Gas Setup: Connect the oxygen and acetylene gas cylinders to the welding torch, ensuring proper connections and safety measures.
Adjustment: Adjust the gas pressures according to the recommended settings for the specific material being welded.
Material Prep: Clean the surfaces of the metals to be welded, removing any dirt, rust, or contaminants. Properly align the pieces to be joined
Oxygen Flow: Gradually open the oxygen valve to create a high-temperature oxygen-acetylene flame.
Melting and Joining: Direct the flame onto the workpieces at the joint. The intense heat from the flame melts the metal, and a filler rod may be added to create a weld pool. The molten metal from the workpieces and the filler rod mix and solidify, forming a weld joint.
Gas Release: Bleed the remaining gases from the hoses by opening the torch valves until the pressure drops.
Secure Equipment: Safely disconnect the torch and hoses from the gas cylinders. Store the equipment in a safe and designated area.
Penetration: Oxy welding tends to create shallower penetration compared to some other welding methods. The depth of penetration depends on factors like flame intensity, welding speed, and the thickness of the materials being welded. The heat from the oxy-acetylene flame melts the base metals, and the filler rod, if used, contributes to the weld pool.
Bead Appearance: The bead appearance in oxy welding can vary based on the skill of the welder and the control of the flame. Oxy welding beads might appear slightly rounded and have a "stacked coin" appearance. Due to the lower heat input compared to other welding methods, the weld beads may be wider on the surface but with limited penetration into the base metal. Oxy welding beads may also exhibit a bit of rippling or waviness, especially if the torch movement isn't perfectly steady.
Versatility: Oxy welding can be used for both welding and cutting, making it a versatile skill for various metalworking tasks.
Artistic Applications: Due to its intricate control, oxy welding is often used for creating artistic designs and details on metal surfaces.
Low Cost: The equipment for oxy welding is generally more affordable and accessible compared to some other welding methods.
Learning Curve: Mastering the precise control of the oxy-acetylene flame can be challenging and may take time to achieve consistent results.
Weaker Joints: In certain applications, the strength of oxy-welded joints might be lower due to limited penetration into the base metals.
Skill Dependent: The quality of oxy welding depends heavily on the welder's skill and experience, making it important to invest time in practice.