Setting Up the Oxy-acetylene Equipment at TechShop Menlo Park

Intro: Setting Up the Oxy-acetylene Equipment at TechShop Menlo Park

There is very important information regarding the set up of the OXY welding equipment discussed in the OXY welding SBU.  This instructable is only to guide you during your first set-up of the rig.  Please remember to follow the rules and instructions provided in the class!

This instructable will help you set up the oxy-acetylene rig for your first couple of times.

Haven't taken the oxy-acetylene welding class yet?  Sign up now! http://www.techshop.ws/take_classes.html?storeId=1&categoryId=24

NOTE:  This instructable is not meant to replace the oxy-acetylene torch SBU at TechShop Menlo Park, it is merely here as a supplement for those that have already taken and passed the class.

STEP 1: First Things First

As you can see in the picture, we store the oxy-acetylene rig with the bottles facing forward.  We do this so that you can make sure that they are securely fastened to the cart.  If they are not securely fastened, tighten the wing nut.

STEP 2: Get the Kit Out of the Welding Cage

Get the welding cage opened by a staff member.  Get out the OXY box.  Inside the box there should be a cutting torch, several welding torches, torch cleaning supplies, a striker and a welding pressures chart.

STEP 3: Choose Your Torch Kind and Size

Are you welding or cutting?  What is the thickness of your material?

Use the red card to help you decide on an appropriate sized cutting or welding tip.

STEP 4: Check for Your O-rings

There should be two o-rings on the base of your welding/cutting tip.  If you are cutting, the o-rings are easy to see.  If you are welding, the o-rings may be more difficult to see.

STEP 5: Install Torch Top to the Torch Body

Remove the dust cap and screw the torch top onto the torch body.

STEP 6: Preparing to Open the Tanks

Make sure that both torch valves are turned off.  Then make sure both the regulators are off.  You know the regulator is off when the adjusting knob spins freely.

STEP 7: Opening the Tanks and Setting the Pressure

Follow the steps provided in the images.  Open oxygen all the way, open acetylene 1/2 turn.

STEP 8: Start Cutting or Welding!

If you need help getting the torch lit and adjusted to a neutral flame, find a staff member and they will be happy to assist you.

Comments

[bettina-sisr]

What does SBU stand for? I Googled it and came up with 35 different definitions for that acronym-LOL Besides that, thank you for this instructable, I took a welding class a couple years ago and needed to just brush up on the basics (regulator pressures, order of operation type stuff) so thanks this is great! Here's my 1st welded "man" I did w/ Oxy/Acet, MIG, and plasma cutter (LOVE those)

[jbleazy]

When you work at TechShop you must take a class on the "Safety and Basic Use" of a machine before you can use it, which shortens to "SBU".

What a nice welded "man". Most of the people that I have trained in welding use it to make awesome art as well. Good luck to you and I hope you continue to practice and have fun with welding.

[TexasBaconMan]

What do you set the output pressure to?

[jbleazy]

The pressure is specific to the size of the torch you are using. For most small welding tips ( size 000-2) the pressure should be between 3-5psi for both the oxygen and the acetylene. Double check with your torch manufacturer.

[canida]

Ooooh, fire. *adds to class list*