Newbie - Needs help with MINI CC Setup with OxyCon and Natural Gas

[bluesh4rk]

I am a newbie with the Mini CC, still waiting for my Carlisle DVD to show up. I don't even know how to set the darn thing up yet... I have an oxycon 15lpm and plan to use natural gas. Do I need a regulator for the natural gas? Also, how do I attach the torch barbs to the hoses that I got? They have the brass screw fittings on both ends so I am kinda confused. Not even sure how to hook the oxycon to the hose. The hoses I purchased (at the recommendation of a LW friend) were from ABR: T-Grade Twin Line Hose I.D. 1/4", O.D. 3/8". Also need advice on the appropriate flashback arrestors to get. My instructions with the Mini CC said that I should be using FBA.

I know, I am very new to this. I have been using a Hot Head up until now and recently came into some money so I decided that I could take the leap to a "big girl torch". I just need help. I feel so helpless at the moment and I really want to get this thing set up so I can start playing. Thanks in advance.

[Alaska]

Natural gas is in the 1/4 to 1/3 PSI range. No regulator needed for NG. Most use propane with a regulator at 5 PSI.

T type hose is good. Cut off the connectors and push the hose on to the barbs. Then for safety, get some small stainless steel hose clamps and clamp the hose to the barbs.

Depending on you concentrator, the green hose may just screw on. If it has a barb as the oxygen output, then cut off the hose end connector and push on. No need for a clamp on this end.

It is my understanding that FBA on natural gas will not work as the pressure is too low. But no experience on this subject.

Make sure there is a shut off value on the natural gas supply line and turn it off when finished for the day.

The Mini CC will perform well with your 15 LPM machine. Others will have to tell you their experience with the CC on natural gas.

[Trey Cornette]

I prefer propane over natural gas. It has over twice the available BTU's over natural gas so it burns hotter with less fuel used. I also think it gives a greater variety of flame chemistry. I can get much better results with my silver colors using propane.
Given the choice I would go with propane every time

[Dale M.]

Here is some information..... IT was written for a minor torch and concentrator, but most of the data is correct ( you just need to "adjust" it's connections on what ever style torch you have).......

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=12

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=11

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=9

Dale

[Mr. Meker]

FBA stands for flashback arrestor. No special types needed as long as they have "B" fittings on the end.

[Seasoned Soul]

bluesh4rk, I'm sooo glad you asked this question.... talk about great timing, I'm in the same place..... Mini CC, 15lpm oxycon but plan to use propane. This is the weekend that I'm going to work towards getting this set up. I believe I have it all figured out but I keep coming back to LE to see what else I can find on the subject. I'm soo visual... pictures help me out a lot. lol Going to check Dale's links now. Oh and thanks to Alaska, Trey, Dale and meker for the input. :grin:

[bluesh4rk]

Thanks so much for the information folks, this helps a lot! If anyone has anything else to add, that would be great too!

Thanks again.

[ArtcoInc]

Flashback arrestors need a minimum gas pressure in order to work, and they often won't work at the very low pressure of most household natural gas sources.

Malcolm