can I use propane for a torch?

[pnj]

I'm taking a metals class at the Community College and have really been enjoying using the forge. the forge is heated w/ propane so I was curious if I could use one of my propane tanks I use for the BBQ to run a torch.

the torch would be used to eat small / thin pieces of metal to bend. I wouldn't need it to weld/braze or cut the metal, just to heat it so I can bend it into shape.

is this a good idea or even possible?

Thanks

[Gary Patton]

You bet. You just have to get the proper heating, cutting, or welding tip for your torch. Just tell your welding supplier what brand & style of torch you have & they can take it from there.

[pnj]

I don't have a torch. but I have a number of those small propane tanks, that's why I was thinking I might be able to use them.


what would you suggest for a torch?

[Gary Patton]

Victor is the most common torch in the world. You can get tips for them at all kinds of stores. Myself, I'm kinda partial to Smith torches, but you might have trouble getting replacement tips without having to order them and wait a few days.
I'd like to add that whatever brand you decide on will give a lot longer lifespan it you will turn the oxygen off first, and then the fuel gas. That loud "POP" is hard on 'em!

[aircraft]

Originally posted by Gary Patton
I'd like to add that whatever brand you decide on will give a lot longer lifespan it you will turn the oxygen off first, and then the fuel gas. That loud "POP" is hard on 'em!

That's true with Victor but did you know that Smith recommends to turn the gas off first?

[dseman]

pnj,
I think you want to use air/propane, right? Not oxy/propane? Different torches with different tips. If you really mean air/propane then here is an example:

turbotorch (look for swirl propane): http://www.thermadyne.com/tt/literat...dex.asp?div=tt

-dseman

[pnj]

I'm talking about JUST propane. the forge at school is connected to JUST a propane tank and it gets crazy hot. I basicly just want the same thing but I want to be able to control the area of metal I'm heating up instead of putting the whole piece into an inferno.

just using the propane tank that is hooked up to my basic home BBQ grill. sounds like I will need more then just a torch handle thingy....

[dseman]

pnj,
that's what I thought you meant. Propane and air, not propane and oxygen. Check out my previous post--that's the kind of torch you want for light heating.

-dseman

[pnj]

cool!

thank you

[Gary Patton]

Ooooh, Sorry! I shoulda put more thought into it!

[bigolguy]

You can't weld with propane because lp contains hydrogen and will not produce anything close to even with oxygen acetylene.Propane isn't as sufficient as acetylene because it's colder and doesn't give off a benefical supply of heat as O/A.Here is some interesting info for you.

Propane(Caha) w/ air gives off 3800 degrees and w/ oxygen 5300 degress

Acetylene(C2H2) w/ air gives off 4800 degrees and w/ oxygen a very high temperature of 6300 degrees so propane against acetylene isn't as effecient for any welding procedure.

So always remember lp isn't as hot as good ol acetylene flame!....That should give you a desicion before using it in the long terms of any welding/heating procedure.Basically I wouldn't but just use acetylene for heating.

My $0.02

[bigolguy]

And just forgot.Victor Genuine Gas Apparatus.That's all I ever used for decades and with least bit of maintenace and i have used harris and smith but the harris seems like a cheap way of manufacturing something.just awful.look at a victor and then look at a harris you will even just love the looks of a victor plus over-performs 10-1 in the long run