How Does an Acetylene Torch Work?

Volatile Gasses

Oxy-Acetylene torches use a spark flame to ignite volatile gasses to create a flame that is capable of burning at over 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fueling the Flame

Once the flame is sparked, it is fueled by pressurized air. This air is housed in a metal canister with valves on the top and is released in a controlled fashion by turning the valves a small bit at a time.

Brazing, Bending and Cutting

The torch brazes metals together by fusing the metals with a bonding agent that is similar in its properties to the metals being brazed. These torches can also be used to cut or bend metals by heating them to a temperature at which they become malleable.

Resources

• More on Acetylene Torch Use
• An Overview of Acetylene Torches