Propane V Acetylene cutting

[JAHetfield]

Currently using Propane cutting gear, mainly for cutting scrap into lengths to fit onto the trailer. Simply because I was given a free set of regulators, a torch and a handful of nozzles. Plus Propane can be purchased from my local hardware store and I can get Oxygen refills handy enough.

So what is the differences in Propane and Acetylene cutting? I know I'll need a licence for an Acetylene bottle so just asking out of pure curiosity.

[Evoluzione]

Try here: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/index.php

I wasn't aware you needed a license for Acetylene?

[busta]

Don't know but we've always used propane for hacking into farm stuff and managed ok. Cutting is better (neater?) with acetlyene but a plasma cutter is better still and a much wiser investment IMO.

[//j17]

http://www.cousesteel.com/AndysPlace/PropaneAcetyl...

[busta]

Great link, thanks!

[thinfourth2]

Propane all the way just for the sheer ease of use

Also get a set of welding nozzles, you can't weld with propane due to flame chemistry but it makes heating up nuts etc for removal far easier

[aberdeenelvis]

Propane is ok for cutting small gauge but Acetylene is the way forward!

A few years ago a pall was trying to cut old railway line with propane and it would not touch it. I turned up with the Acetylene and went through it in seconds.

The difference is night and day! Acetylene is far easier to work with.

[hawko1984]

i use both propane and acetylene for cutting and welding on the railway. propane is the cheaper, but acetylene burns hotter so you dont need as much as you would with propane