Torch problems

[Parm]

Ok, gotta hi lo 3 torch with no3 tip and running it with oxygen and propane,

I cannot get the thing lit. I've tried the metal bench trick and then it lights but flame is so small it's next to useless. When lit and I turn anything up itv just goes out.

With the expection of the torch everything is brand new

What am I doing wrong

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Is the nozzle a 2 part nozzle or 1 solid nozzle?
Propane nozzles are 2 part and acetylene nozzles are 1 part.

 

[Parm]

As far as I can tell it's two part, there's the shank, a mixer attachment and the a no 3 tip.

I will upload pics in the morning

 

[Wendelspanswick]

As far as I can tell it's two part, there's the shank, a mixer attachment and the a no 3 tip.

I will upload pics in the morning

Do you mean a Saffire type welding torch as these will not work on Oxy/Pro, only Oxy/Ace.
You can use a Saffire type cutting torch on Oxy/Pro but only with the correct 2 part nozzles, an inner and an outer part.
I think the Propane nozzle is prefixed PNM.

 

[bambuko]

...Saffire type welding torch as these will not work on Oxy/Pro...

are you sure?

 

[brightspark]

ive used a number one and 2 nozzle just to try oxy propane with a saffire welding torch .a bit of trial and error with the regulator pressure and can be done its just a bit finiky to set the flame. light the gas 1st not a lot of pressure needed .get a decent flame out of the tip 2 much pressure and it will blow out once set introduce the oxygen verry slowly at a low pressure if it snuffs out its to high if itpopps and goes out theres not enough flame

 

[Wendelspanswick]

are you sure?

They are designed for Acetylene, Brightspark is the first person I have heard of who has been able to get one to work on Propane.

 

[brightspark]

They are designed for Acetylene, Brightspark is the first person I have heard of who has been able to get one to work on Propane.

u dont want to see any pictures do u i cant be bothered to put the reg on the propane bottle of the acetylene on to show ive only ever tried a number one and 2 i think a 3 would be like a flame thrower

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I know when I gave up my Acetylene bottle I tried Propane in my Saffire welding torch and gave up. Propane works fine in the cutting torch though so I use that for heating.
Mind you if the BOC deal includes Acetylene I might get a cylinder again.

 

[bambuko]

hi-lo 3 torch (which is what OP is asking about):

 

[Wendelspanswick]

That's a Saffire copy, the two cutting nozzles in the kit are Acetylene nozzles as they are prefixed ANM, although you can fit the PNM propane nozzles.
As I said I never had any joy with using Propane with the welding nozzles, I didn't think it was possible.

 

[Parm]

One more Ty befor I get acetylene

 

[brightspark]

One more Ty befor I get acetylene

theres no comparison between the 2 .once u have used acetylene u wont want to be without it

 

[bambuko]

...I never had any joy with using Propane with the welding nozzles, I didn't think it was possible...

I (and many others) use oxy-propane with so called "welding/designed for acetylene" swaged nozzles for brazing.
Having said so, I haven't tried Saffire 3 (or it's copies) so maybe there is something I am missing?
Acetylene would be better but it's not an option for many of us.

BTW this is what I am using:

 

[brightspark]

heres the propane lit .flame must be back to the tip or it blows out . then introduce oxygen slowly till u get the cone and thats it. the cone is a lot longer using propane and not as hot and defined like acetylene .i use this lightweight torch and had it 45 years. i have others but this is the best

 

[Parm]

Ok chaps, it definitely works, this is also what my research suggested. But why can't I get it to work?

When I light the propane the flame is probably 50mm from the tip to get it to stay on the nozzle I have to turn down the pressure so it's next to nothing. When I introduce the oxy the biggest cone I can can is 3 to 4 mm and more pressure on the oxy and it just pops out.

What a. I doing wrong?

 

[brightspark]

what size nozzle u using .thats a number 2 in mine il try a number 3 and post sounds. like your oxygen is 2 high

 

[bambuko]

What pressure setting do you use for propane and oxygen?
If your propane flame is away from the tip than it's too high - it could be crappy adjustment on the torch? too high pressure at the regulator.
Like brightspark says propane flame has to be connected to the nozzle, otherwise adding oxygen will snuff it out (you can increase/adjust things later).

BTW that's my settings:
Oxygen pressure: 11-12psi
Propane pressure: 5-6psi

 

[Parm]

I'm not too sure, it may be a no3, how can I check?

I will post some pictures of my set up latter on today

 

[bambuko]

They normally have the number stamped somewhere on the base, if not #3 will be the biggest of three you have.