Regulator for Mapp gas

[Pat]

Hi,

I have a Victor 315C torch body with the Victor 2461 cutting head attachment. For safety concerns I want to use Mapp gas instead of acetylene. Can anyone tell me if there is a specific gas regulator for Mapp, or can I use one designed for acetylene. I have seen regulators that are designed for use with propane, but none for Mapp. I sure would appreciate some information on this subject.........thanks,

Pat

[Ed Heimbach]

I have used propane regulators for mapp,as the regulators for acetylene arn't designed to be used with anything but acetylene. I think that propane and mapp are similar enough that there is no need for a special mapp regulator.
Don't use hose that is not rated for mapp, regular acetlyene hose will break down if used with fuel gasses other than acetylene.

[Pat]

Thanks Ed,

I now have an idea of what to look for. This torch has the capacity to cut up to 8 inches so I guess a heavy duty two stage regulator would be in order. I don't expect that I would be cutting anything much thicker than 3 inches, however, I will have to be heating 1/2" x 6" flat bar stock for bending it, so the extra gas volume might come in handy...........thanks again.

[Dave Haak]

Heat & Bend

Pat,

Just a thought: If you don't already have one, you might consider getting a "rose bud" for heating those large pieces for bending. I struggled for a long time using just a cutting tip for heating and bending. I have a Smiths medium torch body. You take off the cutting attachment and add the rose bud just as you would a welding tip. The rose bud has a large cylindrical head on it with several holes in the end. It is used just for heating. In the case of Smiths medium duty, Smiths sells three different BTU rated tips. I think mine is the middle size and cost about $40.00. It's way faster than using a cutting tip for heating. There is a technical term for "Rose Bud" but it eludes me at the moment.

Dave

[Roger]

The regulators for Mapp and Propane can have higher outlet pressure than Acetylene regulator. If you are ok with lower outlet pressure limit of Acetylene regulator then it's ok for Mapp and Propane.

Heavy duty higher flow regulator with bigger diaphram diameter is all you might need. Bigger diaphram is like longer lever letting regulator have bigger orifice for higher flow with same effort or open close faster with same orifice size. Welding regulators are unbalance meaning outlet pressure changes as inlet pressure changes. The bigger the orifice the bigger the unbalanced affect. Double stage regulator lowers pressure change due to unbalanced effect or lets it have larger orifice with same pressure change.

Balanced regulator can use larger orifice with given size diaphram, have lighter popet spring, and have no outlet pressure change with inlet pressure changes but not used for welding.

So unless you are real picky with torch settings or have large bottle pressure changes during a welding session double stage regulators are not needed. The pressure change is typically .5 psi regulated pressure change with 100 psi bottle pressure change.

[Pat]

Thanks guys,

I found out more on this site with one post than I did scanning the internet for 3 weeks. This place is a gold mine....thanks

[Guest]

Re: Heat & Bend

Originally posted by Dave Haak
Pat,

Just a thought: If you don't already have one, you might consider getting a "rose bud" for heating those large pieces for bending. I struggled for a long time using just a cutting tip for heating and bending. I have a Smiths medium torch body. You take off the cutting attachment and add the rose bud just as you would a welding tip. The rose bud has a large cylindrical head on it with several holes in the end. It is used just for heating. In the case of Smiths medium duty, Smiths sells three different BTU rated tips. I think mine is the middle size and cost about $40.00. It's way faster than using a cutting tip for heating. There is a technical term for "Rose Bud" but it eludes me at the moment.

Dave

Gee, I thought 'Rose Bud" was the technical term for it!

[Stoney]

I always thought it was the technical term, too. No one ever comes into the store asking for a "Multi-flame heating tip". One of the great things about MAPP gas is that you can use it at pressures above 15, although usually no more than 50psi for hand cutting applications. Both MAPP and propane have the same cylinder CGA connection, as do other "alternate" fuel gases such as HPG, FG-2, Apachi, and propylene.

Ed makes a good point about making sure you have the correct hose, also. Grade "T" is made out of neoprene and will not break down under the load of liquid fuel gases, like rubber hose will.

The only otehr word of caution in switching to MAPP gas, is don't think that your regular gass grill propane tank willk be able to be filled. Propane exists at a lower pressure in liquid form than MAPP or other liquid fuels, and propane cylinders are not interchangebale. Your MAPP distributor should be able to explain it fully.

Steve