Gas Welding Torch

Gas welding remains a popular method of welding despite the proliferation of modern torches powered by fuel combinations or electricity.

The downside to gas welding torch is it is relatively slower than other high-powered welding torches because of the additional time required in heating the base metal to suit a specific job.

However, this downside is also the main reason why a gas welding torch remains ideal for home repairs or personal projects in a house shop that require an average of 1-inch thick steel cutting. Likewise, the slower burning is ideal for welding beginners to get a grip on the tool. It also emits a clean flame which is a safer for the worker. A gas welding torch can also perform a variety of jobs - from light welding to cutting, soldering or brazing.

A gas welding torch comes in two types. The first is the Air Fuel gas welding torch. The gas fuel is moved through the torch cylinder and mixed with air to burn. Air fuel welding torches are good for simple light soldering and brazing. An example of this is the propane torch.

The second type is the Oxy-Fuel gas welding torch, which uses pure oxygen instead of air to come up with a hotter flame. Oxy-fuel gas welding torches can produce heat anywhere from 3,500 degrees Fahreheit to 6,500 degrees Fahrenheit, and thus, are ideal for full-blown welding and cutting thicker steels where oxygen is needed.

Professional welders advise against the use of Mapp (Max Power Propylene Pro) gas in welding or cutting torches. Mapp is a type of liquified petroleum gas with high concentration of hydrogen in the flame produced, which mixes with the melted steel and makes the welded product brittle.