Oxy. Acetylene vs propane and gas

[id 10 t]

If you had to replace the Acetylene bottle on your cutting torch what would be better, propane or gasoline?
Propane appears to be just a tip change, but you use more oxygen.
How does the cut quality compare?
Thanks,
Colin

[tnik]

I used to run a burn table and we ran propane and some derivative of it. I had to switch over to acetylene for a few days while our tank was empty and I couldn't get a good burn to save my life.

Only big difference between acetylene and propane is that acetylene burns alot hotter (i believe), and a single peice tip, so using it on a hand torch is perfect. With propane you'll need to get the proper tips and, at least with the burn table, I had a diferent tip for almost each thickness of plate.

[millman52]

I have used Acet., Propane, Mapp. on a machine torch I much opreferr Acet. over any of the others. Mainly on account of preheat time before pierce. I can get any of them to cut cleanly with next to no dross left behind. It is a total learning curve between them though. With a machine torch I have found even the slightest adjustments can make a large difference in cut quality. For me anyway, a 3 line torch with the mix oxygen on a seperate regulator from the pierce/burn also makes for much better consistency in cuts.