Oxy Acetylene Heat Treatment

[SLC_Blades]

I was lucky enough to acquire a portable oxy acetylene rig from my uncle after doing some work for him and I’m hoping to get it up and running so that I have a convenient way of heat treating my knives. It came with an MC acetylene tank (empty and of questionable integrity; probably going to replace it), a B oxygen tank, a welding torch + tip, and a cutting torch + tip.

I’ve been looking for a place to supply the gas and it’s been a shitshow. I’ve heard only bad things about Airgas and their prices are ridiculous. I don’t think I’ll need anything larger than an MC acetylene tank and B oxygen tank, but I’m not sure as I have no reference for oxy/acet gas consumption. I’ll most likely be using the cutting torch for the heating (3/16” stock, 4”-5” blade length).

Would it be worth it to get this set up or is it a waste of time? Should I just go with a large (20k BTU) propane torch and cylinder? If it is worth it, should I go with Tractor Supply Co. as a gas supplier? Finally, are the previously mentioned tank sizes adequate?

Thanks!

 

[kn4wd]

that which you seek is an atlas mini forge. they are worth every penny they cost otherwise you want an electric oven. it does take a little practice to heat treat with the atlas but is better than open air heat treat

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

That sounds like a small plumbers torch kit. They will be too small for doing much. Refills are more expensive on small tanks. Also, the thank size you list for the oxygen sounds like a breathing tank type. I normally see the A-B-C-D-E oxygen tanks from hospital supplies and such. Welding tanks are listed in cubic feet where I get them. A welding supply shop is where to get them refilled.

For doing HT with a torch, you should use a rosebud tip on the torch. Most folks use propane and oxygen with their torches as the propane is far cheaper and readily available everywhere, and the flame is more than hot enough for our needs. The same regulator as used for acetylene works with propane. I would say a 60 CuFt bottle of O2 is the best size for a hobbyist. A 20CuFt tank will work, but it doesn't last long if you use it much.