Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi all, I'm considering changing from oxy/actylene to oxy/propane.

I talked to ESAB today to understand what (if any) changes I need to make torch-wise. I knew a different cutting tip is required (and cheap), I couldn't determine if different rosebud and brazing nozzles are also required. The rep confirmed they are different plus I needed a new fuel reg.

Everything I've read online says that I don't need a new fuel reg to use propane.

If all I can reuse is my torch handle and oxy reg I may just stick with acetylene...

Edit: the entire rig is Victor Medalist 350, including regs.

Curious why you're shifting to propane. I keep hearing about people shifting more and more recently. I run oxy/acetylene, but I'm certainly no expert on oxy/fuel, so interested in hearing your reasoning for the shift.

Spartan wrote:Curious why you're shifting to propane. I keep hearing about people shifting more and more recently. I run oxy/acetylene, but I'm certainly no expert on oxy/fuel, so interested in hearing your reasoning for the shift.

It's really about cost.
A B tank refill here is nearly $70. Propane refill is $20.
But if I have to replace a bunch of gear I won't switch. I live in Canada so my costs are higher but I know that the rosebud torch is going to run $200, brazing tips a bit less.

DavidR8 wrote:

Spartan wrote:Curious why you're shifting to propane. I keep hearing about people shifting more and more recently. I run oxy/acetylene, but I'm certainly no expert on oxy/fuel, so interested in hearing your reasoning for the shift.

It's really about cost.
A B tank refill here is nearly $70. Propane refill is $20.
But if I have to replace a bunch of gear I won't switch. I live in Canada so my costs are higher but I know that the rosebud torch is going to run $200, brazing tips a bit less.

...a B tank? like 40CF? Every day I get more and more glad I don't get screwed on gas prices.

sbaker56 wrote:...a B tank? like 40CF? Every day I get more and more glad I don't get screwed on gas prices.

Yup 75 cu ft is about $85... volume does make a difference.

Jesus I think I paid 39 dollars for 104CF last swap, I've heard similarly that you don't need a new regulator for propane, grade T hoses yes, as propane degrades R and RM hoses. Likewise you need a propane torch tip. From what I've been taught the main reason to use a propane specific regulator is so that if you're using a large heating tip you can set it to higher PSI than an acetylene regulator will allow.

If your looking to make a switch for operating cost issues then I’d recommend propylene. All the same regs and only a tip change.
https://www.google.com/search?client=sa ... s-wiz-serp

Poland308 wrote:If your looking to make a switch for operating cost issues then I’d recommend propylene. All the same regs and only a tip change.
https://www.google.com/search?client=sa ... s-wiz-serp

Thanks Josh, I’ll do some investigation on propylene.


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It actually runs ok with higher pressure, so you can crank your fuel gas regulators up over 15 psi. The tanks are cheaper and they last longer. Plus there a lot lighter to move around.

poor David! That's crazy!!!

Oscar wrote:poor David! That's crazy!!!

Indeed!
Poor me


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I run act regulators on my propane rig. Right or wrong it works.


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