I’m 70 years old, my Dad was a farmer. I inherited his torch set when I was 25 years old. For 45 years, all I did was swap out the empty tanks and crank the valves open, never once, did I look at the hose pressures, until one day, recently, the regulators started leaking. Purchased new regulators and now, that’s why I’m here. You learn something new everyday. Great video, thanks!
I open the valve on my Oxygen cylinder just half a turn. The reasons being that half a turn is sufficient for most welding jobs and that it's much quicker to shut off again should an emergency occur.
This helps stop acetylene from entering the oxygen bottle and sitting at the bottom of the oxygen bottle. Once settled it can cause an explosion when striking the bottom of the oxygen bottle. This is why it's recommended you have a larger oxygen bottle than your acetylene bottle.
When I pause, I shuts off the bottles. Leaves pressure in the hoses. Checks the gauges. When resuming I check the gauges to check for leaks. In my country flashback protectors is mandatory. Though never experienced a backfire in sixty years.
I always back off the regulator t handles to increase safety when the torch is not used, occasionally the regulators will stick if they are left set. My Acetylene valve is turned out for quicker access.
I would encourage you to look up that information on the American welding society website or other resources online as the settings are different for type and thickness of steels.
@@iabsoriw433 Google’s version:When using an acetylene torch, you should open the oxygen bottle all the way because oxygen cylinders have a special back-seating valve design that prevents leaks if the valve is not fully open; essentially, opening it fully ensures a consistent and reliable flow of oxygen at the desired pressure, which is crucial for proper welding or cutting operations.
I'm a beginner to this so I followed your video and broke the flow gauge. I bought a used set and opened the tank like you said. What I didn't realize is that someone had screwed the adjustment all the way in so 2000psi went to a gauge designed for 30psi and broke the gauge. Since this is for beginners, maybe you should tell beginners to back out the adjustment knob all the way first, then open the main valve and then adjust the acetylene to 5psi.
Hello and thanks for watching. Sorry to hear about your mishap. That said, I do cover adjusting the regulators in the video and I find that students often leave the regulators turned all the way in periodically. Also, when you buy used equipment you should always check the operation before you leave. I have bought used equipment before that was broken and fortunately I was able to fix it.
@@kosworkshop I just wish that this video was really for beginners. If it was me I would have said to never assume that the pressures are set correctly or damage can occur. I would also tell beginners that you always back the regulator knob all the out before opening any tank for the first time. Lesson learned for me
Don't open the acetylene more than 1/4 turn so it is fast to close. If the acetylene regulator does not have a valve wheel, like this one apparently does not have, I would recommend a clamping wrench, like Vice Grips, that are set to lightly clamp onto the control shaft (which is usually square) so that it is not likely to fall off or get easily knocked loose when you are in a hurry in an emergency. Now there may be some welding oxygen cylinder valves that are different now as it has been some years since I taught welding, but all that I have seen, including the ones in my shop right now, have what is called a "double seal" valve. That is a valve the is turned clockwise, hand tight, to close off the flow out of the cylinder. When you open the valve, turning it counter clockwise, all the way until it stops. Then snug it hand tight in that direction. Since oxygen is very high pressure, if the valve is not hand tightened at the stop in the counterclockwise direction, the HP oxygen may leak out around the valve wheel shaft. The valve has a close-off seat at both the fully closed position and the fully open positions. A little leak of oxygen is not likely dangerous, but is is frustrating to get ready to do some work and discover that the cylinder is empty. I just paid over $200 to fill a large cylinder that had leaked down just that way!
