Propane vs acetylene???

**rustycase** · 04-17-2011, 05:57 PM

So I posted an avatar for the giveaway of that GREAT machine contest, and started making up a signature including some tools...
and that got me to thinking. (It hurts!)

I am making a switch from acetylene to propane on my torch setup...
Among the most recent projects, I'm working with copper, and the heat generated by propane is sufficient, and it's cheaper... It also works well for the cutting torch.

Problem is, the propane will degenerate a Type R fuel gas hose... as the fellow put it, faster than you would like !

Anyone know of a source with the best price on Type T hose?

Type T will work for both acetylene and propane...

Tnx
rc

**Gadget** · 04-17-2011, 07:00 PM

I've used propane and the same hose that came with my torch for many years with no problems. Of course I don't use them often. The shop I used to work for did the same for over 20 years with no problem either. Either we were lucky or the warnings are a bit overcautious. Still makes me stop and think a bit though.

**rustycase** · 04-17-2011, 07:57 PM

Well thanks, gadget,
I guess that's encouraging!

I'm NOT a well organized shopkeeper, already have lots of flammables around, and I was thinking it would be a good idea to get the proper hose soon as I am able.
The Type T is something I'd just heard about recently.
Of course I already discovered tips are too small, that worked with acetylene!
Basically I'll use it for soldering and brazing.
rc

**odleo** · 04-17-2011, 10:42 PM

Rustyncase, I might be wrong, but I saw type T at Tractor supply. When I asked the guy heping me said it was only good for propane. Maybe some of the pros here will know for certain

**rustycase** · 04-18-2011, 12:35 AM

I got the info direct from the airgas book, Leo. and the sales rep at their store. FWIW

rc

**SICFabrications** · 04-18-2011, 01:20 PM

ok, heres the deal with multi fuel hose.... GET IT... if you are running any other fuel than acetylene, you need the multi fuel hoses.... dont take the chances, it aint worth it. the tips for propane and acetylene are WAY different as well, not only in the price, but also in the way they mix the gasses as they come through the torch. this is something that you dont need to play around with, trust me.

the tips for propane/ propylene, mapp and the likes are 2 piece construction and look funny. these fuels are liquified petroleum. they arent a gas that generates from acetone (and no, you cant make enough acetylene from acetone to do this, so dont even think about it) so, when you get a burn back from using the wrong tips and wrong hose, you have actual liquid gasses inside the hoses and regulators and a lil fire there = big boom...

there is a reason why they offer "t" type hoses, there is a reason why the tips are different... ever stop n wonder why?

about the only place that can offer "t" hoses in their true form is the welding supply houses. the ones from tractor supply are not made in the u.s. and therefore dont have to follow the same regulations that the ones made in the u.s. have to follow... you get what you pay for... i think ive spoke my mind enough...

hopefully, ive clarified this enough for ya

stan

**odleo** · 04-18-2011, 11:13 PM

Thanks Stan, Never thought about the differences in manufacturing out of country.

**d4ve** · 05-09-2011, 09:05 PM

What kind of copper work are you doing RC? Standard soldering/brazing or are you looking to actually weld copper? Is welding copper actually possible and if so what is the process. Sorry if I am thread jacking but my curiosity is piqued? As for T grade hose I have seen some on ebay which might work, try searching "t grade hose" it brings up some twin hoses with made by ?anchor?

Dave