…" The sequence is important because if oxygen is
allowed to flow into the torch first, then fuel is added, the mixture
is highly flammable. A small explosion could easily turn into a large
one. This is why the fuel is always turned on first, and left on til
last, so that there is insufficient oxygen present to react with all
of it at once."
There have been so many messages about turning the torch on and off.
Is there any definitive answer as to the correct way? I was also
taught, gas on, oxy on, oxy off, gas off (GOOG). I have read this
thread with interest and see for everyone who practices GOOG there
just just as many who practice GOGO (gas on, oxy on, gas off, oxy
off). Apparently different suppliers also offer different
Can anyone out there settle this once and for all?
I use acetylene/air and when I first started 10 years ago I always
got pops when I turned my torch off until my instructor said not to
turn it off rapidly. Just turn the knob off gently. Once I started
doing that, I eliminated pops all together. But would popping be as
dangerous with acetylene/air as with acetylene/oxy? There is no way
to turn off the air on acetylene/air torches.
I am sorry it took so long but I am trying to be thorough. I was
taught that if you are the problem it is your responsibility to
correct it. I sent a response that I had been told by a repairman to
turn off gas first to prevent flames sucking back into the torch and
burning the O-Rings. After it became apparent that there was extended
interest in the topic I did my homework. 40 years ago I was taught
GOOG. Then when I ruined a torch and took it in I was told ( by the
repairman) to turn the gas off first to ensure extuinguishing the
flame (no fuel - no fire). I called the same co. this week and talked
to a new employee- the old man is long retired. The new guy told me
that in yearys gone by they did turn the gas off first to stop soot
from invading the office area. Also if a torch has a leaky valve
inside it will cause damage unless you turn off the gas first and
that was what probably prompted the old guy to give me faulty advise!
He then pointed out that people to this day still don’t do as they
should! Rather than fix my problem he advised me to take a short
cut.I will now have my torch repaired properly. He gave me two ways to
check a torch for leaky valves. First: if a tiny flame glows at the
tip with the valves off the gas valve is leaking. Second and more
certain, after turning off the torch and before closing the gagues
immerse just the tip in a pan of water and watch for bubbles. I did
not ask how much leakage is acceptable but I reccomend that anyone
with concerns about torches check with their suppliers. So for me,
after I am certain that my torches are in proper working order I will
go back to GOOG! I will apologize now for any misI have
generated! Cary