Anyone run Little Torch with compressed air and LP (propane)?

Jewelry Discussion
1

I was thinking about trying a spare Little Torch I have with just compressed air and LP Propane since I don’t melt metal with it. Has anyone tried this and if so, what PSI range would I need? Thanks.

2

I have that set up, 1 lb propane camping size, and an air tank. Be sure to use the back flow prevention and proper connections. Air flow is pretty low, or it will blow out the flame.

3

When you say air tank, do you mean an air tank connected to an air compressor? The pressure of an O2 concentrator is in the 5 - 8 psi range. The same would likely be true of compressed air or, as you said, you will blow out the flame. I have often wondered if you couldn’t do this with an aquarium air pump on either dialed down propane or even street pressure NG. This is an interesting discussion…Rob

4

I use refillable oxygen tank, C size, I believe, which lasts a long time, along with the green propane 1 lb canister and Paige tips. It is a nice, easy to use system for small jewelry pieces. Melting scrap needs a larger flame source.

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5

So you use O2 not air…Rob

6

Yep. Lovely set up for my needs.

7

Yes, Rob you are correct in that I want to just use natural air and not an oxygen tank. Good catch. I want to get rid of the giant oxygen tank I have for a larger torch set up I used in the past. I melt all my metal with electric now. I guess I’ll experiment myself with a small airbrush compressor once I make the hoses and fittings and let you know. Also, sorry I didn’t post pictures of the 1700’s ring I’m trying to recreate on my other thread about how to get the stones made. I’m making final adjustments to my design tonight then will post pictures. Treasure salvage guys are a little picky about what things get posted on the internet so I was afraid to post photos but the original ring is still for sale on Ebay so I don’t see why I can’t post photos here.

8

Keep us posted on your experiement. My reply was not to you but to the the second poster who seemed to confuse O2 with air. While related, they are different gases, and a torch will behave differently depending on which gas you use. I have a street pressure NG tap installed in my shop and hope to experiement with it on both O2 and compressed air when I get the time…Rob

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