Not sure whats wrong - uneven pressures

[misty]

Hoping someone here can help....
I have a nortel minor, normally I set the propane regulator at 1.5 psi and the oxygen at 5 (as was reccommended when I bought it)
I just moved and set up again, now I can't get an even flow from the propane. The regulators needle keeps jumping around and the propane comes and goes in the torch.
What could cause this? Is the regulator broken? leaking? (I checked and can't find any) hooked up wrong (it worked before the move and I haven't changed it) Could temperature be the issue (it's very cold outside today)? or because the propane tank is getting low (under 100) ?
Please help - I'd really like to get back to making beads and stop with the fiddling!

[pjmarchwinds]

the diaphram in the regulator might be stuck or torn, try to crank the pressure to 5 then back it down. if it is torn the pressure will fluctuate, that can be repaired at a welding supply store.

[squid]

Regs often fluctuate at that low a pressure. Set the propane at 5 and control it with your torch. The higher pressure will likely eliminate the fluctuation if the reg isn't messed up.

[misty]

Thanks for the input - I'll give it a try!

[misty]

Oh wait - one more question . If I set the propane to 5psi do I have to change the oxygen setting too?

[Mike H]

Turn your oxy to 10 if your propane is at 5.

[misty]

Thanks!

[kitkat]

When I started on my Nortel and tanked oxygen I had the same problem. Mike's answer is exactly what I did and it worked. No more fluctuation. You definitely need more pressure from your source and then regulate at your torch.

Kat
Purr-Sonalities Glass Art