OXY/ACETYLENE TORCH
What this tool is primarily used for:

Depending on the type of attachment, the Oxy/Acetylene torch can be used for heating and bending, welding, or cutting metal. The Plasma Cutter will also cut through metal, but only up to 3/8" thick
 

ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE WHEN USING THIS MACHINE

SAFETY FOR THIS MACHINE:

  • THERE ARE TWO SETS OF REGULATORS AND VALVES: ONE FOR OXYGEN (COLOR CODE - GREEN) AND ONE FOR THE ACETYLENE (COLOR CODE - RED)
  • THERE ARE TWO GAUGES ON EACH REGULATOR. ONE ON THE RIGHT, INDICATES TANK PRESSURE, AND ONE ON THE LEFT INDICATES GAS PRESSURE IN THE LINE. (See photo below)
  • CHECK ALL CONNECTIONS before lighting the torch
  • NEVER stand directly in front of or behind a regulator when opening the cylinder valve
  • TURN BOTH CYLINDERS OFF IMMEDIATELY when the torch flashes back, or is burning on the inside
    • First oxygen and then acetylene
  • NEVER open both fuel(acetylene) and oxygen valves before lighting the preheat flame
  • ALWAYS turn the oxygen cylinder valve all the way open
  • Open the acetylene cylinder valve not more than one turn. One-half turn is preferred
  • ALWAYS place the welding tip so that it points to the side of the torch to which the acetylene hose is attached
  • ALWAYS weld at least 5 feet from the cylinders
  • DO NOT use any oil or grease on any oxygen or acetylene connections
  • NEVER hammer on oxygen or acetylene regulators or stuck valves
  • DO NOT light a torch with a match or open flame. Use a striker
  • BEFORE LIGHTING TORCH, be positive that hose, tanks, or any inflammable material will not be exposed to heat, flame, or sparks
  • BEWARE OF HIGH ACETYLENE PRESSURE. NEVER USE ACETYLENE GAS WHEN THE PRESSURE IS GREATER THAN 15 POUNDS PER SQ. IN. (acetylene gas when compressed to more than 15 pounds per sq. in. becomes a very high explosive.)
  • DO NOT hold welding or cutting tip too close to your work
  • NEVER USE a tip that gets too hot
  • NEVER USE a torch that leaks
  • NEVER LEAVE TORCH BURNING AND GO AWAY FROM IT
  • NEVER leave torch valves open
  • DO NOT adjust, alter, change, build, or do any experimental work on cylinders, regulators, torches, or any other gas equipment.
  • DO NOT LIFT cylinders by the caps or valves
  • DO NOT TRANSPORT the cylinders without the caps in place
  • CYLINDERS MUST BE STORED IN UPRIGHT POSITION AND CHAINED TO THE WALL
  • KEEP VALVES CLOSED on empty cylinders
  • NEVER WELD A CLOSED OR JACKETED VESSEL WITHOUT AN AIR VENT
  • NEVER WELD A VESSEL THAT HAS CONTAINED ANY EXPLOSIVE OR FLAMMABLE MATERIAL UNTIL YOU ARE POSITIVE THAT IT HAS BEEN THOROUGHLY EMPTIED AND PURGED, AND THEN USE EXTREME CARE
  • REFER to instruction manual for further information (see Studio Technician)

Personal Protection Equipment while working with the Oxy/Acetylene Torch

Head/Face or Eye

Clothing
Hands
Feet
 Ear
Respirator

REQUIRED

shade 5 goggles

REQUIRED

leather welding jacket

and

long pants

REQUIRED

leather welding gloves

REQUIRED

leather top shoes

or

boots

REQUIRED

ear plugs

or

ear muffs

RECOMMENDED

N95

NO tennis shoes, open toed shoes, or shoes with nylon

recommended if using cutting torch

required if forging metal

Initial lighting of the acetylene gas produces large amounts of soot
 

OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN USING THIS MACHINE:

  • Extra tips should be put away when not in use
  • Follow the cutting chart for proper cutting speeds (similar to the plasma cutter) if using the cutting head
  • Cutting/Welding tips will still be hot after use, be careful where you put the torch handle
  • Always use the right size tip for cutting and welding
  • The rosebud torch is best for heating metal for bending
 
Last modified July 25, 2007