Oxy - Acetylene VS Oxy - Propane torch - blacksmith shop setup

An oxy fuel torch of some sort is incredibly useful in the blacksmith shop. Oxy propane costs less to run than the oxy acetylene torch, but is it really the best option for your shop?

#blacksmithing #forged #blacksmith

Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

[bootsnthejeep]

I never knew about these gas saver valves until I was actually taking a beginning blacksmithing course, and the instructor was showing us this video that I've never been able to find again of an older Smith doing demonstrations in his shop, much like you do. My instructor apparently had never found this remarkable, but while watching the video I saw the guy just pick up his cutting head, wave it seemingly randomly over the tops of his cylinders and <SNAP>, it was lit! And at the perfect mixture! I literally disrupted the whole class because I sat bolt upright, literally shocked, and blurted out "WAIT, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?" I confused the instructor so badly, he had to back the tape up. "It's like the torch just lit all by itself! What kind of sorcery is this?!" My instructor peered at it (everyone else was just mildly curious what the hell my problem was) and he just kind of nonchalantly said "Yeah... must be some kind of special valve. I don't know, I never noticed it before."

A couple of days later I was describing it to a friend of mine also in the welding industry, and he just casually said "Oh yeah, a Smith Gas Saver. Those are pretty neat. Probably got one at the shop if you want to see it."

Mind. Blown. You just don't know what you don't know.

[billwoehl]

"What if it falls off?" Lady, if it falls off a hook thats designed to hold it, you got more to worry about with the major earthquake damage than any fire that could start from the torch falling down.

[oxenforde]

I’ve been dithering about which to choose. Your video provided the vital information I need. I have a clear course. Thank you.

[jamesgalway]

One of the most versatile and valuable tools to have and use .. Thanks for sharing

[Rader-Wood]

"Fear and common sense" applies. Nuff said! Thank you for what you do.

[huffjd]

FWIW, I have used an oxy-propane setup on a gas saver for 18 years, with no problems; it sips gas and oxygen use is acceptable. I use a #2 curting tip instead of a rosebud, rhe preheats are sufficient for most local heating, like setting rivets and most tenons and doing handle-length twists in up to 5/8 stock... thanks for the video, John!

[guillermojacques]

Lots of good information from an experienced smith. Well explained and to the point.

[crowandclogforge]

Delightful video as always John! Regarding welding/brazing with oxy-propane, I went down this road. You are right, there does not exist a welding tip made for oxy-propane, and running it through the acetylene tip is a special exercise in frustration....

There is a product on the market that my local welding gas supplier gave me to try called "Chemtane-2". As I understand it, it's propane with extra herbs and spices, additionally it's compatible with all your existing propane regulators. I can confirm that I was indeed able to run it through the acetylene brazing tip on my torch and do some brazing whereas I was not able to just with propane.

Just figured I'd mention it if you or a viewer were interested. Thanks again John!

[nategunn]

Hey John great video! I just dropped my torch yesterday while hanging it up nothing happened. I just picked it up and looked over my shoulder to make sure nobody saw.😅 I feel safe with the gas saver.I made the switch to propane. 👌

[dimwitt]

Want to thank you for posting this. As I am just getting started in my new blacksmithing hobby, I was debating on getting a torch. Since I use a propane fired forge, an oxy propane torch seems like all I’ll ever need. Thanks again!

[markgoggin]

That small torch you have is used by us jewelers and have been for many decades. We call it the big torch. That’s because when they came out with the small grey and black one the company named it the little torch.

[olddawgdreaming]

Thanks for the great information John, enjoyed seeing just how that set up works. Stay safe and keep up the great videos. Fred.

[justingoodman]

Great info, been kicking around the propane idea for some time, I think you just made up my mind. Thanks

[pjamestx]

Always loved your torch setup, thanks for walking us through it!

[Jonjammy]

Good info and presentation as usual John, Thank you.

[tonyn]

I have worked "around" oxy/ace torches during my entire career of heavy construction management. I was never a torch operator but cut a few pilings and other things just to experience using a torch. All the torches were industrial and quite heavy duty. I rarely lit a torch personally, and I have never understood how to adjust it to perform well, even though the welder showed me the correct cutting flame after he lit it. The valve adjustment has always confused me, and your video clarified at least some of my age-old questions. Not valve adjustments, but just torch options. Thanks.

[GodschildinNC]

I have an oxy-mapp gas set up with a small tip torch. It uses the small tanks, like for a straight mapp or propane torch. I do minimal work with it, but it heats up well and the small tip is precise. If I could set it up with large tanks I would. The heat is between propane and acetylene.

[Two-brothers-stacking]

I'm new to your channel love your information. Going to be setting up my very first black smith shop have no experience and a very small budget. Your a big help. Long winters up hear in northern Maine need Sumthing to keep me occupied thinking blacksmithing will be a fun challenge.

[gaylecoombs]

Wow you read my mind i was watchin one of your previous videos couple days ago and was thinking man i would like to see his setup that he is using and bam here is the video lol thanks for the info sir

[bobvines]

John, that Henrob (sp?) acetylene torch with a pistol grip looks like the torches I used to see advertised in "Street Rodder" magazine. One of my parents' neighbors was a "Street Rodder" and bought one and it came with a videotape showing its use. The guru demonstrating its use welded aluminum soda cans to each other without blowing holes through the cans. He then did the same with the kind of pop-tops that used to come off of the cans. The advertised use (aimed at Street Rodder readers) was for welding relatively thin sheet metal as used in autos, without blowing holes in the sheet.