How to Use a Smith Acetylene Torch-Acetylene Torch Use and Safety

Courtesy of About.com
How to Use an Acetylene Torch-Smith Acetylene Torch Use and Safety-Learn all about how to use a Smith acetylene torch and safety from master goldsmith Jeanette K Caines at Jewelry Arts Inc. Torches are simpler and easier to use than beginner metalsmiths think- Don't be intimidated! Lots of plumbers use acetylene tanks because they are easy to use and transport and lots of jewelers do as well. For the alloying, fusing, gold and silver granulation, and soldering gold and silver operations we perform, the Smith acetylene torch is plenty hot enough and works beautifully for goldsmithing and silversmithing.

[@rykellekemp2133]

UGH, finally.. Thank you so much for the video!!.. Ive watched a few videos trying to decide on a torch system and how they function and OMG they were all horrible and confusing.. yours was the most informative, clear and detailed! thank you thank you.

[@huskyfluffy]

Hi, I have your beautiful book on soldering. I'm self teaching... for over a yr. I have to say, I bought the book because of the picture on the front, as well as the great reviews. Been looking at KZbin videos all this time, and only now found you. 👍👍

[@Fireship1]

This video is even good for apprentice plumbers. We use torches like this everyday in the trades. It explains in detail just about everything you would need to know.

[@JewelryArts]

Thank you! Jewelers and plumbers both love this torch. :)

[@avidnovicekhan5318]

Excellent Safety Tips, thanks for taking a time and sharing your knowledge.

[@JewelryArts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottmcmunn5369]

Great demo!

[@JewelryArts]

I am so glad you liked it! 😃

[@libbycole603]

Thanks so much! I've been looking for something exactly like this--very valuable video!!

[@JewelryArts]

So glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@lauramccaslin2876]

Love all your vids. Such a great teacher. Thanks for all you do.

[@JewelryArts]

So glad you enjoy them! :)

[@annalisamclaughlin2983]

thanks for this video! Learned a lot and feel really confident setting up my torch in my studio now.

[@JewelryArts]

I am so glad you found it helpful! Happy soldering!!!! :)

[@adifferentkindoffine2439]

Don't forget to loosen the pressure gauge once you release the gas.

[@catstack_]

Seriously wonderful instruction 👏🏼 thank you so much!

[@JewelryArts]

So glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@mccg4337]

Thank you madam for the lesson.

[@JewelryArts]

You are so very welcome! :)

[@dt5644]

great video. i am already familiar with this torch, this is mainly what i use. But you are one of the only people i have seen actually showing people how to use and what tips. Mostly what you will find are videos on smith little torch. I also have a smith little torch and i use it from time to time. orca torch i do not like, even have a hoke torch. But i prefer the smith silver smith, a little more pricy if you buy all the tips, but i love it. and i agree out of the 5 tips i have for this #0 and #00 are most used. unless I'm melting an ounce or two in a crucible then its a #2. plus you save money by not having an oxy tank. great video.

[@JewelryArts]

So glad you enjoyed it! :) I love my Smith acetylene torch.

[@5volts440]

THANK YOU!

[@wilburcollins8342]

Good to know the numbers of the tips

[@JewelryArts]

Definitely important information! :)

[@ponkiebonk]

do you have a vid on gas detectors and safety to do with knowing how to deal with a regulator gauge leak before using procedures? soapy water tip nice

[@malcolmwilcox6320]

Hi can you use a different fuel with this Tourch ie Map gas or Propane /LPG. Thanks

[@bfflorida2311]

Great vid 👍👍👍

[@JewelryArts]

So glad that you enjoyed it! :)

[@Skidz1340]

I’m considering going from a propane/oxy set up to this set up. What differences will I notice when soldering?

[@stephennarh7270]

and what of the gases you used, did you make them could the fuel gas be made from carbide in your own shop

[@ramunesoda73395]

love the tips you give, you should teach acetylene safety.

[@JewelryArts]

I just did! :)

[@dbenzboyfred195]

Wondering if you need ventilation while working on your shop?Can you rent one of this torch acetylene tank ?

[@pauldipietro4009]

Thanks Princess 😊

[@JewelryArts]

You are very welcome 😃

[@ac4cars656]

Good for me, so I know what needs to be done!

[@JewelryArts]

I am so glad it helped! :)

[@jonproctor8581]

The regulator on my acetylene tank says lp gas, is that ok?

