FWIW, I checked the local fire codes before I decided to go with an oxy-acetylene torch. I was a little surprised to find that are were fewer restrictions on oxy/acet then there are on oxy-propane.

Believe it or not I am not allowed to have more than two of the 1-pound handheld torch cylinders in a residential structure (section 3809.9.2), and there seems to be no allowance for doing hot-work with LP-gas in a residence outside of construction/renovation work on the building itself (section 2605.4.2.1.1, 105.6.23)

On the other hand, I can work with individual acetylene tanks up to 40 c.f. (or 150 c.f. with a permit) and totaling up to 200 c.f. (or 1000 c.f. with permit) in a residence (sections 2605.4.1.3.1, 105.6.8, 105.6.23)

http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/Seatt...e_frameset.htm

Propane has two big drawbacks: it's heavier than air and will fill up a basement or garage if it leaks. And if a tank ruptures in a fire it is very violent (acetylene less so because it is limited by how fast it comes out of the acetone solution)