Framebuilders - What do you think of Acetylene-Air torches?

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cycle_maven
08-20-09, 08:30 AM
I'm thinking of branching out from silversmithery into building a couple of frames for myself (wait till you see the headbadges I'm making in sterling! I'll post pix when they're done.), and I was wondering if acetylene-air is adequate for brazing a frame. I have a Presto-lite with #2 (itsy)-#5 (1/4 inch) tips. It has a fairly dirty (sooty) flame, but it seems to be pretty darn hot (melts copper easily) and has mostly reducing rather than oxidizing flame. Would it work for frame brazing, or should I get an oxy-propane outfit? Thanks...

unterhausen
08-20-09, 09:01 AM
I have heard reports that it works fine. Since you have the torch, makes sense to go that way.
NoReg
08-20-09, 11:54 PM
I think anythinq with oxygen is a lot more suitable than anything with a fuel gas only, however hot that gas is. Any fuel gas in comon use can be used, but it is very much lower heat than an oxy boosted torch. I really didn't want to have Acet in the shop, having it, the addition of oxygen and the correct torch is not too steep a cost.