Oxy/Ace

TechnicAl · Jun 24, 2016

Jan said:
Oddly enough both hoses have arrestors fitted at each end - doubly safe!
The hoses are showing no signs of cracking up - safe.
The gauges show no signs of damage after a very close inspection - safe.
Guns checked and passed as fit for purpose - safe.

Back in the day I regularly used much older equipment long before the concept of flashback arrestors were even invented. Why not? I know how to handle a burning/brazing gun without it flashing back. Can't recall a single occasion when that happened to me, even though all my oxy/ace use was outdoors in all weathers. Even so I also know how to handle a hot gas cylinder.

Since I'll be using it mostly for lead burning and brazing safety is even more assured. It's not brain surgery!

One question and we can all go away and think about it: What are refill costs for the sizes shown, and what are the rental prices? No website will quote them.

Where abouts in Rotherham are you?

octo0072000 · Jun 24, 2016

TechnicAl said:
Where abouts in Rotherham are you?

he's well away from you al

TechnicAl · Jun 24, 2016

Bill Edwards · Jun 24, 2016

Jan said:
Oddly enough both hoses have arrestors fitted at each end - doubly safe!
The hoses are showing no signs of cracking up - safe.
The gauges show no signs of damage after a very close inspection - safe.
Guns checked and passed as fit for purpose - safe.

Back in the day I regularly used much older equipment long before the concept of flashback arrestors were even invented. Why not? I know how to handle a burning/brazing gun without it flashing back. Can't recall a single occasion when that happened to me, even though all my oxy/ace use was outdoors in all weathers. Even so I also know how to handle a hot gas cylinder.

Since I'll be using it mostly for lead burning and brazing safety is even more assured. It's not brain surgery!

One question and we can all go away and think about it: What are refill costs for the sizes shown, and what are the rental prices? No website will quote them.

Sorry but no, no and no.
I cannot see flashback arrestors from the photo you posted and I don't believe there will be any at the torch end - there shouldn't be, it needs to be check valves there. In any event, flashback arrestors fixed to the torch would be too clumsy to use.

You are confident that you know what you are doing with the equipment and this might be true, but are you aware that with that attitude you are exactly the kind of person who's most at risk of having an accident?

The fact you have got away without an accident so far doesn't mean anything other than you've been lucky. Flashback arrestors are considered essential safety equipment for a reason. Times have changed and a lot of people have been killed with this equipment, we're not in the '60's any more.

Are you planning to only use the equipment well away from other people with no less than 200m clear in all directions (probably a field)? Because if the answer is yes then that's fine, carry on, if it's only your safety that's at risk.

brightspark · Jun 24, 2016

in 40 years ive had 2 flashbacks and the arestors had tripped and I reset them ,I wouldnt like to think of not having them fitted

TechnicAl · Jun 24, 2016

Jan.............if you want some help PM me and I will put you in touch with someone.......locally

backpurge · Jun 25, 2016

Bill Edwards said:
Sorry but no, no and no.
I cannot see flashback arrestors from the photo you posted and I don't believe there will be any at the torch end - there shouldn't be, it needs to be check valves there. In any event, flashback arrestors fixed to the torch would be too clumsy to use.

You are confident that you know what you are doing with the equipment and this might be true, but are you aware that with that attitude you are exactly the kind of person who's most at risk of having an accident?

The fact you have got away without an accident so far doesn't mean anything other than you've been lucky. Flashback arrestors are considered essential safety equipment for a reason. Times have changed and a lot of people have been killed with this equipment, we're not in the '60's any more.

Are you planning to only use the equipment well away from other people with no less than 200m clear in all directions (probably a field)? Because if the answer is yes then that's fine, carry on, if it's only your safety that's at risk.

Flashback arrestors are not a recommendation they are a legal requirement

Bill Edwards · Jun 25, 2016

backpurge said:
Flashback arrestors are not a recommendation they are a legal requirement

I wasn't aware of that for private use, but then it isn't something you need to know; it's common knowledge that using the kit without is madness if you put any value on human life so it shouldn't even need to be law!