I should say, I have used Oxy Acetylene since I was 15, I'm 52 now, but I have never set up a system from new. Given I'm an autodidact, I always read everything carefully and follow instructions, in the manual for my new set up, it was clear, open the Oxygen all the way, "DO NOT TURN BACK A QUARTER TURN", for the very reason you explained. These are really important safety instructions because while Oxygen itself isn't flammable, burning is in fact rapid Oxidation, given it supports combustion, and in fact is necessary for combustion, it's really important to not let it leak out into the room. You're not allowed to smoke around Oxygen for a reason. I checked the comments to always see who has something more to say about the video, I appreciate your comment, I was wondering when this guy said, "turn back the oxygen a quarter turn if you want", that would unseat the valve and potentially allow Oxygen to escape as you said. I appreciate videos like this but the reason I've survived contracting for so many years with no licenses whatsoever, including my auto shop for years, is because I always get the book, I always double check, I always to things right and anyone who wants me to do things half assed is told to hire someone else. Here I double checked and I appreciate your wisdom and the fact that you taught welding. When it comes to youtube videos, my policy is watch multiple videos by multiple people and only accept that which is universal among all of them, if something isn't universal that is important or a potential safety issue, continue with books or code or manufacturers recommendations as they never want to be sued. "Good Enough", is the statement read out in the court case. As well, things like thread sealant, for example, if it's required or recommended, and I always check, I buy the best there is, no budget whatsoever and I make sure it's rated for the purpose at hand as thread sealants are not the same. This, in fact, is why so many people have so many problems doing things themselves, they are either to lazy, impatient or cheap, or all three, and don't bother with the little details, always a recipe for disaster. At any rate, the video was pretty good except that one comment, thank you for your comment, it really clarified that for me, although would have still followed the manufacturers book anyways but this leaves no doubt for me.
@JamesWhite-tg4kw If your gauges are accurate it should reflect how much psi is left in the bottle. That’ll give you some idea, but it’s difficult to tell by weight.
I believe that he said that the right hand gauge on each tank shows how much is left in the tank. Someone with more knowledge than me might chime in here.
You’ll want to make sure that your regulator is not sticking or that the torch is not clogged. Check to feel if you have gas flowing and if you do, the regulator may be bad.
Cover brazing over insulation, thats what makes and brakes a hvac installer. Foreman goes behind newby w horrible brazing & then reports back to base that the person is a liability because there worried about it dripping on insulation and lighting the house on fire insualtion spread faf.
i have a question that im sure many had asked themselves ,can i adapt that torch tip to a propane can? .the small one that walmart sell ,the green smal can for gas camping burners ..my two torch does not wants to give me a fine point on the flame to polish acrylic ,im thinking that if i can adapt this tip on my torch it will burn a tapered flame ?..if its a stupid idea please forgive my ignorance
It’s a very interesting question. However, I wouldn’t recommend trying to convert it. I would see if you can find the type of torch tip designed for that application if it were me.
@@kosworkshop yes sure .i just have the torches and if its possible why to spend the money in another one ? 😁 i will buy a map gas bottle to try it ..ok thanks for your reply .
This is actually a good question. I would say it depends on how much you use your torches. However, I have received some bottles that are leaky and some that were not full. That said, I guess I’d say that there are some variables to your question.
I’m 70 years old, my Dad was a farmer. I inherited his torch set when I was 25 years old. For 45 years, all I did was swap out the empty tanks and crank the valves open, never once, did I look at the hose pressures, until one day, recently, the regulators started leaking. Purchased new regulators and now, that’s why I’m here. You learn something new everyday. Great video, thanks!
Go ahead for the next brazing videos. Thanks for your explanations, it is always useful and good reminder.
HAHA that "Over here, pay attention, right here" actually got me haha. I was looking at Reddit.
Than you. No one ever goes over the basics. They just assume we already know it
You are welcome!
This video was really helpful. I'm a silversmith building his first studio and this was great info
Love your teaching approach!! Great job! I recently bought a oxy/acet kit. Your tutorial is highly usefull!!
I open the valve on my Oxygen cylinder just half a turn. The reasons being that half a turn is sufficient for most welding jobs and that it's much quicker to shut off again should an emergency occur.
For most thicknesses 5psi is good enough. Never go above 15psi as acetylene is unstable and can blow up.
Great demonstration! Thank you
You are very welcome. I’m glad you liked it.
I just subscribe I am new on this and you information was very helpful. I love to see more videos.
Yes I would like to see the next video thank you for take time to do this videos
I will be getting back to making videos very soon. Thank you!
I like how he knew to say pay attention
Bravo.......propane is cheaper.........also get the "y" hoses for both propane and act. ......cheers
Yes. More videos and info on flames
Excellent video for a quick brush up on the flow values for each tank. Thank you 👍😎
Id like to see that video where you show pressure and procedures.... im new to this.....
I have a video on my channel that explains the oxygen and acetylene torches. I hope it helps.
I’ve always been told turn the gas off first then the oxygen. But a good video thank you!
