Metalsmithing: Why you need an oxygen concentrator
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
- Do you dislike that gigantic oxygen bottle in your studio? Tired of using up disposal oxygen bottles? Want an easier, safer alternative? Then check out this video!
This video talks about using an oxygen concentrator to fuel your torch. I demonstrate how to set it up, what torches work with it, psi vs.LPM, propane and its inherent dangers, safety, what I like and don't like about the concentrator, and a lot more!
One note: if you are running the concentrator for a while and the oxygen on the torch is not open, the oxygen generator/concentrator will start reacting to the build-up of pressure by beeping or something like that. I don't know why you'd leave that thing on if you weren't soldering because it's so noisy. But, if you hear beeping, just turn it off or start using it!
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Please see MF MetslArts' video on the ratio of propane to oxygen usage. A 1# propane canister will require 15 to 30 disposable O2 canisters, according to his testing! • Disposable Oxygen Bott...
See my webpage: Using an Oxygen Concentrator for Soldering: nancylthamilton.com/technique...
TORCHES MENTIONED
All prices as of 4/20/22
Meco Midget - Rio Grande has the torch and tips for $236.25 (500700) They also sell just the torch, without the tips, for the same price?
Smith Little Torch - Pepe Tools. pepetools.com/products/basic-.... You'll need the propane disposable tank regulator. Pepe also carries the Smith Little Torch Stand. pepetools.com/products/smith%...
Smith Little Torch - Rio Grande, (500090). Little Torch with tips for disposable tanks. $261.45
Gentec - Contenti, (114-473). Gentec Torch for disposable tanks comes only with a #4 tip but, you can purchase more. $164.75.
Don't bother with the no. 2 or no. 3 tips. The no. 2 tip can only be used with acetylene (as per Miller Welds - the maker of the Little Torch). There are also knock-offs available.
See the Smith Little Torch Manual on the Miller-Welds website.
Note: Replace your Smith Little Torch hoses every 4 years or sooner if you see any damage or cracking. Check your hoses often!
Grobet Hoke Torch - (not easy for one-handed operation, so I've heard). Amazon: amzn.to/3L4fWg6 $67.25. 4 tips, no disposable tank hookup for propane/Mapp Gas Pro. See Contenti for tips (below).
Also at Contenti. 110-407. $62.00, four tips. For propane/butane and oxygen. They also carry the micro-tips (which makes it a micro torch) 110-410, for $24.50.
PEN TORCH FOR LIGHTING SMALL TORCHES
amzn.to/3Mljw5K
OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS/GENERATORS MENTIONED
All prices as of 4/20/22
Generally, the links are to 5 LPM machines. But, places like Bradshaw and Invacare also carry 10s and 15s.
Stuller. This is a great deal! Pretty much everything that you need to get started is in this kit! Ready-Ox Generator, which includes the Smith Little Torch, tips 3 - 7, the regulator for propane, propane bracket, spark lighter and reverse flow check valves. Item #: 54-4581:100000:T. $827.04
Rio Grande (Item #: 500-150) also carries the same kit. They also sell a version without the torch and other things - if you've already got them. The price at Rio is $834.75 for the kit and for just the re-furbished concentrator (500-140) it will run you $446.25. Note: both concentrators at Rio Grande are re-refurbished as is the one from Stuller.
Bradshaw Oxygen Supply has many on hand. Give them a call: 828-380-6287. They are in North Carolina. You will probably have to assemble your own kit.
Invacare has many new and refurbished concentrators too. Here's their phone number: (800) 333-6900. Once again, assemble your own kit.
There are other suppliers out there. You might want to try and find a supplier near you as the shipping will be less or better yet, find a place that offers free shipping.
REVERSE-FLOW SAFETY CHECK VALVES
Use the check valves on the regulator end of your hoses. One each for the propane and the oxygen. Note that the pressure may not be sufficient to use check valves and/or flashback arrestors. Flashback arrestors contain check valves.
Quick video links:
00:25 Video introduction
00:46 Why I chose a concentrator
01:46 A chat about the concentrator
03:56 Smith Little Torch tip usage chart
05:51 The dangers inherent with propane
07:51 Information on torches to use
09:21 Little Smith adaptors
11:47 What I like and don't like about the concentrator
12:18 Setting up the torch
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I use to refill the 1lb bottles
After a while the valves on them will leak. They we're neverent to be trusted so I bought some that we're designed to be refilled. Now I just refill the aty supplier
I don't even both with refilling them myself. I bought a O2 concentrator and. Bought the RAD 6400 fittings needed to use it with my torch setup. All is beautiful now. I got mine for $200. I am so glad not to need that big tank in my living room anymore. I have a propane regulator on a 20 lb tank and a flash arrestor. I don't have an arrestor on the O2 because it restricted the air flow. If something did happen theachine is with in reach to shit off and I have a large fire extinguisher next to my machine. Appreciate you Nancy. Keep on making.
