Scrapheap Challenge ??

[Uzzy]

Strange Title I know but please bare with me.
Yes the Channel 4 show is back my question is that in the passed it has been suggested to me that I should use propane instead of acetylene for brazing and on the show it appeared that they had a large propane cylinder on a trolley with oxygen, Can anyone shed any light on this? do I need to change nozzles or regulators? I do not really want to get into a contract with BOC for the little brazing etc that I do.

[abby]

It is possible to use oxy/propane for brazing , but it is not as nice to use as acetylene as the flame is not as controllable . Most common use is for flame cutting of steel scrap , which is probably what you saw on TV. The nozzles and regulators used for propane are very different from those used for acetylene. A self blowing propane torch will give sufficient heat for silver soldering , brazing , even copper brazing providing the burner is appropriately sized for the job , but sif bronze requires a slightly reducing flame and this is best achieved with acetylene.
Abby.

[Uzzy]

Thanks for that Abby
So my next question is does anyone know a supplier of Acetyline and Oxygen who is NOT BOC I dont want a 12 month contract ( In Kent / Essex )

[abby]

As far as I know there are only two suppliers , BOC and Air Products . Check with your local welding supplies dealer as some do a monthly cylinder rental , the other way is to "obtain" an empty cylinder , take out a rental deal , then take the empty back after a week or so and cancel the rental. Bear in mind that BOC and Air products cylinders are different though !
Abby.

[Tel]

uzzy said:

Thanks for that Abby
So my next question is does anyone know a supplier of Acetyline and Oxygen who is NOT BOC I dont want a 12 month contract ( In Kent / Essex )

There are a few about - 'Liquid Air' being one, but you'll find their system very similar to BOC, tho' I believe in the US it is a bit different. My problem ain't a contract as such, it's the horrendous bottle rental they charge - currently around $A240/pa for two small bottles.

I've played with the Oxy/propane, but it's a non-starter in my book.

[simonwass]

Getting hold of empty bottles is easy enough, look in your local ads paper, East Midlands is 'ad mag'.
Once you have your set of bottles, nip round various light engineering places. Sooner rather than later you'll come across one which will put your bottle through with theirs for a few quid + cost of gas.
We have full size oxygen & acetylene, 19kg propane, pub size co2 for mig and full size pure argon for tig.
We use oxy/propane for boiler work (silver solder) as the flame is cleaner when working with copper. It is as easy to control as oxy/acetylene if you have decent regulators, get 2 stage, they cost more but control far better.

[abby]

I have a couple of empties if anyone is interested , I aint gonna mail em though !
Abby.

[abby]

best look at this link , quicker than I could explain
www.lindsaybks.com/dgjp/djgbk/babbitt/index.html
Abby.

[abby]

sorry that should have been in another thread LOL !
Abby.

[Shawki Shlemon]

I have the same experience as Tel .I returned the oxy bottle and the rest is in some cupboard . As far as I am concerned is either Oxy/acetylene or just propane depending on the job .For oxy/acetylene I have access to one and I pay for gases only .