Air Acetylene Torch Vs Oxy Acetylene: Features And Pros-Cons

Air acetylene torches are more popular than oxy-acetylene torches because they are cheaper to operate and use less gas.

An air acetylene torch uses a more miniature, lighter flamethrower that uses compressed air to ignite the acetylene gas. Oxy acetylene torches have a larger, heavier flamethrower that uses oxygen from the air to ignite the acetylene gas.

However, having knowledge of air acetylene torch vs oxy-acetylene will let you get the most suitable one. So, in this article, we are going to discuss an in-depth guide on air acetylene torch and oxy-acetylene.

Table of Contents

Comparison Table On Air acetylene torch and Oxy acetylene

Torches	Air acetylene	Oxy acetylene
Cost	Less costly	Costly
Gas usage	Minimum	Maximum
Flame Throwing	Light	High
Fuel Efficiency	Longer	Less
Work with	Metal objects or weld joints	To create a hot flame
Heat Producing	Hooter but less heat	More Heat

What is Air acetylene torch?

Air acetylene torches are less expensive to operate because they use less gas. The smaller, lighter flamethrower uses less gas to ignite the acetylene gas, which means the torch can run for a longer time before needing to be refueled.

Air acetylene torches are a popular choice for DIYers, as they are relatively easy to use and require little maintenance. Air acetylene torches are available in both handheld and stationary models and can be used to heat up metal objects or weld joints.

One of the main advantages of air acetylene torches is that they are light flame throwers.

Pros-cons of Air acetylene torches

There are many pros and cons to using air acetylene torches for welding. Have a look:

Pros

Have a wide range of applications
Very portable while moving around
Have a very high gas output
Can be used for welding large pieces of metal
Easy to use and beginner friendly

Cons

Easily cause burns
Welding thin metal is not suitable
Not as efficient as flame-welding torches
Can be quite dangerous if used incorrectly

What is Oxy acetylene torch?

Oxy acetylene torches are one of the most common types of torches used in welding. They use a combination of oxygen and acetylene to produce a hot, Flame.

Oxygen is used to create a hot flame, while acetylene is used to create the heat needed to weld. Oxygen is also used to start the flame, while acetylene is used to maintain the flame.

Pros-cons of Oxy acetylene torches

Oxy acetylene torches are extremely popular due to their many benefits. Here are some pros and cons.

Pros

Produces a high-quality flame
Reliable, efficient, and easy to use
Affordable and very portable
Storage is not an issue for oxy acetylene torches
Safe to use and easy to clean
Easy to replace parts
Can be used in a variety of applications

Cons

They require a steady hand to use
They can be dangerous for beginners

Similarities between Air acetylene torch vs Oxy acetylene

Air acetylene torches and Oxy acetylene torches are often used in welding, as they have a higher heat output than air-powered torches.

They are also easier to use as the fuel and air supply are separate. Here are the core similarities between these two:

Transportation: Both Air acetylene torches and Oxy acetylene torches are portable and easy to use. It is safe to transport these torches according to your workplaces or projects.

Usability: Easy to use and beginner-friendly acetylene torches. But they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Difference between Air acetylene torches and Oxy acetylene torches

Air acetylene torch vs Oxy acetylene torch is always a food fight. However, both of these torches are very familiar to welders. There are several key differences between Air and Oxy Acetylene torches.

Air torches use a compressed air delivery system to create a high-velocity stream of air. This high-velocity air stream vaporizes the material being cut causing a hot, gas-fed flame to ignite.

And Oxy acetylene torches use a gas pedal and a trigger to create the same high-velocity air stream. Oxy acetylene torches use a hotter, more intense flame than air torches.

Air torches are less likely to cause a fire if the oxygen supply is cut off. Oxy acetylene torches will self-extinguish

Oxy acetylene torches are more powerful than air-powered torches and can be used for more difficult welding tasks.

Air acetylene torch vs Oxy acetylene torch: Which one should you choose?

Oxy acetylene torches offer a host of benefits when compared to air torches. Air torches are more commonly used in construction, as they are less expensive and more portable, but oxyacetylene torches have several advantages when it comes to welding and cutting.

For welding, oxy-acetylene torches produce a hotter flame that is more effective at welding metals. The hotter the flame, the better the weld. Oxyacetylene torches also have a longer runtime than air torches, which means they can be used to weld longer pieces of metal.

When it comes to cutting, oxy-acetylene torches are much more effective than air torches. The hotter the flame, the sharper the cutting blade.

FAQs

Can I braze with air acetylene?

Yes, Air acetylene can be chosen for brazing.

Can I weld with just acetylene?

For gas welding, a high flame temperature is needed. And acetylene is the best for producing high flame temperatures.

What burns hotter acetylene or oxygen?

Oxygen is a less hot gas than acetylene. But it can produce much more heat than acetylene. Acetylene is hotter than oxygen but gives less heat.

Is oxy acetylene lighter than air?

Yes, oxy-acetylene gas is lighter than air.

Verdict

When it comes to choosing an air or oxy-acetylene torch, there are a few factors to consider.

The first is the size of the object you’re trying to torch. An air torch is smaller and more portable, while an oxy-acetylene torch is larger and more powerful.

The second is the type of safety. Air acetylene torches are less likely to cause a fire if the oxygen supply is cut off. Oxy acetylene torches will self-extinguish.