@stevelassetter6954 that’s what I do as well. This way you don’t get soot all over the customers place.
This helps stop acetylene from entering the oxygen bottle and sitting at the bottom of the oxygen bottle. Once settled it can cause an explosion when striking the bottom of the oxygen bottle.
This is why it's recommended you have a larger oxygen bottle than your acetylene bottle.
Great video. Thank you
When I pause, I shuts off the bottles. Leaves pressure in the hoses. Checks the gauges. When resuming I check the gauges to check for leaks.
In my country flashback protectors is mandatory. Though never experienced a backfire in sixty years.
I always back off the regulator t handles to increase safety when the torch is not used, occasionally the regulators will stick if they are left set. My Acetylene valve is turned out for quicker access.
@johnh.nickels3832
It’s a good idea for sure.
Is it the same settings for cutting
I would encourage you to look up that information on the American welding society website or other resources online as the settings are different for type and thickness of steels.
Why do you open it all the way on the oxygen?
@@iabsoriw433 Google’s version:When using an acetylene torch, you should open the oxygen bottle all the way because oxygen cylinders have a special back-seating valve design that prevents leaks if the valve is not fully open; essentially, opening it fully ensures a consistent and reliable flow of oxygen at the desired pressure, which is crucial for proper welding or cutting operations.
I'm a beginner to this so I followed your video and broke the flow gauge. I bought a used set and opened the tank like you said. What I didn't realize is that someone had screwed the adjustment all the way in so 2000psi went to a gauge designed for 30psi and broke the gauge. Since this is for beginners, maybe you should tell beginners to back out the adjustment knob all the way first, then open the main valve and then adjust the acetylene to 5psi.
Hello and thanks for watching. Sorry to hear about your mishap. That said, I do cover adjusting the regulators in the video and I find that students often leave the regulators turned all the way in periodically. Also, when you buy used equipment you should always check the operation before you leave. I have bought used equipment before that was broken and fortunately I was able to fix it.
@@kosworkshop I just wish that this video was really for beginners. If it was me I would have said to never assume that the pressures are set correctly or damage can occur. I would also tell beginners that you always back the regulator knob all the out before opening any tank for the first time. Lesson learned for me
great video
Never knew to adjust with valve open
Don't open the acetylene more than 1/4 turn so it is fast to close. If the acetylene regulator does not have a valve wheel, like this one apparently does not have, I would recommend a clamping wrench, like Vice Grips, that are set to lightly clamp onto the control shaft (which is usually square) so that it is not likely to fall off or get easily knocked loose when you are in a hurry in an emergency.
Now there may be some welding oxygen cylinder valves that are different now as it has been some years since I taught welding, but all that I have seen, including the ones in my shop right now, have what is called a "double seal" valve. That is a valve the is turned clockwise, hand tight, to close off the flow out of the cylinder. When you open the valve, turning it counter clockwise, all the way until it stops. Then snug it hand tight in that direction. Since oxygen is very high pressure, if the valve is not hand tightened at the stop in the counterclockwise direction, the HP oxygen may leak out around the valve wheel shaft. The valve has a close-off seat at both the fully closed position and the fully open positions. A little leak of oxygen is not likely dangerous, but is is frustrating to get ready to do some work and discover that the cylinder is empty. I just paid over $200 to fill a large cylinder that had leaked down just that way!
I should say, I have used Oxy Acetylene since I was 15, I'm 52 now, but I have never set up a system from new. Given I'm an autodidact, I always read everything carefully and follow instructions, in the manual for my new set up, it was clear, open the Oxygen all the way, "DO NOT TURN BACK A QUARTER TURN", for the very reason you explained. These are really important safety instructions because while Oxygen itself isn't flammable, burning is in fact rapid Oxidation, given it supports combustion, and in fact is necessary for combustion, it's really important to not let it leak out into the room. You're not allowed to smoke around Oxygen for a reason. I checked the comments to always see who has something more to say about the video, I appreciate your comment, I was wondering when this guy said, "turn back the oxygen a quarter turn if you want", that would unseat the valve and potentially allow Oxygen to escape as you said. I appreciate videos like this but the reason I've survived contracting for so many years with no licenses whatsoever, including my auto shop for years, is because I always get the book, I always double check, I always to things right and anyone who wants me to do things half assed is told to hire someone else. Here I double checked and I appreciate your wisdom and the fact that you taught welding. When it comes to youtube videos, my policy is watch multiple videos by multiple people and only accept that which is universal among all of them, if something isn't universal that is important or a potential safety issue, continue with books or code or manufacturers recommendations as they never want to be sued. "Good Enough", is the statement read out in the court case. As well, things like thread sealant, for example, if it's required or recommended, and I always check, I buy the best there is, no budget whatsoever and I make sure it's rated for the purpose at hand as thread sealants are not the same. This, in fact, is why so many people have so many problems doing things themselves, they are either to lazy, impatient or cheap, or all three, and don't bother with the little details, always a recipe for disaster. At any rate, the video was pretty good except that one comment, thank you for your comment, it really clarified that for me, although would have still followed the manufacturers book anyways but this leaves no doubt for me.
