How to Set the Regulator for an Oxy Acetylene Cutting

Using an oxygen and acetylene torch offers great versatility in cutting, heating, brazing and welding whether you're using it at work or on a do-it-yourself project at home. One of the first things you must learn before using your oxygen and acetylene torch is how to set up your regulator along with some of the safety steps to take in this process.

Things You'll Need

• Oxygen Cylinder
• Acetylene Cylinder
• Oxygen Regulator
• Acetylene Regulator

Instructions

Instructions

1. Fasten the oxygen and acetylene tanks into torch dollies, or against the wall. This allows you to work with the tanks without risk of their falling over.

2. Remove the protective caps from the cylinder and -- one at a time -- slightly open or "crack" each valve then quickly close them again. This blows away any debris, dust or dirt.

3. Attach the oxygen and the acetylene regulators to the cylinders now. Don't worry about installing the wrong regulator on the wrong tank because acetylene regulators have left handed threads so they cannot be confused.

4. Turn out the adjusting screws in the center of the oxygen and acetylene regulators until you loosen them. Now turn on the valves on top of the oxygen and acetylene tanks. Open the oxygen valve all the way; only open the acetylene one quarter of a turn.

5. Turn the adjusting valves back in until the delivery pressure you desire displays on the regulator. Acetylene pressure should be no more than 10 PSI, and oxygen pressure should be about 50 PSI depending on the size of the cutting tip you're using.

Tips & Warnings

• Use personal protective equipment such as eye goggles, and gloves while using a cutting torch.

• Never transport oxygen, and acetylene cylinders without their protective caps covering the valves on top of the tanks.

References

• Oxygen and Acetylene Regulators
• Cutting Torch Safety