Intro to Oxy-Acetylene Welding - Part 1

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15 Feb 201911:54

Summary

TLDRIn this instructional video, the host demonstrates oxy-acetylene welding, starting with setting up the regulator tanks for oxygen and acetylene. They emphasize safety, including using eye protection and gloves. The tutorial covers adjusting the torch for the right flame, tacking to join metal pieces, and performing a fusion weld. The host highlights the importance of controlling the heat and movement for a successful weld, resulting in a flat, well-penetrated joint.

Takeaways

🔥 Safety First: Always remember the rhyme 'Acetylene before Oxygen' to avoid mistakes.
🛠️ Check Equipment: Ensure the torch tip is clean and the correct size for welding.
💧 Purge Valves: Purge the valves to release any residual pressure before use.
📈 Adjust Pressure: Set acetylene pressure to about 6 psi and oxygen between 8 to 10 psi for optimal welding.
🚨 PSI Limit: Never exceed 15 psi for acetylene to prevent dangerous pressure buildup.
🥽 Protect Your Eyes: Use a number 9 screen for eye and face protection against heat and sparks.
🧤 Use Gloves: Always wear leather gloves to protect your hands from burns.
🔨 Handle Hot Material: Use pliers to handle hot materials to avoid burns.
🔨 Set Up Metal: Place flat bars with a slight gap for better penetration during welding.
🔥 Flame Adjustment: Start with acetylene and adjust the flame to get rid of black smoke, then add oxygen for a clean weld.
💧 Tacking: Start welding by tacking both ends of the metal pieces to hold them in place.
🌐 Fusion Welding: Practice fusion welding by pushing the molten puddle along the length of the joint.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the rhyme 'always acetylene before oxygen'?
-The rhyme 'always acetylene before oxygen' is a mnemonic to help remember the correct sequence of setting up oxy-acetylene welding equipment, ensuring safety by following the proper steps.
Why is it important to ensure the torch tip is clean before welding?
-A clean torch tip is crucial for proper gas flow and flame control during welding. A dirty or clogged tip can lead to an uneven flame, which can affect the quality of the weld.
What is the significance of the half-turn rule when opening the main valve of the acetylene tank?
-Turning the main valve half a turn is a standard practice to ensure that the valve is opened correctly and not over-tightened, which could lead to safety issues or damage to the valve.
Why is it necessary to purge the valves before starting to weld?
-Purging the valves removes any residual gas that could mix with the fresh gas and cause an unsafe mixture, ensuring a clean and safe start to the welding process.
How does adjusting the regulator knob on the torch handle affect the acetylene pressure?
-Adjusting the regulator knob on the torch handle allows the welder to control the acetylene pressure, which in turn affects the intensity of the flame produced during welding.
What is the recommended pressure range for acetylene when setting up for welding?
-The recommended pressure range for acetylene when setting up for welding is about 6 psi, as mentioned in the script.
Why is it advised not to exceed 15 psi for acetylene?
-Exceeding 15 psi for acetylene can lead to an overly powerful flame that may cause safety hazards or damage to the equipment, which is why it's important to stay within the recommended pressure range.
What type of eye protection is recommended for oxy-acetylene welding?
-A number 9 screen is recommended for eye protection during oxy-acetylene welding to shield the eyes and face from the intense heat and light produced during the process.
Why are leather gloves and pliers necessary when welding?
-Leather gloves protect the hands from burns, while pliers are used to handle hot materials after welding to prevent burns and injuries.
What is the purpose of using fire bricks when setting up the welding area?
-Fire bricks are used to protect the welding surface from the heat generated during welding, as they can withstand high temperatures without exploding or cracking.
How does the welder create a molten puddle during the welding process?
-The welder creates a molten puddle by heating the metal pieces until they become molten, then moving the torch back and forth to allow the shiny, molten parts to join together into one puddle.

Outlines

00:00

🔥 Setting Up for Oxy-Acetylene Welding

This paragraph introduces the basics of oxy-acetylene welding, including setting up the oxygen and acetylene tanks. The speaker emphasizes the importance of following a specific order for safety: 'acetylene before oxygen'. They also stress the need to ensure the torch tip is clean and the correct size for welding. The process of setting up the tanks involves opening the main valve half a turn, purging the valves if necessary, and adjusting the regulator to achieve the desired pressure (6 psi for acetylene and between 5-10 psi for oxygen). The speaker also highlights the importance of safety gear such as eye protection and gloves, and the use of pliers to handle hot materials.

05:01

🔥 Starting the Welding Process

In this paragraph, the speaker describes the process of starting the welding process. They begin by lighting the torch with a striker, adjusting the acetylene valve to achieve a clean, feathered flame without black smoke. The speaker then adds oxygen to the mix, which changes the flame's appearance, creating two distinct cones of flame. The goal is to adjust the oxygen until the flame becomes a small, concentrated cone. The welding process involves heating both ends of the flat bar to create a molten puddle that joins the two pieces together. The speaker demonstrates tacking, which is the initial joining of the metal, and then proceeds to a fusion weld, pushing the molten puddle along the length of the joint. The technique involves maintaining a 45-degree angle with the torch and using a zigzag motion to evenly distribute the heat and push the puddle along the weld.

