Propane tank with acetylene regulator

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi,

I’m new to jewelry and am thinking of investing in a torch. Forgive
me if someone has answered this question already but is it possible
to use an acetylene regulator on a standard BBQ propane tank? The
reason why I ask is that I can get a great bargain on an acetylene
regulator but I was planning on using propane as my fuel because it’s
cheap and I have the tank already. BTW, I’m thinking of using an
oxy/propane setup. Any comments?

Thanks,
Ken

2 
   is it possible to use an acetylene regulator on a standard BBQ
propane tank?

I have heard it said that that is allowable, but I have never done
it or seen anyone using it as such. You will probably need to get
some fittings to go from the propane tank to the regulator which
should be easy… Just propane to the appropriate iron pipe size on
the regulator. (The fitting should be made out of brass.) Don’t
forget to make sure the hoses are rated for propane I think it is
type"T".

Dan Wellman
Speedway IN
Where the formula one race runs tomorrow

3 
is it possible to use an acetylene regulator on a standard BBQ
propane tank?

You need to get an adapter, since the threads on the regulator won’t
fit the propane tank. But the adapters are cheap enough. It works
fine. My propane tank is set up that way, and has been for years.
No problems.

Peter

4

Ask at your local welding supply. They’d know if it is safe to do
this, plus they’ll have the correct adaptor if it is.

T.

5

Actually the large cylinder outlet for acetylene and propane (LPG)
will ideally be he same in the US and Canada. This is a female
outlet valve CGA 510 with a left hand thread. There is (or was) an
alternative standard for both gases in both the US and Canada , CGA
300 , which is a male outlet valve right hand thread with a conical
seat. I think you should have the female outlet valve since it was
the primary and preferred valve outlet. jesse

6

You will probably need to get some fittings to go from the propane
tank to the regulator which Should be easy… a welding shop will
have the adapters you need

ROBERT L. MARTIN
Gold Smith / Diamond Setter

7 
You need to get an adapter, since the threads on the regulator
won't Fit the propane tank.

Hi, My regulator was set up for large acetylene tanks and the
threads were the same as the propane, I would suggest a smaller tank
maybe a five lb… But propane is much cleaner then acetylene.
You’ll need a larger tip for your torch then acetylene.

ROBERT L. MARTIN
Gold Smith / Diamond Setter

8

Ken,

As long as you can find adaptors for the internal threaded (female
fitting) acetylene regulators it’s no problem. However if you have a
510 type regulator “external threaded” (male fitting) it will fit the
tank. Just remember, acetylene regulators to propane tanks no
problem, propane regulators to acetylene tanks can work but is unsafe
and is not recommended. One more thing, please remember all the
safety issues involved with propane tanks inside. Hope this helps

Thackeray Taylor
Rio Grande technical support

9 
   is it possible to use an acetylene regulator on a standard BBQ
propane tank?

I had a discussion with a sales rep. at a local bulk gas supplier
regarding this. He informed me that the rubber diaphragms used in
these regulators are made of different grades. The diaphragm in an
acetylene regulator could fail prematurely when used with propane,
as propane gas attacks this rubber more aggressively. Check this out
with some of the regulator manufacturers.

Richard Dubiel