Hi There i'm new to this forum but have been welding as a hobby for a number of years (arc only) and was thinking of buying a cutting set from BOC gases but i'm not sure if i should go for acetylene or propane. i want a gas set mainly for cutting loader brackets etc and it would also be nice to be able to heat steel for bending or for opening seized threads any info available would be greatly appreciated
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slim_boy_fat
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Not sure about regulations where you are in the R o I but afaik in the UK there are restrictions on the storage of acetylene cylinders.
I'm sure someone will be along to elaborate soon.
I'm sure someone will be along to elaborate soon.
brightspark
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if your just using for cutting and heating metal go for oxy propane. hardly any hassle and only need rent the oxy bottle 
that halves the price
that halves the price
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Oxy propane is cheaper and is ok for cutting. It doesnt burn as hot as acetylene and tends to use more oxygen. As BS says, there is no need to enter a rental agreement for propane cylinders.
With the dangers surrounding use and storage of acetylene, there are moves afoot to discontinue its supply.
With the dangers surrounding use and storage of acetylene, there are moves afoot to discontinue its supply.
There is nothing to replace it. Supplies have been affected this year because of a major fire - and consequent plant closesure due to H&SE investigation - at BOC's one & only Acetylene manufacturing plant in the UK. It's still the most versatile Oxy/Fuel gas available & I can't see anything replacing it any time soon
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Incidents with acetylene are not that common, but when they do happen, they are major. Biggest problem is when they are involved in fires. Often the presence of the cylinders in a burning building is not known. When they explode they can wipe out a large area. Big hazard.
chunkolini
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There are some amazing Utube films of acetylene fires and explosions. I saw a great one of an American plant ceasing to exist. With brain dead americans driving past it, balls of flame over the freeway, cylinders flying about like rockets. And these idiots driving past it, Bonkers.
Chunko'.
Chunko'.
thanks for the info guys anyhow BOC want approx 200 euro per annum for the rental of both the acetylene and oxygen cylinders and approx 70 euro to fill them both. this is for the half cylinder i.e. one size down from the big ones just thought i'd post that info in case anyone is wondering what sort of money you would be looking at. oh yeah they also want about 400 euro for the full kit for welding and cutting including mixer valve gas regs etc i don't know if this is good or bad value but thats what they quoted me
chunkolini
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That sounds a bit steep but BOC are not known for being reasonably priced.
I cant remember how much I pay for my gas but I am sure it les than that.
The welding/cutting kit? A friend just paid £200 odd for a full set, cant remember what make maybe Murex, a decent job anyway.
Chunko'.
I cant remember how much I pay for my gas but I am sure it les than that.
The welding/cutting kit? A friend just paid £200 odd for a full set, cant remember what make maybe Murex, a decent job anyway.
Chunko'.
Slim Shady
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tell them to charge 150 for the rental and they will. just say you will be getting a load of bottles from them in future.
intergrale4x4
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Try "Air Products" cylinder rental is way less !!
Craig
Craig
