If your goal is the best propane–oxygen setup for flame‑polishing acrylic, here’s the short, confident answer up front:

The gold‑standard setup is a small, high‑precision oxy‑propane torch (like a Smith Little Torch or Meco Midget) paired with a proper oxygen regulator and a fine #2–#5 tip.  

This gives you a clean, narrow, high‑temperature flame that polishes acrylic without bubbling, scorching, or yellowing.

Below is a complete, practical breakdown so you can choose the right components and avoid the common mistakes that ruin acrylic edges.

🔥 Best Propane–Oxygen Setup for Flame‑Polishing Acrylic

⭐ Recommended Torch Bodies

These are the industry favorites for acrylic fabrication, sign shops, and jewelry-level precision:

1. Smith Little Torch (Oxy‑Propane)

• Extremely fine flame control

• Perfect for 1/8"–1/2" acrylic edges

• Lightweight, ergonomic

• Works with disposable or full‑size tanks

• Most popular for crystal‑clear flame polishing

2. Meco Midget Torch

• Slightly larger body, still very precise

• Produces a smoother, more stable flame

• Great for thicker acrylic (½"–1")

• Preferred by many professional fabricators

3. Gentec Small Oxy‑Fuel Torch

• Budget‑friendly

• Good flame stability

• Accepts standard tips

🔧 Tip Sizes (Critical!)

For acrylic, the tip size matters more than the torch brand.

• #2 or #3 tip → Best for 1/8"–1/4" acrylic

• #4 or #5 tip → Best for 3/8"–1/2" acrylic

• #6+ → Only for very thick edges or large surfaces

A tip that’s too large will bubble the acrylic.

A tip that’s too small will heat unevenly and leave streaks.

🧪 Gas Setup (What You Actually Need)

Propane

• Standard 1 lb camping bottle works

• Or a 20 lb BBQ tank with a low‑pressure regulator

• Propane gives a clean, controllable flame

Oxygen

• Small 20–40 cu ft tank is perfect

• Must use a proper oxygen regulator

• Disposable O₂ bottles work, but are expensive and inconsistent

Hoses

• Twin‑line oxy‑fuel hose (red/green)

• Flashback arrestors recommended but optional for small torches

🔥 Flame Settings for Perfect Acrylic Polish

Neutral flame (NOT reducing, NOT oxidizing)

• Blue inner cone sharp and stable

• No yellow tips

• Oxygen slightly higher than propane

Technique

• Keep the flame ½–1 inch from the acrylic

• Move continuously — never pause

• Let the surface “wet out” and gloss over

• Do NOT overheat or the acrylic will blister internally

🧼 Surface Prep (Often Overlooked)

To get a glass‑clear polish:

• Sand to 400 → 600 → 800 → 1000 → 1500 grit

• Flame polishing only works well on already smooth edges

• Flame does NOT remove deep scratches