Torches--- dirty acetylene

Jewelry Discussion
1

I see the remarks about dirty acetylene, and it is as far as
your walls concerned, but doesn’t the sooty flame mean reduction,
or cleaning (taking up oxygen) as far as melting is concerned?

Roy (Jess)

2

Aloha, Acetylene gas contains carbon components.Which are very
contaminating in some applications,in particular,Platinum work
and casting(don’t do it,avoid at any cost) and in soldering
gold.Difficulties can be avoided or eliminated by using another
choice of gas(propane,natural,or hydrogen).Some people have no
choice but,If you can,it is better.Hope this answers some peoples
question.If you have more,ask away.

      Regards,
      Christian Grunewald
      Jewelry By Design
      Hawaii
3 
   I see the remarks about dirty acetylene, and it is as far
as your walls concerned, but doesn't the sooty flame mean
reduction, or cleaning (taking up oxygen) as far as melting is
concerned?

hi Roy (Jess),

acetylene causes (or has) hydrocarbons that like to enjoin
themselves to your melt, creating “dirty” metal. doing what you
mention above does reduce the chance of oxidation, as it would
with most fuels, but may actually aggravate the hydrocarbon
contamination.

best regards,

geo fox

4 
  I see the remarks about dirty acetylene, and it is as far as
your walls concerned, but doesn't the sooty flame mean
reduction, or cleaning (taking up oxygen) as far as melting is
concerned?

Roy (Jess) I think what they are referring to are the little
black carbon thingies that float through the air as the torch is
used. Mine hasn’t done that yet, but I have seen that while
visiting fellow silver smiths . . .at least those who have
purchased used equipment.

Again, I say, my torch has never expelled any of these carbon
thingies . . . but, my torch is only a few years old. Maybe the
old torches should be cleaned on a regular basis? I don’t know
anything about maintance of torches. And I’m not sure whether
maintance has ever been discussed.

5

For those with acetylene torches - don’t you have to take a
reamer to the torch tip to clean out the carbon on a regular
basis? Laura

6

Laura said,

 For those with acetylene torches - don't you have to take a
reamer to the torch tip to clean out the carbon on a regular
basis?

Not if you adjust (oxy/gas flow) the torch when you use it.

Dave

7 
  For those with acetylene torches - don't you have to take a
reamer to the torch tip to clean out the carbon on a regular
basis? Laura

I honestly don’t know. . . my torch is relatively new. I’ve
never had the “floaters.” Nothing came with the instructions . .
. so any advice would be greatly appreciated.