Getting Started/ Oxy-gasoline torch

**Reobert Stenger** · 06-12-2011, 11:08 PM

Hey, I have never done any scrap work before but am looking to do some part time this summer. I was wondering if anyone has used or heard much about the gasoline torch system rather than acetylene everything i can find is positive except the higher starting price?

I will be scrapping mostly old farm equipment, a few vehicles, trailer frames, and some appliances.

What would be the best tool for the job?

**MilitiaMetals** · 06-12-2011, 11:44 PM

oxy propane, cheaper than acetylene,

**MilitiaMetals** · 06-12-2011, 11:45 PM

but acetylene will cut easier as it burns hotter, thus cleaner cuts and capability of cutting thicker metals

**MilitiaMetals** · 06-12-2011, 11:47 PM

have you ever run a torch? I should have said, take a weekend quick course, don't really want people blowing themselves up now, it's easy to run them, and easy to run them wrong and have a major catastrophe on your hands. And watching youtube videos is not acceptable as training, half of these wieners have never had any formal training.

**easyrecycle** · 06-13-2011, 07:47 AM

oxy/acetylene burns hotter an works faster.

Acetylene bottle can last a very long time. You don't need much for it to work good but with propane you need a higher gas amount in the long run.

**EcoSafe** · 06-13-2011, 08:24 AM

The thread said hobby scrppers soooo, $25 for a grinder vs $200 for torch set up ?
most hobbiests are noobs or work with smaller products. i.e. cutting a finger with the grinder vs. setting the house on fire with a torch. Hard to cut the copper windings off with a torch

now if your talking cars or larger that is a different situation. I have both but use the grinder much more. just my 2c

**easyrecycle** · 06-13-2011, 11:53 AM

Kris Kringle

Hmm..something to think about. When I was a pipe fitter we all ways used the acetylene to cut an propane to heat (using the weed-burner can...works great for some preheating/to remove ice)

Will have to try propane to cut an see if I like it or not

**MilitiaMetals** · 06-13-2011, 05:41 PM

been welding for 12 years, propane in my experience is ok, but personally prefer acetelyne. But when i do get a torch on the truck i will run propane, its more readily available......ie gas stations, whereas acetelyne is not, can only get it in one place in a 40 mile radius of where i live

**zito** · 06-14-2011, 01:45 PM

Propane allows you to do more cutting for less $$, at least going with our local prices here. I've never really noticed it taking longer on a job than acetylene (we use both at work). One minor thing about propane is that the flame goes out a lot easier than it does with acetylene, so if you do most of your cutting outside in a really windy area, that -might- be enough of an annoyance for you to stick with acetylene. We use acetylene for our smaller torch/bottle set that gets rolled around the yard just for that reason.

**fiat128** · 06-28-2011, 04:08 PM

I'd be interested in seeing your setups. I just bought a 36" cutting torch off ebay and have a new Harbor Freight oxy/acetalyene torch kit that I plan on using the hoses and regulators with the torch.

Got a line a big 1/2" wall 12" diameter pipe that if I cut up and sell as prep #1 should pay for the whole setup.

What sort of bottle do you guys use? Are you using the small propane cylinders you get at gas stations with this? I want something I can move around easy on a jobsite.