This is how i cut large pieces of lead

[greenbud]

Acetylene torches converted to use Propane

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTxqNjAn2Ro

[greenbud]

No love, no hate, no advice...?

[Larry Gibson]

It works for me. I just use my acetylene torch but don't hit the oxy. Slices through bars of Linotype and lead easily.

Larry Gibson

[zuke]

Look's like an easy way to do it.
I'll keep that in mind if I ever find me a big enough piece worthy it.

[JohnFM]

You can get what you need to run propane at any good welding shop.
A lot of salvage yards used to use propane, because while it wasn't as efficient as acet it was cheap.
With propane getting so high I don't know now.

[greenbud]

You can get what you need to run propane at any good welding shop.
A lot of salvage yards used to use propane, because while it wasn't as efficient as acet it was cheap.
With propane getting so high I don't know now.

Well at 35 for a 5 pound Acetylene fill and 23 for a 20 pound propane fill it seems good to me lol

Thanks for the input I need to make another video with a list of supplies needed with part numbers and how to install them. Any other ideas you have would be great!

[nanuk]

how did you convert your torches?

[JohnFM]

Takes different tips and mixers.
Go to a welding supply shop and they can show you the parts.
About all I've ever used is Victor, but a buddy had a Harris rig set up for propane.

[greenbud]

Thats the point you dont have to.
The only side effect any of the junkers I have talked to have found in over 20 years of scrapping metal is that the hoses seem to wear out faster. You can buy hoses made for propane at around 60 to 80 or just replace the regular hose every 5 years for 20 to 30. They sell propane regulators that cost 3 times as much but use the exact same replacement part numbers. AKA regulators are exactly the same just lable different and marked up.

[Longwood]

The last 50 foot acetylene bottle I got filled cost me over $48.

Has anyone tried a plasma cutter?

[JohnFM]

Used 'em on tough to cut stainless. Might work like a champ.
Try one out.

[greenbud]

plasma works fine on steal but need electrical ground to cut with I will try it

[Typecaster]

Ah yes, propane: the funny fuel. The rule of thumb used to be that acetylene cost 7 times as much as propane for flame cutting. Propane won't weld iron, but works fine for cutting IF you don't mind a little longer preheat.

Propane tips are 2-piece, regulators are the same.

The video says you need an adapter; he did because he was using a regulator for the little MC or B acetylene cylinder. Larger acetylene tanks use a POL valves, same as the inside thread of a propane tank—even the new ones with the Acme outside thread on the valve (there's a female POL thread inside).

Acetylene hose is grade R (rubber), and will eventually be softened by the propylene content of propane (up to 5% in HD-5 spec product). The safest hose to use is grade T, suitable for all fuel gases. Yes, it's more expensive, but if you buy it once you have it for either fuel.

Another benefit of using propane is that there's no soot…

Richard

[geargnasher]

Yes, a plasma torch will cut lead. I, however, don't do it because it makes, you guessed it, LEAD VAPOR. Whether or not it condenses to dust before you breathe it or after you breathe it is moot to my way of thinking.

I prefer hatchet, axe, chainsaw, sawzall, bandsaw, or even circular saw depending on size and shape.

Gear

[para45lda]

+1 on a chainsaw