Getting started with O/A

[Pops1532]

Like Jim says it sounds like you need to dial down the flame with the valves on the torch. Also, the cone should not be touching the metal. When the cone touches the puddle it can pop and blow molten metal out or even into the tip of the torch...which is when those backflash arrestors come in handy.

For 1/4" I'd try a little more acetylene pressure but dial down the flame size.
Pops

[jimgood]

Originally Posted by jlrussell4

Hi Jim,

Are you controlling the the flame with the knobs on the torch or are you trying to control the flame with the regulators? I'm asking because anytime I hear the loud noise from the tip all I have to do is turn down the adj. knobs.

I'm controlling the flame with the knobs on the torch. To be perfectly clear, here's my procedure:
With the valves on the torch closed, I crack the Acet valve on the tank then slowly open it 3/4 of a turn (per manufacturer recommendation).
I then open the regulator valve until the pressure reads 3 psi.
I open the Acet valve on the torch and if the pressure drops below 3 psi, I adjust the valve on the regulator to correct it. Then I close the valve on the torch.
I repeat this process with the Oxy.
Then I crack open the Acet valve on the torch and light it.
I adjust the flame using the Acet torch valve until it's feathery with very little smoke.
Then I open the Oxy valve on the torch and adjust until there is a crisp, blue cone.
Then I commence burning metal.
If the torch is roaring like a jet, I might turn down the Acet valve on the torch a tiny bit.

Originally Posted by Pops1532

Like Jim says it sounds like you need to dial down the flame with the valves on the torch. Also, the cone should not be touching the metal. When the cone touches the puddle it can pop and blow molten metal out or even into the tip of the torch...which is when those backflash arrestors come in handy:wink:.

For 1/4" I'd try a little more acetylene pressure but dial down the flame size.
Pops

Ok. I'll try upping the pressure. The Victor reference says the torch pressure should be 3 - 5 psi for both O and A. I haven't gone to a higher pressure because of metal blowing away.

I'll also try adjusting my distance away from the metal.

Thanks, guys! I know this is supposed to be a forum for sheet metal welding so I'll try not to monopolize it with this discussion about heavy stock.

[jlrussell4]

I adjust the flame using the Acet torch valve until it's feathery with very little smoke.
Then I open the Oxy valve on the torch and adjust until there is a crisp, blue cone.

Jim,

That procedure usually doesn't work well for me. After I adjust the flame that way I end up turning both acet. and oxy. down, being sure to maintain a neutral flame.

B.T.W., I usually get a noisy flame from too much oxy.

[jimgood]

Originally Posted by jlrussell4

Jim,

That procedure usually doesn't work well for me. After I adjust the flame that way I end up turning both acet. and oxy. down, being sure to maintain a neutral flame.

B.T.W., I usually get a noisy flame from too much oxy.

Interesting. I tried turning them both down some but the flame kept going out. But it has been pretty windy both times I've tried to weld on 1/4".

Maybe I'm using too much Acet. I'll try dialing it back some more AND working on a calmer day.

[MAStuart]

Make sure your flame is just off feather or neutral. If you add more ox after this point you will have a oxidizing flame. It will be loud and act like you stated and if you add more ox it acts like cutting tourch and oxidizes the steel away. Mark

[shortbus]

Jim, maybe watching the videos at this welding website might help. Not just for oxy-act, but other types too for when you get hooked on metal shaping.
cary

[jimgood]

Between a full time job and farm upkeep I have very limited time.

My O/A bottles were empty so I went to Tractor Supply and, surprise, they didn't have any #3 bottles in stock and weren't sure when they'd be coming in. :-x

I went home and called a welding supply place in Manassas (Manasshole as we call it) which is 35 miles away. They did indeed have some #3 bottles in stock. This shop is only open on weekdays, which means I had to take time off work to get there. But I loaded up the old tanks and made the 70 mile round trip. I didn't have time to do anything so I just wheeled the tanks into my shop and parked them.

Today, I went to hook up the regulators and, wouldn't you know it, the fitting on the acetylene tank won't work with my regulator fitting. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! This is beyond frustrating. Now I have to go back to this place and get another tank or I have to hunt around for some kind of adapter.

So, did he give me the wrong kind of tank or is there no standard for acetylene tank fittings?

Or is the Universe trying to tell me to give up this hobby?

EDIT: I just called the supplier and he has an adapter in stock. Great. I get to drive another 70 miles!

[jlrussell4]

Hi Jim,

I purchased an acetylene regulator that would fit the tank you have. The guy got it from called it the "commercial style". As you found out, there are (at least) 2 different styles of acetylene outlets.

[jimgood]

Thankfully, the adapter fitting was less than $4. Although the gas to go get it was probably about $7. I'm back in business.

[dmc1]

Two gas suppliers and only one adapter? You're ahead of the game.

The universe is just reminding you to get the adapter if you have to go to a third supplier.

Dave Cameron