WorkshopChris · Jun 25, 2016

Big issue is every time there is a incident involving acetylene, the scare stories start making it harder to justify its use for those that use it correctly and treat it with the respect it reserves.

Chris Stevens · Jun 25, 2016

Jan said:
Having just bit the bullet I've bought a used, but fair condition, oxy/acetylene set for cutting, welding brazing and 'warming'. Guns (2), Bagging, gauges, bottles, the lot.

But ...

Assuming that the gasses won't last until I give up the ghost what is the general price for changing them at your local, friendly scrap yard or garage? As you can see in the pic the 02 is a 'W' bottle and the gas is a little shorter. The apparent height at the same as my Argoshield Lite bottle is caused by the latter being on a trolley and therefore a few inches off the floor.

View media item 9117
Ta very glad, old chums.

Cant see anything there that looks safe to use? Cost of new O/A gear isnt that much, but bottle rental and cost of gas is something that makes OA pretty costly for occasional use. Best option if you have specific use for OA welding, for occasional use is probably going to be getting a pair of rent free cylinders, and buying torch, hoses, regs, and flash backs new. If its regular use commercially, then you will have to bite the bullet and pay rental on W cylinders (about £280 yr)................and get the best deal you can on gas prices.

Bill Edwards · Jun 25, 2016

WorkshopChris said:
Big issue is every time there is a incident involving acetylene, the scare stories start making it harder to justify its use for those that use it correctly and treat it with the respect it reserves.

Well there certainly have been some horrible incidents with it and it has the potential to be lethal. But it's pretty safe if used correctly and with the appropriate safety measures, including flashback arrestors.
The important thing is to be aware and understand the dangers and avoid complacency while being happy that you aren't standing on an unexploded landmine at the same time.

WorkshopChris · Jun 25, 2016

A few years ago Essex Fire & Rescues brought the A12 (a major trunk road around hear) to a complete standstill.
When one of there fleet support mobile workshop vans set fire, engine/electrical. However the driver failed to instantly remove the portable oxy acetylene set from the back.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7033877.stm

I agree when used with common sense and correct procedures its perfectly safe.

backpurge · Jun 25, 2016

To be honest a lot of the tales around DA incidents are urban myths, have a read of the FRS new guidelines for dealing with cylinders in fires if you want the common sense approach

brightspark · Jun 25, 2016

it seems to be people that haven't ever used or had the gear spreading the horror stories or believe what they hear

roofman · Jun 25, 2016

brightspark said:
it seems to be people that haven't ever used or had the gear spreading the horror stories or believe what they hear

So far this week we,ve been blown to bits by an old oxy hose failing and had half a compresser tank in-bedded in our heads..cant wait for tomorrow

Chris Stevens · Jun 25, 2016

Just seems to me a bit silly pushing your luck with very old decrepit looking OA gear, when new isnt going to cost an arm and a leg?
Gas is the major cost with OA, and if you cant afford new gear, the gas is likely to be a major shock.

Bill Edwards · Jun 25, 2016

You're probably right there Chris, the kit isn't very expensive.

Personally I do use a pair of old regulators which I have had and looked after for a long time so not exactly new to me and torches I don't really worry about, though they're cheap if there's anything suspect.
Hoses should be in perfect condition and that can often mean new and they're so cheap. You can't be sure that somebody hasn't used them for propane in the past when running out of acetylene and the damage caused by this will be internal so how can you know old hoses are safe?

Flashback arrestors more than anything - two minutes finds a pair for £24 delivered so why wouldn't you? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flame-Sto...481682?hash=item2a69224b92:g:i5QAAOSwYmZXI0Fe

taxi ray · Jun 30, 2016

A shop local to me sells, a complete kit for £189.00. You can probably get it a lot cheaper elsewhere, what price can you put on safety.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oxygen-Ac...859903?hash=item1eb3a3907f:g:7VkAAOSwnDZT8j5z

Appyasme1 · Jul 1, 2016

brightspark said:
it seems to be people that haven't ever used or had the gear spreading the horror stories or believe what they hear

What price safety?

brightspark · Jul 1, 2016

Appyasme1 said:
What price safety?

do u own oxy acet gear or have u ever used it

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