Using an Acetylene/Air Torch, The Basics with Janet E Alexander

An in-depth tutorial about the Acetylene & Air Torch. This video teaches about the different torch handles available, tips, lighting the torch, torch safety, maintenance, and removing and reattaching the regulator.
* What is an Acetylene/Air torch
* Identifying the parts
* Opening the gas
* About the gauges
* How the air and gas are mixed
* Turning on the gas
* Changing the torch tips
* Tip maintenance
* Torch maintenance
* Safety Concerns
* Lighting the torch using a striker or electronic lighter
* Closing down the torch at the end of the day
* Removing and attaching a new Acetylene bottle to the torch assembly
* Checking for leaks
* Storing your tank
Janet is an accomplished metal artist with her work published in several books and magazines including on the cover of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist; The Gemmys 2015, Contemporary Metal Clay Rings. Her creations can be found in Metal Clay in Color, American Craft Magazine, Metal Clay Artist Magazine, Contemporary Metal Clay Rings, Metal Clay 101 for Beaders, and in New Directions: Powder Metallurgy in a Sheet Metal World.
For the past several years she has taught adults metalsmithing at conventions and gem shows. As a writer she co-authored, Metal Clay in Color, has written many tutorials for books and magazines.

[@bestairhvac]

Nice job.

[@Braeden123698745]

That soapy water trick is really good.

[@Babette17C]

I don't know why I'm just seeing this 10 years after you created this video, but I'm certainly glad I did. Thanks for the hints and tips! I have a Little Smith propane/oxy mix .... will be getting the aceytlene/gas torch soon!

[@JanetAlexanderJewelry]

I can't believe its been that long! I hope to start making new ones soon. Thanks Babette!

[@JanetAlexanderJewelry]

Thank you everyone. CyberFeidh thanks for that bit of knowledge!

[@JanetAlexanderJewelry]

Thanks for the positive notes. I have a new camera so I will be doing some new videos soon.

[@JanetAlexanderJewelry]

I was taught by a instructor from Smith Torch to always turn the gas all they way on so as not to starve the torch. Additionally, if the torch is turned on all the way, and there is an emergency, the person is confused, then they will instantly know which way to turn the key to off, because they can only turn it one way.

[@hendonburgism]

I believe you are confusing the tank operating procedures of oxygen with the very different procedure for acetylene. I work at airgas and sell these everyday, you should only be cracking any acetylene tanks 1/4 a turn so that you can very quickly turn it off if an accident occurs. On bigger tanks you can do up to 1 1/2 turns to get sufficient airflow. This rule is even more important on these small b tank regulators that don't have high pressure and low pressure gauges. Oxygen and all other high pressure tanks however, have a double seating valve, so you must open them up all the way.

[@hendonburgism]

With that said there are many other reasons why you wouldn't want to crank it open all the way, 1. You will go over 15psi, very very bad. 2. You will draw off more than the 1/7th rule (recently updated to 1/10) 3. You will use way more gas than you need, being the least of your problems. Please don't just dismiss this or even take my word for it. Look up "acetylene 1/7 th rule" and "acetylene over 15 psi". If you want something much better and cheaper than acetylene consider getting a hydrogen/oxygen generator. Amazon now sells some for a good deal cheaper than they used to be and they usually come with smaller torches and heads specifically made for what you are doing.

[@Idahomie]

Another suggestion. When placing the regulator on the tank make sure the mating surfaces, the male on the regulator and female on the tank have clean surfaces. A quick wipe with a clean rag usually does it but grime can be removed with a some water based cleaner- making sure to dry components post cleaning. Also when tightening the regulator onto the tank if the mating and mounting components are made of brass be careful to not overtighten. There is a bit of an art to know how to 'snug' the components without damaging the inherently softer metal. 'Just enuf' is enough to make a good seal as tested by a solution of soap and glycerin. To be redundant brass is a much softer metal than steel and a person natural inclination is to crank down' on such big nut. Not knowing the tourque setting of the nut I would say that a good rule of thumb is to tighten just enough to stop leaks which is could be as little as 12 ft lbs. That is if mating surfaces are clean and to tolerance. gt boise

[@matt986423]

ha. I was like oh my god she leaves her bottle wobbling up on the bench! You've just got it up there to film I guess. But you tied it down at the end.

[@JanetAlexanderJewelry]

yup!

[@Idahomie]

When I clean the threads of the various components I would suggest using a brass wire brush...that is a wirebrush that has brass wire for its bristles. This brush is not be as harsh on the threads and metal finish.

[@JanetAlexanderJewelry]

@jenniferr416 It doesn't get hot enough for lamp work. It is a great torch for soldering sterling silver.

[@JanetAlexanderJewelry]

The Smith torch tip has a rubber ring gasket on its end so like 1axvn said, watch out about cleaning this tip's end with a brush. In the video I was cleaning a thread to a PrestoLite torch tip and they do not have a rubber ring gasket on them.

[@CaberFeidh]

@1axvn The bottle valve is double-seated. When it's not opened fully gas will leak around the stem, past the packing nut. This gas is unregulated, and at full bottle pressure. When a globe valve is fully opened the disc will be seated against the bonnet sleeve, preventing leakage into the packing gland. Leaking acetylene is never a good thing All globe-type bottle valve must be either in fully open, or fully closed positions.

[@1949OceanParkway]

whoops. sorry. don't think i posted that correctly. regardless, thanks for the instructive video.