How to Light a Welding Torch

Lighting the welding torch may be the easiest part of welding.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oxy-acetylene welding rig
• Striker
• Personal protective equipment: gloves, shade 3 (or darker) eye protection, welder's apron and sleeves.

1. 
   A welder using personal protective equipment

   Put on personal protective equipment. This should include a long sleeved shirt and long pants, face protection with at least shade 3 or darker eye protection, leather welder's gloves, and leather sleeves and apron, if they are available. Keep long hair restrained with a hat or in a pony tail. Make sure your work area is free of petroleum products, grease and other flammable materials.

2. 
   A MAPP and Oxygen welding rig, similar to oxy-acetylene rigs

   Open the valve to start the acetylene gas flowing. If you are unsure which valve is which, trace the tube to the shorter of the two tanks, and open it.

3. 
   A gas torch head

   Strike the striker beside the nozzle with the gas flowing. If the gas does not light, increase the flow slightly until it catches.

4. Increase the flow of acetylene gas slowly until the flame no longer smokes.

5. Slowly open the other valve to add oxygen gas to the mix. Add oxygen until the flame has sharply defined edges and burns blue.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear long-sleeved cotton or leather clothing while welding to prevent burns.
• Make sure that the work area is free of petroleum products and grease.
• Never wear clothing made of synthetic fibers while welding. Such clothes can melt and cause severe burns.
• Never attempt to light a welding torch with anything except a flint striker.