Oxy propane welding kit

[File HandleParticipant @filehandle]

This thread has got me wondering about the future. Will gas welding / brazing/ soldering become a thing of the past as we become greener and move away from gas? Will this have implications for our hobby?

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Hi Keith,Many would consider the petrol blow lamp falling by the wayside as no bad thing, MIG welders were the peserve of the industrial user, now you can buy one with the groceries, or even buy the delux version with a TIG attachment. Induction heating is coming into the hobby market ! The only need for gas will be as a shield ! Is it progress or change ? Noel

[Keith HaleParticipant @keithhale68713]

Hi all,

The demo by Helen at the Midlands exhibition was carried out using an oxy-propane kit from CuP Alloys not BOC

She did the work, I did the commentary.

Keith

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

Actually the residue from Calcium Carbide – yes, its calcium hydroxide – is really excellent as an absorber of carbon dioxide. The result is limestone. So, taking that process alone must be good for the environment …

But of course, the science must be looked at in the round, not in isolation. Carbide is made by heating lime with coke, and the lime is made by heating limestone – giving off carbon dioxide. Yes, exactly as much as will be absorbed in the carbide residues.

The big problem with model boilers is that they are made from copper, and so draw the heat away very quickly. And it is difficult to hold the bits firm while surrounding them with insulation.

Cheers, Tim

[File HandleParticipant @filehandle]

Noel

Years ago, when I regularly used acetylene and arc welding, i remember trying to use carbon rods to provide heat. I never really mastered the technique of holding the rod tips at the correct distance, but didn't try it for long.
I was musing about general changes as a result of the green agenda. My self propelled rotary mower will need replacing eventually. battery ones are not new, I remember a Suffolk Punch that was powered by a car battery from my youth. I suspect that the new(ish) mowers with rechargable batteries will have a much shorter life. My dewalt Nic Cad drill is poor at holding its charge now, but sadly you can't get replacement batteries. Mains power lawn mowers are only designed for smaller lawns, but if a larger one was available, I would prefer one, and live with having to manage the cable(s). We have a big lawn.
But the larger issue is that the cost of the changes will be an issue for those who are least well off.

[Bill DawesParticipant @billdawes]

Hi Peter, sorry a bit late in the day but I bought an Oxy Turbo 200 kit a few months ago, was getting extremely frustrated at all the heat I was having to put in to my 5" boiler to repair a few weeps. I did it but jury still out to be honest, I put some background heat in with my Sievert propane torch and finished local area with the Oxy Turbo. A first timer with it so quickly used up the oxygen cylinder getting the flame right, not used it since but I need to have a bit more practice, Small O2 cylinders expensive unles you are good at it and its a quick in and out.

A friend of mine uses oxy acetylene but he is a qualified welding engineer as well as a good welder.

Bill D.

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