucks with two small oxy/acel tanks and all the plumbing...I have read in debth about these setups, plus the instructions that come with the sys. are highly detailed...I just want to know what all you experienced guys think?

Thanks,

Jason"

[jmac2112]

Hi! I'm new to the board, and Im in the process of putting a 1965 Corvair Monza back on the road. This has involved a lot of welding and quite a bit of rough fabrication of non-cosmetic parts. I would recommend that you go with larger tanks, like 80 cubic foot. You will go through the contents of those tiny tanks really fast. My local welding supply shop has complete 80 cubit foot rigs with Victor torches for about $550.

A site I like that has a lot of stuff for welding and forming sheetmetal is

http://www.tinmantech.com/

I especially love the Meco Midget torch for welding sheetmetal, if you're going to get into that as well.

Hope this helps!

John McMahon

[jmac2112]

To answer the rest of your question, I think it is safe for you to use an o/a rig on your own PROVIDED you educate yourself beforehand. I would suggest getting Richard Finch's Welder's Handbook. Also, if you buy your outfit from a welding supply house, they will help you learn how to use it, and they will usually give you some literature on the equipment as well.

John McMahon

[goleafsgo_12]

PLEASE USE ONE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOP FIRST!!!! dont go out and buy one for yourself if you are going to learn from a book, use one in the shop of a mechanic that knows his ****, dont toy with these torches, they are EXTREMLEY dangerous if you dont know what you are doing, and the most important point, turn the acetlyne off first, then the oxygen otherwise the torch may flashback, and you just hope the arrestors catch it....