[@Marcia-xp9ty]

Great video. For acetylene only torch use, is it required to use a ventilation system? Also, I think I read somewhere that acetylene produces a "dirty" solder. Have you found this to be true? Is there another type of fuel that's much cleaner?

[@JewelryArts]

Acetylene does not require any special ventilation measures. Although I believe the “ dirty” part is true with platinum it works beautifully for silver and gold. 😃

[@treehousede]

Which tip do you primarily use when soldering bezels and making rings. Thanks, David

[@JewelryArts]

Most often a 0 tip but of course it varies. :)

[@sooofunny37]

doesn't it damage the eyes staring at a bright flame w/o welding goggles?

[@HereWeAre__01]

but you should always ALWAYS back your key out fully when shutting down the tank so that all the threads are showing. if you keep that side engaged and you turn on the gas, that sudden pressure actually ruins the diaphragm pretty quickly, making for a dysfunctional regulator and a potentially dangerous situation in the future. when the key is disengaged, and you slowly introduce pressure, its much much easier on the diaphragm and ensures the health of the regulator. never, ever keep that key engaged everyone, always back out. ALWAYS. you engage from ZERO every single time you use your tank. I love jewelry arts so much, but this is a point that I cannot understate enough how important it is. ive had extensive conversations from the people at smith! this is something that is actually crucial.

[@JewelryArts]

Thanks for the input! :)

[@artistcg]

My regulator only shows how much is left in the tank, there is not one to show pressure. There is a pressure knob, but no gauge to check it, so I don't even touch that knob. I'm not even sure what to do with that when removing the hose to replace the tank.

[@JewelryArts]

You have one of the older versions of tank with no pressure gauge, we used to have lots of them and we used them without incident. :)

[@annetums]

Do you have any info on what kind of eye protection you need for an acetylene torch?

[@JewelryArts]

It can't hurt to wear uv blocking glasses but they aren't a necessity as they are working at higher temperatures. :)

[@peterford9369]

Hi there,, I have a question if you are experienced in working with silver say as in working on silver teapots. If so please let me know and I will ask it. Thanks.

[@JewelryArts]

We work in silver quite a bit, but usually in jewelry rather than vessels.

[@rebeccap831]

What do you use on your workbench to protect it from the torch? Fire brick?

[@JewelryArts]

You can use lots of things, fire brick, old tiles, stone, older soldering blocks. :)

[@windsurfer3329]

Great video! Can you show us what the tank pressure is supposed to be set at the regulator? And how would you test it to make sure it is satisfactory?

[@JewelryArts]

So glad you are enjoying the video! Mine is usually at between 8 and 12. anywhere in that range works great. If I am alloying, I definitely make sure it is in the higher range. That is probably the only time that the lower range won't be as satisfactory. :)

[@windsurfer3329]

@@JewelryArts Also, do you happen to use a flashback arrestor on your acetylene tank?

[@JewelryArts]

@@windsurfer3329 Flashback arrestors are used on setups with a separate oxygen tank. This setup is called atmospheric oxygen, it doesn't have a separate oxygen tank.

[@kimberlycoy7509]

Thank you for another great video! Question...what about ventilation? I have a Sentry Air Systems fume extractor with HEPA and carbon filters in my home studio. Is that sufficient?

[@JewelryArts]

Lol, I just have a normal bedroom at home for the studio so you should do great. 😃

[@kimberlycoy7509]

@@JewelryArts So many people try to incite fear instead of teaching proper safety! Thank you for just telling it like it is! One guy told me I should NEVER have an acetylene tank indoors, and another told me if I did I might die from the carbon monoxide it emits!

[@JewelryArts]

@@kimberlycoy7509 what absolute nonsense! Every jewelry studio that uses acetylene is inside, and plumbers use acetylene for fixing pipes in people’s houses. Where is carbon monoxide supposed to come from?

[@kimberlycoy7509]

@@JewelryArts lol! Idk...but they even told me I DEFINITELY needed a carbon monoxide detector, at minimum! It is very kind of you to make yourself available to provide accurate information! Thank you!!

[@JewelryArts]

@@kimberlycoy7509 Tanks should be treated with care amd respect, of course, but knowledge drives away fear. Some peple are just.....dramatic, I guess.

[@windsurfer3329]

Hi, do you think I can use the tool used for dental cleaning for a pick? I understand that the tips of many of these are made out of titanium alloy.

