[AT] Torch kit

[jtchall at nc.rr.com]

I've been taught both ways, cut the acetylene off 1st and the high pressure 
flow of the oxygen will keep the torch from popping. Cut the oxy off first 
and you won't get the pop, may roll a bunch of soot tags though. Don't know 
which is correct/safer--if either. We have back-flo, flash arresters or 
something like that on our torch at work, we added them years later.

If you have a welding supply store near you, I would pay them a visit and 
talk with their sales staff. Personally, I would look into getting a new 
set-up that uses acetylene. With that you can do anything and you will be 
using what 99% of torch owners use. When you have a question or look to get 
rid of the torch years down the road, things will be easier. I'm not even 
going to debate about propane being cheaper, in your case it does not 
matter. You are not looking to slice up 100 pcs of old farm machinery that 4 
generations have left in the hedgerows of the family farm are you?  I 
probably don't use a tank a year of either.

Regarding tanks, It cost more to rent, but they are somebody else's headache 
and whoever you rent from will keep them filled. If you decide to rent and 
then decide to get rid of your torch a few years down the road, tank 
disposal is easy.

I would suggest whatever you get to have a friend or acquaintance with torch 
experience come by and show you how to use it. And for God's sake, wear 
cutting goggles when you are cutting. Tinted safety glasses are OK for 
warming bolts but weird stuff happens when you start cutting, especially 
with multiple pieces welded or bolted together. I got sprayed last year 
quite unexpectedly.

John Hall