torch gas consumption rate

Got a good question. Im using the cheapie torch set from harbor freight. Got the correct tip for propane use. Im running a 100 lb o2 cylinder and 20 lb propane tank. Last job I burned 2 hay rakes, harrow, and a 3 point hitch mower deck. This consumed almost the whole bottle of o2 and 2 half bottles of propane. Does this consumption seem normal?

I would say I was burning continuous without shutting torch off for 6 hours. Still some o2 left, but not registering on the gauge. Leak or what? And yes I know how to use a torch. Was a mech for many years. Started out in the junkyards. Was taught there and was not allowed to burn till I could make straight cuts. So lots of experience.

My pressures are 15 propane and 35 o2.

Torch here

http://www.harborfreight.com/oxygen-...kit-98958.html

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Originally Posted by Kris Kringle

Nope don't sound correct to me. when using the Propane set up you can't use it like a Acetylene set up. the Propane Hot spot in the flame is futher away from the metal if you use it like a Acetylene set up you will be in the cold section of the flame and you will use more Propane/Oxy trying to cut the metal.

Just my .02

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When did they start selling o2 by the pound, how many cubic feet are therein your o2 bottle. if you don't know how many inches tall is the bottle.

You should be able to back off on the propane ,I would go around 6 lbs get a larger bottle your 20 pounder is going to freeze up. in cold weather.

For that light farm scrap on the oxygen back off to 25/30 lbs

The last it cost I was aware of to cut a ton of scrap it took $8.00 to cover the gas. Piston Scrap would have a better idea of what it cost per ton these days.

I'm gong to take a guesstimate and say $15.00

ozzy how many cubic feet do your 02 bottles hold? how many lbs is your propane? what size is your tip? once u figure that out make an equation out of it say x amount of tons got cut using x amount of cubic foot per hour + lbs of propane = amount of gas used to cut x amount of tons. I hope that helps . You know your gas prices I dont so only you can figure it out. unless u want to post them then I could help u more keep in mind everything u cut is different and will vary from job to job.

Its a 2000 cf oxy tank sorry. Cost 41.80 to fill. Then 23.80 for the 20lb barby tank to be exchanged. Its a 00 tip...smallest they make I guess. Its a oddball. Gonna have to get a bigger torch soon.

Don't know for fact but was informed yesterday that one needs a propane regulator as well as a propane tip. Im investigating propane use as currently not set up to use my plasma cutter.

Wild and ozzy check out h-scrapper tips google is my new best friend make it yours to.

I figured it out guys. Im getting 3 2000 lb o2 cylinders to one 20lb propane. I had a leak at the o2 regulator which is now fixed. Comparing results to my buddy who owns a salvage yard for 30 years, he has the same consumption. Now Im getting the bottles for 21 bucks under discount. So it still helluva lot cheaper than running acetylene at 71+ a bottle. So thanks for the insight, but the problem was staring at me all along...

Propane pressure seems high. I run 5-7#. Check your hose as well. Propane will dry out a non-LP rated hose in a year. What size tip are you using?

Cool thread! I am someone who has no experience with a torch. Last week my boss lit it for me and let me cut some aluminum up. It was fun. My goal is to get a smaller torch that I can use in my aluminum area so I don't have to drag all this stuff out back and cut it then drag it back inside. I saw a torch set at Lowe's for about $60. Would that be enough to cutting strictly aluminum pieces up to 1/4" at the thickest or am I just wasting time and money. I would be buying the equipment with my own money to make my job easier.

Ummm...you cant use a torch on aluminum. All it does is melt unless ya like a mess..lol. Ya best bet is a pair of bolt cutters or sawzall on the cheap. You truly want to cut aluminum then get a plasma cutter.

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Originally Posted by ozzy214

Ummm...you cant use a torch on aluminum. All it does is melt unless ya like a mess..lol. Ya best bet is a pair of bolt cutters or sawzall on the cheap. You truly want to cut aluminum then get a plasma cutter.

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I'm looking for a plasma cutter. Cheap enough that I can afford it, lasts forever, and easy to use so that a guy with no experience can use it without too much cussing. Anybody had any luck with the ones from harborfreighttools.com?