Is there any way to tell if the oxygen tank is empty. Other than just opening it
@JamesWhite-tg4kw If your gauges are accurate it should reflect how much psi is left in the bottle. That’ll give you some idea, but it’s difficult to tell by weight.
I believe that he said that the right hand gauge on each tank shows how much is left in the tank. Someone with more knowledge than me might chime in here.
What if the right side on the acetylene is not moving after replacing empty bottle of acetylene.
You’ll want to make sure that your regulator is not sticking or that the torch is not clogged. Check to feel if you have gas flowing and if you do, the regulator may be bad.
@@kosworkshop turns out the guys gave me a empty bottle to replace my empty bottle. I feel like an idiot 🤣
It happens! You gotta watch them. Lol
Thanks for posting!
Cover brazing over insulation, thats what makes and brakes a hvac installer. Foreman goes behind newby w horrible brazing & then reports back to base that the person is a liability because there worried about it dripping on insulation and lighting the house on fire insualtion spread faf.
Open your Oxygen valve completely until it seats, if not it could leak. When done back out your regulator adjustment screws.
Definitely a great habit to get into.
i have a question that im sure many had asked themselves ,can i adapt that torch tip to a propane can? .the small one that walmart sell ,the green smal can for gas camping burners ..my two torch does not wants to give me a fine point on the flame to polish acrylic ,im thinking that if i can adapt this tip on my torch it will burn a tapered flame ?..if its a stupid idea please forgive my ignorance
It’s a very interesting question. However, I wouldn’t recommend trying to convert it. I would see if you can find the type of torch tip designed for that application if it were me.
@@kosworkshop yes sure .i just have the torches and if its possible why to spend the money in another one ? 😁 i will buy a map gas bottle to try it ..ok thanks for your reply .
What happens when the acetylene pressure stays at 15psi when you correctly shut it down.
If you bleed the hoses, it should drop out on the gauges. The regulator may be sticking or something like that.
@@kosworkshop ok...thx, I believe the regulator is just sticking, I haven't used them in years. Thank you anyways!!!
Don't ever set it above 15psi. It's unstable and can blow up. For most of the cutting you're going to do 5psi is good
@@wayneowens4466 I believe the needle on the gauge was just stuck. Thx anyway.
I don't see any anti flashback devices?
How long does those last for
It really depends on how much you use them. They will last for quite awhile if you just use them around the house.
how long does the gas last?
This is actually a good question. I would say it depends on how much you use your torches. However, I have received some bottles that are leaky and some that were not full. That said, I guess I’d say that there are some variables to your question.
Thank you ❤
Thanks
Thank you
Why does the oxygen tank have a valve but you had to use a wrench on the other.
Good question! It’s an added step of security so that it doesn’t accidentally get opened unexpectedly. The acetylene gas is highly explosive.
@@kosworkshop Thanks
Where are the flashback arrestors? I see the check valves.
The small bottle regulator sets don’t come with the arrestors. However, the larger bottle regulator sets that are typically on the wheeled carts do.
@@kosworkshop like buying a kit?? I always thought/mad habit to out arrestors on all oxyacetylene sets big or small.
HVAC guys unite 😁💪🏿💪 all I ask is can any of you well seasoned guys help us get a union 😊
And for beginners, please buy anti flashback adapters so your tanks don’t explode
🙏🙏
👍
You should have started from attaching the regulators ! Just saying !
Buddy don’t tell me what to do
: )