I was a lampworker for years, and when I started silversmithing, could not figure out why I should ever buy tanked oxy. I had 4 oycons -- two of my own (5lpm) and two from a friend who had closed her studio. I only needed one, but at the time nobody else thought it was a good idea to use an oxycon! I used mine anyway, and am happy to see that the idea has caught on. :)
I'm loving it. Thanks.
I started with the oxy5 because of living in the woods and then changed to a tank but was not as happy. The tank with a Smith little torch was not doing well for me because for such a low psi, it would drop too low all the time. I went back to the oxy5 generator and it works great. Love it!
I have been very curious about this set up! Thank you so much for sharing the set up /pros and cons.
You are welcome Aleeya. So far, Nancy is happy with it! Ha. Thanks.
This is super helpful, Nancy; thanks!
I have just this past minute come across an ad for a used concentrator by someone obviously divesting themselves of a deceased relatives’ DME, at a price too good to pass up, so I went Googling which flow level was necessary for making jewelry.
My Smith Little Torch is for propane/oxy, I think for the little tanks for both, but definitely got the O2. Will I have to change anything out to use it on a concentrator?
Thank you Nancy!
Great video I've been thinking about getting this setup. Thanks
Oh my God I don’t know what I would do without you thanks so much for sharing Nancy love the video 😊😊😊🤗🤗🤗
Hey Ceecee! Thanks soooooo much.
Nancy, the link to your shop is not working. Thank you for all the great videos! :) I credit you with much of my progress as an amateur metal smith. :D
Thanks for the heads up Ginger! There was a . in front of my name. It should work now. Thank you so much! Keep working hard. N
Interesting video and entertaining. Thanks Nancy.
Hi there! Thank you, I have my OC all set up, is there a video you have made that instructs how to stop the beeping? Or what am I doing wrong?
Thank you! I just got my set up from Rio and plan to set it up tomorrow. This was super timely for me and very informative.
So they have them back in stock? Good to know. Thanks. Glad I could be of some help!
@@NancyHamiltonJewelry It said out of stock when I finally decided to buy it. It had been in my cart for about a week. I decided to just order it and see how long it would be backordered, but it went through and I had it in my studio in 4 days! I didn’t set up yet because I wanted to order the gas detector. That came yesterday so this weekend is the big set up. Your video was super helpful!
@@NancyHamiltonJewelry Amazon also has them,but shop all that they have,different prices.
Thank you!
Love your videos, glad to see you are make a few new ones! Honestly, I went for the little torch kit with the R size oxy tank and mini propane tank and don't have any problems. I just take in the oxy tank for an exchange and other than the hurt you feel when you turn in your beautiful new oxy tank for a grungy old beat up one, there is no hassle, and there is nothing thrown away, no noise and all the pressure you need when you need it. You don't even need to buy the initial tank. Just get the kit sans tanks and start out with your local gas vendor on a R size oxy tank deposit and exchange when you need a refil. You can use either a regular BBQ size refillable tank available anywhere, or the mini 1gal refillable size. Nothing to throw away, all refillable/exchangeable.
Hi Bruce. I had the same setup that you are discussing except I had an 80 cubic foot O2 cylinder. I also had an acetylene/air and an acetylene/O2 setup. The BBQ-sized propane cylinder is too heavy for me to lift comfortably now. Also, there's this: "You should never store your propane tank in your living area or in any spot that's attached to your home". From AirGas. My insurance company would agree as would my fire department. Also, during a forest fire, one where I have to quickly evacuate (4 times in the last 5 years), grabbing my O2 tank and my propane cylinders and running them into the backyard (to keep them away from firefighters and my house) isn't going to be a priority. It has been: grab important papers, the cat and the car keys! Thanks for your feedback! Glad that system is working for you. Thanks.
@@NancyHamiltonJewelry Thanks, I'm lucky I guess, we built a detached garage to replace the carport when we did a remodel, partitioned off one section for the shop, and put in a mini-split for hvac. I also use one of those MAPP torches from the home center when I just need a bigger flame for the occasional belt-buckle size object. It's not quite a Silver Smith, but it works pretty well. Acetylene makes me nervous.
@@brucefulton I called my local fire department when I was trying to decide what gas mixture to use, and the captain I spoke with said that overall, propane is much safer than acetylene.
It does pool, as Nancy said, so you have to be especially careful about venting it, but it reportedly burns a lot cleaner, and at a lower temperature. I can’t remember what else the fire captain said about why he was recommending propane over acetylene.
Oxygen, however, is more dangerous than both. Of course you’re always going to check your regulators for leaks before you turn them on, but they do still happen. And if the tank falls over, you’re in big trouble. A concentrator is much safer because it doesn’t store the O2, so there’s vastly less to explode and go up in flames if there’s a problem.
Got rid of all the big gas bottles, Acetylene, Oxygen and 10lb propane tank. Looking forward to getting the concentrator in the next week or so. Good video explanation, sad about the noise, so much for a zen like experience, lol 😂
Err.. 5lpm is not "equivalent" to 7psi in any sense. The former is a measure of flow rate, and the latter is a measure of line pressure.
