Oxy/gas Torches

Hi,

Does anybody use or recommend the oxy/gas torch systems for cutting. Is this system better than the normal oxy/accetelyne ?

I have seen the Petrogen system advertised on the internet, looks impressive are they as good as they say ?

Thank you for you your opinions

Robo

try reading this thread... https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/showthread.php?21651-cutting-heavy-steel&highlight=petrogen

We utilize two types in rescue work Exothermic and Petrogen both have advantages. I personally like the exothermic because I don't have a fuel tank other than the rod. A battery and an oxidizer tank. Rod is expensive

Hi Dist3,

I would need a a torch for general around the farm and odd bucket repair. Which system would suit me better ?

Thanks

I have read that link when searching the forum for Petrogen , thank you any way for posting stumpjumper83.


Robo

robot, i'd prolly stick with oxy/acc

I have the petrogen, It's great if you are going to do a bunch of scrapping. But for everyday use in the shop or on the field truck, Acetlylene is my choice.

i bought a petrogen torch 4 years ago when i was scrapping a bunch of heavy iron,dozers ,etc, it works great cutting and the thicker the steel the better it out performs acetelene. but for all around use the oxy/acetelene is better . you cannot have long term storage of the gasoline it will go bad also you have to blow out the lines and keep them empty of gasoline when not using. plus you cannot braze or gas weld with the petrogen torch.

Hi loggah,

How long can you keep gas in the Petrogen before it no good for use? Also can you get a clean cut using the Petrogen compared to oxy/acetylene?

Thanks

It generally cuts pretty clean, most i cut was greasy and rusty it worked well,not a much slag as if you used propane and oxygen. a lot of the steel i was cutting was 1"-4" thick to. as far as storing the gasoline i wouldn't keep it more then a month in the tank. They recomend fresh gasoline, not even gas thats been setting in containers at all. these torches have to have the nozzles cleaned pretty regularly also to work properly the gasoline will make a gummy substance in the tip. Don

For versatility I would stick with Oxy/Acetylene. It is safe and easy to use, cuts clean, and readily available at any welding shop.
There are economical kits available from Campbell Hausfeld and Hobart.

Scott
Fab Manager
Welders360.com

buy smitih equipment torches...only one left made in the US

Well I finally took the plunge and went for thee Petrogen. Used it yesterday and was impressed with it's cutting ability and the clean slagless cut.

I know a lot of you guys recommended oxy/acc as the best all rounder, but it came down to two factors... costs of hire and gas refills here in the UK and the fact that I don't weld with gas torches.

It was expensive to buy and ship over but it should take about 6 years to pay for it's self.

Thanks for your comments

Robo

Six years to pay for itself? Thats crazy talk. I only use the biggest torch there is because I am looking to cut quantity not quality. I am not making art I am making scrap its not a beauty contest. I have used every torch there is harris, oxweld, smith, victor, flametech, etc. I usually only cut stuff that can't be sheared up. So plate over 1 inch or unprepared machinery is all I cut. The thickest piece I have ever cut is 7 foot thick. I always use bulk oxygen and propane when I can get it. Why you would even want to use a gasoline torch is beyond my train of thought. I can only imagine a leak turning into a combustible nightmare. Remember the line feeding your torch is filled with liquid not a gas. Lets just say you split your line in half gas starts pouring out towards your hot slag pile then what do you do? If you get a leak in your line and don't catch it in time and you hit the line with sparks right where its leaking what would happen? Would there be a puddle of gas that ignites and blows up or what? Gases like propane seem much safer in my opinion and I have cut thousands of tons of Plate and HMS. Here are some recent pics. Just to let you in on my setup right now I am using an 800 gallon liquid oxygen tank and a 435 propane which is basically 100 gallons of propane in it. I usually don't run out either and thieves aren't trying to siphon off my propane either like they might with gasoline. Propane also costs as much as gasoline does per gallon.

We ever noted the petrogen torch on internet. And noted a similar petrol cutitng torch like GYJD oxy-gasoline cutting torch. It seems that the function is same but a little difference on appearance.