[@JewelryArts]

Most of the ones I've seen have just been steel but give it a try. :)

[@windsurfer3329]

@@JewelryArts It turned out the one I had was made out of tungsten carbide, and silver solder did not stick to it :-) So, I was wrong about titanium.

[@JewelryArts]

@@windsurfer3329 Cool! Glad it worked. :)

[@madsciencechik]

When I light my acetylene/oxy torch I get a big poof of soot - it gets on everything and is a huge pain to clean up. How do I eliminate or significantly reduce the soot when lighting the torch?

[@osonomeo]

This can happen with acetylene, I've heard if you have too much gas flowing that will happen as well. Have you tried cleaning the inside of your torch? That might help.

[@JewelryArts]

Yup, a soot buildup. You can use a pipe cleaner.

[@hotheadsniper]

Great video but I have a question that how long can we keep on using that burner or torch?I mean can we keep on igniting it for hours or do we need to give it a rest?it is dangerous to keep it on ignition for hours because it could get too hot or can we use it for as long as we want?thanks in advance.

[@JewelryArts]

We use our torches all day but we are always turn them off between each soldering or alloying process so I'm afraid I have never left it on truly nonstop for hours.

[@hotheadsniper]

@@JewelryArts thanks for the information.I'll do the same.

[@reidsmith9575]

With this type of torch, is it always providing a neutral flame? Does it help to prevent fire stain getting into sterling silver as opposed to a torch with independent control of fuel and oxygen?

[@JewelryArts]

No , you can adjust to an oxidizing or a reducing flame. I don’t think it really affects firestain as opposed to other torches. 😃

[@reidsmith9575]

@@JewelryArts Thanks for your prompt reply on an older video. I always enjoy your channel, and I'd love to study at your school in the future.

[@JewelryArts]

@@reidsmith9575 You are very welcome AND you would be very welcome in the studio anytime. 😃

[@gogijewelry]

Hi! can’t you burn your table top by placing the hot torch on it? Or is there a stand one can purchase?

[@JewelryArts]

The torch can get warm but never warm enough to scorch in my experience. I'm sure you can get a stand if you like. :)

[@gogijewelry]

@@JewelryArts Wow! that’s wild! Even my small butane torch scorches the wood that I lay it on. I’m actually finding it very difficult to find a stand… there is only one on Rio but the reviews say it doesn’t work for the Silversmith Torch. I’m going to try a broom holder that someone suggested 😬😅

[@JewelryArts]

@@gogijewelry The tips must get hotter on a butane torch. I would try a welding website, like cyberweld. I am sure someone has a torch holder. :)

[@gogijewelry]

@@JewelryArts thank you so much!🙏🙏🙏

[@JewelryArts]

@@gogijewelry You are most welcome! :)

[@amirkhan8225]

I have a question. are you using acetylene with no oxygen ?? I am surprised as I have never seen Acetylene used without oxygen or on its own.

[@JewelryArts]

We do not use a separate oxygen tank only atmospheric oxygen. Using a oxygen tank will increase the temperatures but for our uses, we do not need it.

[@charlieaponte2658]

i have a smith torch it does not melt fully to pour into a mold why?? DO i need to add borax or flux or lubricant or more heat

[@JewelryArts]

I would need more information, like how much and what metal, what kind of crucible, etc. I'm happy to help if I can.

[@charlieaponte2658]

2 oz sterling 925 and melting dish crucible

[@JewelryArts]

All crucibles require some borax as a lubricant so the metal can "slide". Are you using a #2 tip?

[@charlieaponte2658]

a #1 tip

[@JewelryArts]

I usually use a #2 tip for alloying one ounce of gold, I think you need more heat.

[@jddr.jkindle9708]

Always use eye protection when soldering / brazing. That tank with the old single regulator - replace it. It is obsolete and does not comply with OSHA current regulations.

[@jddr.jkindle9708]

Also noticed neither of your tanks had a Flashback Arrestor installed. Please update your tanks, a huge safety factor and required by OSHA.

[@bfflorida2311]

jd dr.jkindle, single tank (cylinder) is excluded from the flash arrestors regulations, she is perfectly fine and legal! ... by NFPA and OSHA.. FYI..both organizations only have authority in the USA...

[@mashedburgerpatties903]

Acetylene is better than propane mapp and butane.

[@JewelryArts]

I agree with you, I like acetylene.

[@johnedwards9649]

She is nice ❤️

[@JewelryArts]

Thanks so much! :)