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Perhaps some of the most versatile and useful tools in a shop
environment are torches. They can be used for brazing, soldering, cutting,
bending, and other tasks.
Types of Torches
 Oxyacetylene torches
use a combination of highly flammable acetylene gas and oxygen to make a
flame burning 6,330 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the only torch able to cut
steel. Oxyacetylene torches are widely used for underwater welding and
cutting activities, heat treating stone, and fire polishing glass, in
addition to more everyday shop tasks. Acetylene tanks and hoses are red, and
oxygen tanks and hoses are green or black.
 Plumber’s torches can
be found in many shops as well, since they are more compact. Most of these
are propane fueled, burning at about 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit. They are
mainly used for soldering copper pipes or loosening stuck fasteners and are
not powerful enough to cut, braze, or melt most metal. They can also be found
fueled by butane, propylene, or a blend of gases.
Safety
The cylinders or “bottles” used to hold fuel for oxyacetylene
are under immense pressure. Acetylene is kept at about 3000 psi. Combine this
with acetylene’s explosive abilities, and the tanks become a hazard. When
transporting the cylinders, always remove the regulator and install the valve
cap. Chain cylinders to prevent their falling over. An oxygen cylinder with
over 2,000 psi in it becomes a lethal projectile if it falls over and its
cylinder valve is damaged. Always keep them vertical. Also, keep hoses and
tanks away from flame.
When using the torch, use the correct tip size and pressure.
This can cause the flame to 'flashback' and travel into the hose and
potentially into the tank. This is usually accompanied by a loud popping or
hissing sound. Flashback arrestors should also be employed to prevent this.
Although torches are not as dangerous as welding, they still
produce eye damaging light. Eyewear with a shade of 2-5 should be worn. Also,
many metals, alloys, and anti-rust coatings give off harmful fumes when
heated. Galvanized metal is notorious for this. Always make sure to be in a
well ventilated area when using a torch.
Never oil regulators, valves, or torches, as oil is flammable.
Always bleed off the hoses when finished with the torch, and always light
fuel first, then introducing oxygen.
Finally, do not use oxygen as a substitute for compressed air,
to blow off clothes or surfaces. The oxygen is absorbed by clothing and makes
them extra flammable in the event of ignition.
Stay tuned next month for the last article in the Shop Safety
Mini Series. Make sure to take the quiz below to see if you know how to
be safe around torches.
References and Photo Sources:
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