[Jewelry making - Article 00664] - Re: [Orchid] Acetylene prestolite torch safety

[Victoria Woollen-Danner]

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    Firstly, I want to thank Mr. Howard for clarifying the issues
    surrounding acetylene/natural /propane gas in a simple,
    understandable way. I do have some questions for him for my
    particular set up. 

    I wish I could achieve the perfect arrangement for my oxy/propane
    Little Torch in my own studio. My situation is this, at the moment I
    divide my time where I live (and work) between Maine and Illinois. I
    have to pack up my tools and some equipment and move them every 6
    months. In Illinois we heat with propane and have a huge tank in the
    back yard. (ugly, but necessary) I am not sure about a convenient,
    safe, economical way to tap into this tank to use for my torch. My
    workspace is in the basement, though I don't know if this has any
    bearing on this. I have over the years simply used a propane tank
    like the one you use for gas grills. I don't, by the way, transport
    my gas or oxy tanks. I have them at each site and leave them there.
    I have used this arrangement for my tanks for years and have had no
    problems. I am very safety conscious and follow recommended
    precautions (ie: close down the regulators at the end of the work
    day, bleed the lines, back off the t valve, use flash back
    arrestors, strap tanks into place to avoid tipping), I feel
    comfortable with my set up except for this particular issue of tanks
    in the studio, which I feel limited in my ability to rectify. 

    In Maine, we use heating oil or kerosene as a heating source so I
    don't have a ready supply outside to tap into, not to mention not
    having the money to get a larger stationary propane tank set up
    outside. Would you suggest any alternatives to having a propane gas
    tank in my studio? I can't really come up with one. BTW, I don't
    rent so I can retro fit if I want, also I live in the country so I
    am not surrounded by others at a close range (just in case there is
    an explosion!) I feel I am taking a calculated risk and am
    relatively safe but I also don't want to be convincing myself of
    this because it is what I WANT to believe! I think oxygen is much
    more prone to explosion than gas and I don't worry too much about
    that, so..... you may see my logic! :) It may be flawed but to be
    honest, this is the route my thinking has taken me!! Also, since it
    is Maine it gets mighty cold there. Is this an issue at all with a
    small tank outside? What about the lines from the outside? I assume
    they would have to be copper? I also don't want to use disposable
    cannisters. They're too expensive and wasteful. 

    Another issue is that eventually I will open a small store front
    with my studio space there and am worrying about my torch being used
    in this venue. This may be where I HAVE to use disposables:(I
    apologize for rambling on a bit. Thanks for any suggestions in
    advance. 

Victoria
www.vwdjewelry.com
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