Oxy-Acetylene to Oxy-propane

[Piccioni]

Hello all and thanks in adance for the help.

I just bought and oxy-acetylene torch outfit so I can cut and bend some plate for a project I'm migging. (Plus toys are nice). I haven't bought the gas yet, and it is my inderstanding that that, for most applications I can use propane instead of acetylene as the fuel. This is good, because it is cheaper, more easily available to me, etc..

Anyhow, the users guide mentions 'alternate fuel' in the context of buying a different type of hose (other sources say its note required) but I can't figure out how to connect the acetylene regulator to a propane tank.

The regulator appears to be left hand threaded, while the propane tank (internal) thread is right hand. I have googled all kinds of key words for adaptors, etc., with no luck.

So the question is: how do I connect my fuel regulator to a propance tank?

Thanks again

[TexHand]

I believe you ned a special regulator for Propane. IIRC Propane and Acet require different regulators. Check out this link: http://www.smithequipment.com/products.htm Under Reg and Gauges click the fourth link., "Medium Duty Brass Single Stage H1700 Series."

[Piccioni]

Funny, though, with all the things I've read about tips, torches, etc., etc., nobody mentioned a special regulator!

I figured maybe there was an adaptor.

Thanks

[gatkeper1]

Same regulator can be used. Look at the 1900 series Smith regs on page 57.
H1945E-510 is shown for Acetylene,Propane,Mapp,Propylene.
You will need hoses rated "T" for propane
LP and Acetylene both use the CGA-510 inlet fitting. So as long as your acetylene reg has the external threaded inlet fitting it should fit the LP tank.

[Hotfoot]

Propane tanks are all left hand POL threads-same as the regulator. the later tanks have OPD (Overfill Protection Device) "external" right threads, but the lefties are still in there as well. I use a second Acteylene Regulator just for propane, and its own hose. There is a special hose, but I don't have one, and might get one one of these days, but my setup has worked fine....you do need special propane tips, however, they are two piece, way different from act tips.

[Piccioni]

I tried my regulator on the tank this morning: maybe 6 AM isn't the time to try and figure out a left hand thread!

I've asked my welding supplier (by email) if they carry the special regulator mentioned above. Of course I'll end up phoning - I don't think I've ever actually got a reply to an email from a welding supplier.

Propane tanks are all left hand POL threads-same as the regulator. the later tanks have OPD (Overfill Protection Device) "external" right threads, but the lefties are still in there as well. I use a second Acteylene Regulator just for propane, and its own hose. There is a special hose, but I don't have one, and might get one one of these days, but my setup has worked fine....you do need special propane tips, however, they are two piece, way different from act tips.

[Pumpkinhead]

Same regulator can be used. Look at the 1900 series Smith regs on page 57.
H1945E-510 is shown for Acetylene,Propane,Mapp,Propylene.
You will need hoses rated "T" for propane
LP and Acetylene both use the CGA-510 inlet fitting. So as long as your acetylene reg has the external threaded inlet fitting it should fit the LP tank.

not so, acetylene can be CGA200, CGA300, CGA510, and lastly CGA520.

[gatkeper1]

not so, acetylene can be CGA200, CGA300, CGA510, and lastly CGA520.

Yes I am aware of that a 10cf "MC" tank uses CGA200, 40cf "B'" use CGA520 and large acetylene can also use CGA300. But since he was talking about internal threads I did not want to cause confusion speaking about these other 3 types which are all for externally threaded tank outlets.

[Piccioni]

You were right - the regulator fits the propane cylinder like a glove (so I guess both are CGA510). Like I mentioned above I checked it on the way to work, and even though I could clearly see the regulator was left hand threaded, I must have tried to screw it in by turning clockwise.

When I returned home last night, I did what I was supposed to do and presto.

I feel like an idiot - but at least I know that I'll be bending and cutting on Saturday!

Thanks again.

[Mr Meck]

Just remember to set you regulator to greater than 10lbs pressure.

[Piccioni]

Just remember to set you regulator to greater than 10lbs pressure.

I pick up my oxy tonite!