What temperature do Oxy-Acetylene welding torches burn at? – Oxy-acetylene torches can burn at up to 6,330 °F, depending on the tip and mixture of gasses used. Compared to the 3,630 °F that a common propane torch burns at, you can see how much better the welding torch is at applying heat. Steel typically melts at about 2500 °F, and iron at 2750 °F.
Why torch weld instead of MIG or TIG unit? – MIG and TIG welding have their uses, but you just can’t beat torch welding for portability. Getting a small MIG welder out to the field for a repair may not be hard, but without electricity it’s useless. Another advantage of oxy-acetylene torch welding is that the weld is softer, so it is less brittle in application where strength is an issue, as well as more easily drilled, tapped and machined.
Can I weld copper and brass material with a torch? – Yes, though typically it is called brazing. You will need flux and the right rod, but joints can be made as strong as the original piece. You can also braze cast iron the same way in many applications.
Can I torch weld cast aluminum pieces? – Yes, with the right aluminum filler rod you can easily weld aluminum casting.
Can cast iron be welded with a torch? – Cast iron can be easily brazed with brass/copper filler rod, but it will not be as strong as the original iron. Cast iron can be welded with a torch, but it is not something for a beginner to try, and it is too complicated to get into here.
Can I use a torch to weld stainless steel? – Yes, use a carburizing flame and you can weld stainless as easily as any other steel. A carburizing flame has less oxygen and more acetylene in it. The rust resistance of the stainless will be compromised though in the area of the weld.
Can the cutting torch cut metals other than steel and iron? – Thinner nonferrous metals can be cut with a cutting torch, but it will be a messy melt cut. It isn’t recommended.
What is the difference between backflow check valves and flashback arrestors? – A backflow check valve simply prevents the gasses from being able to flow back into the tanks. However, the check valves cannot shut fast enough to prevent an explosive flame from traveling back up the hose and into the tank. A flashback arrestor incorporates the check valve, but also has provisions to stop flames and explosive waves.