Compressed Air – Propane Gas Torch

[James AParticipant @jamesalford67616]

[James AParticipant @jamesalford67616]

I needed a powerful torch to braze a large, copper sculpture that I am building. Initially, I used a normally-aspirated propane torch, but as the sculpture grew, I needed more heat. I bought a MAPP torch which was better, but used too much gas to be affordable.

Finally, I decided to build a compressed air assisted propane torch. I found some useful information on the internet and used it to build my own.

I took a disused oxy-acetylene torch and made a new nozzle to fit onto a swan neck. The sketch below gives the main dimensions, none of which seems to be too critical.

I made my torch before I had my lathe working, so everything it rather loose and wonky. I brazed it all together and it works.

I have connected the air line from the torch to the hose from a compressor and the gas line to the propane tank. I have blow-back arrestors in both hoses. I use the torch with the compressor and propane set to full.

The settings on the torch controls themselves is quite critical and needs careful setting. However, once the right combination of gas and air is found, the flame is quite compact, extremely hot and very noisy.

I used it on copper, using Rotherberger-Rolot S2 rods.

This short video shows the torch running. The flame is off-centre, mainly because the whole thing is a little wonky. **LINK**

James

 

 

Edited By James Alford on 06/11/2016 22:46:48

Edited By James Alford on 06/11/2016 22:47:31

Edited By James Alford on 06/11/2016 22:48:14

Edited By James Alford on 06/11/2016 22:50:34

[James AParticipant @jamesalford67616]

Here are a few images of the torch (not to scale).

James.

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