Natural gas

Jewelry Discussion
21

All, Rio has had many calls on this subject and we did do a lot of
research into this problem. To plumb anything into your gas lines
usually takes a licensed plumber, a license, and an inspection, Rio
has usually made the suggestion that anyone contact a plumber or
contractor who can make these modifications to their home gas lines.
Gas pressure can vary from state to state and even from one end of
town to the other. It is not in the best interest of anyone to have
their home blown up because of a gas leak.

Now the shameless plug. If you will turn to your NEW Tools &
Equipment catalog 2004, page #5. We have a new natural gas pressure
booster. The G-TEC TB-30 pressure booster connects directly to your
natural gas line and increases the line pressure up to 25psi at a
rate of 30 cu. ft./hr. It supplies enough pressure to run several
torches, including melting torches, off the same setup. This will
save you money over bottle exchanges and you should never run out of
fuel again.

I hope this help. Respectfully,

Phillip Scott G.G.
Technical Support & Sales
Rio Grande
1-800-545-6566

22

Do you know what pressure you have in your NG line? That seems to
be the sticking point. I assume that the special tips available by
such as Hoke for NG would work. Thanks Kevin

23

Phillip, it would be helpful if you would pass this info on to those
who answer queries at Rio. I think we know about variations in gas
pressures in different localities. The big question was what
pressure is required for the Smith NG torch that Rio sells ( without
the booster). K Kelly

24

Natural gas is safer to use than propane (in most areas of the
country it’s illegal to store propane tanks indoors). And natural
gas is cleaner to use than acetylene. But in many locations,
natural gas pressure is not high enough to run a casting torch.

There are options however … from torches specially designed to run
at high oxygen pressure and low natural gas pressure … to natural
gas boosters which are a safe and fire-marshall-approved method of
increasing the natural gas pressure supplied to your shop.

So don’t give up on natural gas just because the pressure you’re
supplied is low. Check with your tool supplier for options that can
make it work for you.

Best Regards, Elaine Corwin VP Technical Services www.gesswein.com
Gesswein Co. Inc. The Right Tools 1-800-544-2043 x287

25

Thanks for clarifying the question. I am currently on the Technical
Support Team for Rio Grande and do field these types of calls on a
daily basis. There are a lot of variables when considering torches.
Each torch as well as the tips used on that torch will determine what
fuel/PSI rate is needed to efficiently operate your torch.
Compressed air requires a different pressure than Oxygen from a
bottle, or even ambient air which is drawn in around the base of the
torch tip.

The Little torch with natural gas tips requires 4 oz. to 5 PSI. to
work properly.

Tip #4 = 4psi
Tip #5 = 6psi
Tip #7 = 8psi
heating/melting tip = 5psi

Smith Versa torch will require approximately 8psi on the natural

Gas line but can require as high as 12psi depending on the tips used
and the opperation it is used for. It is unlikely that most torch
systems would need anything over 25 psi. even for casting though
multiple torches on the same line could change the line pressure
requirements.

Rio does support the Smith line of torches but other torches used
for jewelery should be in the same ball park for pressures.

I hope that this helps clarify the that has already been
provided on this forum. If you have any further questions on
torches and are not able to get straight answers, please contact Rio
Grande’s technical support department and we will try to assist you
or find answers for you.

Respectfully,
Phillip Scott G.G.
Technical Support & Sales
Rio Grande
1-800-545-6566