10:05

🔥 Completing the Weld and Post-Weld Cooling

The final paragraph covers the completion of the weld and the post-weld cooling process. The speaker demonstrates how to continue the weld by maintaining even heat and pushing the molten puddle along the metal, using either zigzag or circular movements based on personal preference. They caution against moving too quickly to prevent burning through the metal. Once the weld is complete, the speaker advises turning off the acetylene and then the oxygen valves. They discuss the cooling process, noting that while it's acceptable to cool the weld in water for practice, it's better to let it cool naturally to avoid cracking and becoming brittle. The speaker also mentions cleaning the weld with a brush once it's dry and provides a final assessment of the weld's quality, noting that it appears flat and well-penetrated. They suggest increasing the gap between the metal for more penetration if desired.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡oxy acetylene welding

Oxy acetylene welding is a type of welding that uses a mixture of oxygen and acetylene gases to create a high-temperature flame. This process is used to join metals by heating them to their melting point and fusing them together. In the video, the presenter demonstrates how to set up the necessary equipment, including the tanks and torch, and how to perform basic fusion welding with flat bar steel.

💡regulator tanks

Regulator tanks are used to control the flow of gases such as oxygen and acetylene in welding processes. They are equipped with pressure regulators to ensure a safe and consistent gas flow. In the script, the presenter explains how to set up these tanks correctly, emphasizing the importance of the correct sequence: 'always going to be a before oh, acetylene before oxygen or up you go'.

💡torch

A welding torch is a tool used in welding to produce a localized heat source. It is connected to the gas supply and has a nozzle to control the flame. The script describes the importance of ensuring the torch tip is clean and the correct size for the welding task, which is crucial for achieving a proper weld.

💡tip cleaner

A tip cleaner is a device used to clean the nozzle of a welding torch. It is necessary for maintaining the correct size hole for the gas to pass through, which affects the flame and the quality of the weld. The presenter mentions using a tip cleaner if the torch tip needs cleaning, indicating its role in the welding setup process.

💡acetylene

Acetylene is a gas used as a fuel in oxy-acetylene welding. It is known for producing a very hot flame when combined with oxygen. In the script, the presenter demonstrates how to adjust the acetylene valve to achieve the desired pressure for the welding process.

💡psi

PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a unit of pressure. In welding, it is used to measure the pressure of the gases coming out of the regulator tanks. The script mentions setting the acetylene pressure to about 6 psi and the oxygen pressure between 8 and 10 psi to achieve the right welding conditions.

💡eye protection

Eye protection is essential when welding to shield the eyes from the intense light and heat produced during the process. The script specifies the use of a number 9 screen for this purpose, highlighting the importance of safety measures in welding.

💡leather gloves

Leather gloves are used to protect the hands from heat and burns during welding. The presenter mentions using them to handle hot materials after welding, which demonstrates the need for proper protective gear in this craft.

💡fire brick

Fire bricks are heat-resistant materials used to protect surfaces from the high temperatures generated during welding. In the script, the presenter uses fire bricks to prevent the table from getting too hot, illustrating a practical application of fire safety in welding.

💡tack weld

A tack weld is a temporary weld used to hold parts of a weldment together while the final weld is being made. The script describes the process of tacking both ends of the flat bar before performing a fusion weld, which is an important step in ensuring the pieces stay in place during the welding process.

💡fusion weld

A fusion weld is a type of weld where the base metals are melted and joined together without the use of a filler material. The presenter demonstrates how to create a fusion weld by melting the ends of the flat bar and allowing the molten metal to join together, which is the main focus of the instructional video.

Highlights

Introduction to oxy acetylene welding and setup of regulator tanks

Safety tips for using a welding torch

Basic fusion welding technique using flat bar steel

Setting up the torch with a clean tip for optimal performance

How to use a tip cleaner for maintaining the torch

Regulator tank setup with a rhyme for remembering the sequence

Opening the main valve for the acetylene tank

Purging the valves to ensure safety

Adjusting the regulator to control the acetylene pressure

Setting the acetylene pressure to 6 psi for optimal welding

Oxygen tank setup and adjusting the pressure between 5 to 10 psi

Importance of eye protection during welding

Use of leather gloves to prevent burns

Setting up the welding area with fire bricks to protect the table

Torch lighting technique to achieve a clean flame

Adjusting the acetylene valve to eliminate black smoke for a clear flame

Adding oxygen to the flame to create a hotter welding temperature

Tack welding to join both ends of the flat bar

Fusion welding technique by pushing the molten puddle along the joint

Cooling down the weld naturally to prevent cracking

Inspecting the weld for quality and penetration