DIYbanter - View Single Post - oxy-a cutting torch questions!

Joe Pfeiffer

writes:

I recently bought a heavier-duty (used) torch to replace one that I
gaot in a starter kit. That original one would light just fine, but
then would make a loud pop and go out when you ramped up the O2 to
achieve a neutral flame. The new torch is doing exactly the same
thing! I have a trio of questions:

1) is this "blowback"? Based on my reading, I believe it may be.
2) could this be caused by low pressure on both regulators? My O2
regulator (again - cheap, starter-kit stuff) doesn't want to go much
over "5" - it gets really hard to turn. Thus, I just use 5, and tone
down the acetylene accordingly...around 3...
3) if this is the possible cause, can anything be done to fix this
regulator? I haven't torn it down, and I know better than to oil
it...what else can I do?

If that's 5 PSI, it's 'way too low. Minimum oxygen pressure for cutting
is something like 25. Something's going on with the regulator (my
first guess), the gauge, the amount of oxygen in the
tank... something. Take it to a welding shop and have them look at
it.

A general rule of thumb is that you simply need to be running the
right pressures for the tip you've got -- you can't see what pressure
is present and try to make things work.