Most concentrators have built-in fixed (though possibly adjustable) internal regulators set for 5psi. The reg might have enough adjustment (calibration) range to output 7psi typically used for oxy/hydrocarbon mix torches
This was great…now where can I find one like this? 😊
Dose the smaller portable oxygen concentrators also work? Whats the minimum specs needed from a oxygen concentrator to run a torch?
Thank you Ms Hamilton, it's been a while. Tanks aren't allowed where I live, and Malls don't allow them. I took a big hit and bought a hydro flux torch, been using those small hand torch, but couldn't use on everything. Nice seeing you again 👍
Thanks Gabriel! I released three videos over the last three weeks, this is my 4th. Maybe you missed them? Flush Setting 3 Ways, Part 1:
th-cam.com/video/FKgO3ntTupk/w-d-xo.html. So, you like the Hydro Flux Torch? They are pricey, aren't they! But, pretty safe, I hear. Nice seeing you again too! Thank you. N
I have a concentrator that I found up here in Oregon used for 150. I have two spares that I found at a garage sale for 20. Each!!! Score! I can use a rosebud tip when I want to melt metal in a crucible.
I have a plumber's Bernzomatic 4400 and a hose that I use for torch enameling, and I use that for melting sterling in a crucible. If you do enough recycling of your silver, it is worth the $$. Since I already had it for enameling, though, it was easy.
Wow Pamela! You lucked out.
Thanks so much Nancy ! You’ve again been reading my mind…. Just one more question : why are you moving away from propane & air ? I am mostly working with copper and I had concluded that that was my best option, for safety and O2 consumption.
Hi Anne-Marie. I am moving away from acetylene (not propane) and air do to the forest fires that have been occuring in my area and the danger that a tank of acetylene, in a fire, would pose to first responders/firefighters. Propane and air are fine - just not hot enough for me. The addition of O2 makes the flame (under ideal conditions) about 983°F hotter (4579°F). If propane/air (about 3596°F) works for you, keep using it! Just make sure to get a propane detector and place it on the floor. Thanks!
I want to order the little torch,, do I need to get the one designated for disposable tanks? (Over $300, yikes!). I have the contractor
Snag a Homefill style concentrator and you can fill high pressure cylinders with a whip (Western make the high pressure fittings) if you swipe the Homefill male QD from an old small cylinder. That gets you the best of both worlds if you want more than a concentrator alone flows for larger work like brazing, gas welding and torch bending. Study all the options, get familiar with high pressure and other fittings (its just plumbing, not rocket surgery) and have fun!
I love your show and all tips and tricks.
Thank you, Nancy. PS, love your hair.
I'd love to have a concentrator for lamp working, but I'm out in a double roller door, farm shed on a decomposing concrete slab. I have carpet down to keep the dust from the slab to a minimum, but an oxycon would still choke in this environment.
I'm pretty sure that oxygen concentrators have filters. These could be cleaned periodically (probably more often for you). Just a thought.
You can add a filter but your location is ideal for more capable equipment. You can put the concentrator up high instead of near the floor and a screened box covered with panty hose is a great dust filter (panty hose are great shop vac pre-filters too and we used them over HMMWV filters in Desert Shield).
Lot of gas cylendars in the land fill!
Yup. Not an easy one.
Air compressor doing
just the same of this set up ?🤔
Lol I wanted to get a welding setup and use it for oxygen during pneumonia.
You’d be better off to let your insurance buy you one when you have pneumonia and then use it later for jewelry.
The ones sold for jewelry are not necessarily medical grade (and are certainly not tested or warranted as such), and you do need to be extra careful with what you pump directly into your lungs like that. Don’t risk your life by not sticking with medical grade for medical problems.
👍👍👍♥️
Ill stay with my tanks 38yrs no problems propane oxy 3 of them ! Rather the power and pressure ! Just me !
The mapp/propane regulators are expensive because the companies want people buying their oxy/propane kits instead of D.I.Y.ing like you did
I'm in the process of getting my bits together and yes, they're a joke for what they are
You can get an adapter hose for a large propane tank to that small fitting in your regulator and refilling a 5 gal will save you sooo much money over those 3$ pint$
Interesting concept using the O2 concentrator.
Your comment toward 'pointing' the O2 flow near an open flame. You are correct that O2 is one of the three things needed to produce fire (air, source, and heat). Now, O2 (air) is not flammable. You can point the torch directly to any flame, and nothing will happen. It'll probably blow out any flame/fire. For example, we exhale O2 and carbon dioxide... What happens when we blow out a fire? By your logic, the O2 we expelled should combust. Yes, care should be handled when using a tank of O2. That's only due to the O2 being under pressure. It has very little to do with its combustion. Again, O2 is NOT combustible. Give it a try... Open only the O2 valve and try starting a flame. You can do that with the propane side, as propane is combustible.