Bobcat question ...

[burntfingers]

Okay, so I have all of the things I need to start torching ... the torch, the hoses, the regulators, the propane tank, the oxy concentrator, etc., etc. BUT ... I don't know the order of turning things on. Wally is sending me a new instruction sheet for my torch, but I'm too impatient to wait for the mail to get here! :lol: Does anyone else have a Bobcat torch (or similar set-up) that could walk me through the steps to lighting this sucker up? I'm dying to melt glass!

[swamper]

PO-OP

Turn on Propane, light, turn on Oxy
Turn off Oxy, turn off Propane

POOP

[burntfingers]

Yep, that's what I figured. I guess I just wanted to make doubly sure so that I didn't blow up my garage. :rolleyes:

[earth*monkey]

Yep, that's what I figured. I guess I just wanted to make doubly sure so that I didn't blow up my garage. :rolleyes:

Heh. Good point. I just got my new bobcat set up last Saturday. I made my husband light it the first time. *grin*

[MikeAurelius]

Or, PO - PO.

Doesn't really matter on surface mix torches.

[alissa]

A couple tips (which you may or may not know already!):

- oxy pressure should be double prop pressure - recommended setting is 10psi for oxy and 5psi for prop
- check your hoses for leaks by putting dishsoap on the connections - if it bubbles, you're leaking
- don't forget to bleed your hoses when you finish!
- don't run your bobcat flame at less than 5 inches (possible burnout)
- don't leave propane only going for very long (scum)
- clean your ports out regularly to keep scum from getting stuck
- when you clean the torch ports out, turn on the oxy to blow scum out
- if you get molten glass on the torch face, turn the flame off IMMEDIATELY and knock the glass off
- don't use a lighter to light torch (duh) - use a striker or matches

Enjoy your Bobcat! It's a great torch!

[burntfingers]

Thanks Alissa, there were a few points on your lists that I didn't know about (the less than 5" flame rule for instance). I have been reading "The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking" by Kimberley Adams, which has been wonderful because there's a section on torches and hoses and stuff. I still haven't had the confidence to start up my torch ... I need to check the hoses still for leaks, and I haven't quite figured out a few things:

• I'm not 100% sure how to bleed the lines when I'm done ... I'm scared of blowing something up.
• Do I turn the propane on using the regulator handle, or by turning the propane tank on itself (like you would on a grill)?
• I have an oxy concentrator, does that affect how I'll turn on the torch? The person that I bought it from says that I should turn the concentrator on first, then the propane, then open up the torch valves in P-O-O-P order. Is that right?

I hope you guys don't think that these are really stupid questions - I just want to be safe. O:)

[MikeAurelius]

Welllllll....from my perspective the 5" rule isn't really a rule - the issue is more of being sure you are not overheating the face of the torch. That means if you are going to run a short flame, say under 2", to be absolutely sure it is an oxidizing flame, with plenty of free flow oxygen. You can run micro flames on all torches, just be sure to have plenty of oxygen flowing to keep the torch face cool.

Bleeding the lines: Very easy to do - Turn off the valves on the torch, oxygen, then propane. Turn off the valves on both the oxygen and propane tanks (or turn off the oxygen concentrator/generator). Light the torch, propane, then add oxygen, wait until the flame burns out, then reclose the torch valves, alternately, don't light the torch, but be sure your ventilation is still running, and allow the oxygen and propane to bleed off.

Proane is always controlled like this: Assuming a closed tank and backed off "T" handle on the regulator. Open the tank valve ALL THE WAY. Screw in the "T" handle on the regulator until it reaches the desired pressure. Light the torch and let it run for a few minutes. Adjust the "T" handle again on the regulator to reach desired pressure. To turn off, back out the "T" handle on the regulator, then turn off the tank valve. Never leave the "T" handle set for a specific pressure when turning the tank off, always back it out. If you leave it set, it is possible to blow out the diaphragm in the regulator by hitting it with full tank pressure.

With a concentrator, you should usually turn the concentrator on several minutes before starting your session. This allows the unit to reach full concentration prior to starting. When you turn it off doesn't really matter, as you are shutting off the oxygen flow at the torch.

[burntfingers]

Thank you so much Mike! You are very generous with information (as are most people on these forums), and I really appreciate it. I guess I'm just a little too scared when it comes to this stuff, because it can be very dangerous. I am printing out this thread and am going to try and follow the directions tonight when I get some time. :smile:

[alissa]

Good luck and don't be too anxious! Establishing good safety procedures from the beginning ensures that they will become a habit - so you're doing the right thing by being conscientious!