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Does anyone know if I can use my regular propane torch nozzle on an oxygen tank (the yellow one)? How much hotter can I expect it to be?

Thanks,

John

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John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts

A propane torch is designed to draw in oxygen from the outside of the torch and mix it through a venturi. A Oxygen / Axcetelyne torch has an internal mixing chamber and blends the gases in differing ratios based on the torch valve settings and pressure regulator settings. Two completely different torch types.

You can use different gas cylindrs with your propane torch head including MAPP gas or Propane. MAPP is slightly hotter burning than Propane if my memory serves me correctly?

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

Oxygen by itself is not a torch fuel. It it mixed with fuel to make a hotter flame. Oxygen and propane can be mixed to make a hot flame, but you need the proper equipment for it, including pressure regulators and the correct torch.

Mapp gas is considerably hotter than propane. It's all I use because I'm impatient. I assume this question is in regards to bending irons? I'm all electric on that score, never liked the idea of mixing flame and wood.

They used to sell little oxy-acetelyne setups, but it was never worth it. I used to build bike frames and had an oxy-acetelyne rig, but that's been decades. It was really useful though. Last time I tried to braze bandsaw blades, I really missed it, the Mapp just wasn't hot enough for silver solder.

I don't know of any other gas combinations that are generally available in the U.S. Your mileage may vary elsewhere.

Thanks, guys, but here is specifically what I'm getting at;   At the hardware store there are three bottles; blue, yellow, and red. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with those yellow and red ones.

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John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts

What gas is in the cylinders? The contents has to be printed on the cylinder. If they are all propane, then no, there is no difference.

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

For the stuff sold in hardware stores, the colors of the bottles will vary depending on the brand. I've got propane bottles at home that are blue, red and green, and maybe others.

What you may be seeing are bottles of propane, mapp gas, and oxygen. I noticed on the BernzOmatic web site they show these three gases available in blue, yellow, and red cylinders. (BernzOmatic Fuels) However, the oxygen is not a fuel and not meant to be used by itself. In the case of BernzOmatic they have a torch kit to use the Mapp and Oxygen together. I'd be surprised if your propane torch head could even be physically attached to the oxygen bottle. For safety reasons the fittings for oxygen and fuel should be different.

TomS38603.4401041667

I had an old propane torch head burn out and flame up on me making a ball of fire on my workbench. I put the fire out with a fire extinguisher because I was afraid the gas cylinder would quickly get hot and explode. I felt lucky not to have set my shop on fire. Only latter did I realize that the gas cylinder was MAPP gas, and my torch head was not rated for this. Be cautious.

Thanks, guys. I'll spend the extra ten bucks to get the one with the appropriate head attached.

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John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts