New cutting torch popping

2 months back I purchased my first oxy-acetelyne torch setup (brand new -- a Victor knock off) with help and advice from the MetalMeet community. I used the cutting head once on some sheetmetal. The cutting head was way too big for the thin stuff so I switched to cutting using a circular saw with an abrasive blade, again thanks for help from MetalMeet.

Last night I put the cutting head back on to try and cut some 1/4 inch plate. As soon as I got it fired it up it started to make a popping noise. It popped at regular intervals, about once every 3 seconds. The popping would stop as soon as I applied the slightest pressure to the oxygen lever, and resume as soon as I released it.

Any thoughts on what my problem could be?

Thanks,
Ken

[John Kelly]

Ken,

What kind of pressure are you running on the oxy side? Might be a little low. Also make sure the tip is clean.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

I was running 5 psi acy and first 15 then 20 psi oxy.

[davecourt]

isn't acetelyne supposed to be ran low,
like around 7psi,i think thats what i recall
was told over that is dangerous,
not sure though
dave court

[anders nørgaard]

Ken,

I think 7 psi acy and around 28 oxy would be about right.

Anders DK

[John Kelly]

I would try 30 psi at the oxy and dial back from there unless you are cutting thick stuff, then I would go higher...someone correct me if I'm wrong, haven't used a cutting torch much in the last 15 years or so. you may have too big of a tip as well. A large tip with low line pressure will pop.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

[iceman32]

make sure the tip itself is tight if it is loose it will start popping. and make sure you tip is clean. for 1/4 inch i run about 7psi of acy and about 12 to 15 psi of oxygen.

Also check where it seats itself to torch ,if there is a small nick or dent it won`t seal it self off and tha causes it to suck air causing it to pop,unscrew nut that holds it down rotate it around and around as you hold pressure on it then tighten nut to a verry tight torque and see if that helps,if you have a extra tip try and see if that helps,if you have a victor or victor alike look at the bottom of the cutting head and make sure that it has both o rings on it.

[metalchomper]

7psi Ac and 30-40psi Oxy.