Help with torch flame please

Beadanna · #1 2010-03-29, 10:21pm

We set up the torch yesterday and we got the oxycon working and the flame nice. But when the ventilation is switched on the flame blows all over the place.
Has anyone got a solution for this?

berningglass · #2 2010-03-29, 10:50pm

some more info and/or pics would help. what kind of torch ? what kind of ventalation set up ?

Beadanna · #3 2010-03-30, 1:30am

That's a good idea - I'll take pics later - I'm busy today.

Beadanna · #4 2010-03-30, 1:01pm

Here's a picture.
Today we removed a polycarbonate baffle that came down to about the second screw from the top and the flame is much more steady now.
It's a 577cfm fan and a Minor torch.

smythink · #5 2010-03-30, 1:31pm

clan tabby · #6 2010-03-30, 1:36pm

Wow. Looks great! Good job.

mtarara · #7 2010-03-30, 2:22pm

Wow! What a nice workspace!!!
Mary T.

Beadanna · #8 2010-03-30, 2:31pm

I know Mary - I love it. My friend Stuart did such a great job with it.
I love the brightness and space - I have a job to do organizing where everything will go.

BeadBlossoms · #9 2010-03-30, 3:08pm

Anna,

Where is your make up air coming from? I've found that makes my flame move more than anything - can you experiment with that? That being said, I'm getting much better at making a bead in a dancing flame at times

yellowbird · #10 2010-03-30, 3:25pm

love it

Beadanna · #11 2010-03-31, 1:24am

It's coming in behind (or in front of) the torch Donna - it's at the back of the table under the mirror. I hope we can get it flicker free!
We've been trying to get the whole shed draught proof but it's very difficult. I believe there should be some air coming in from behind me but there's nowhere that's 10' + from the torch. On the other hand I read somewhere recently about the need for 10' between air source and the face of the fan outlet. So maybe it'll be ok and I can torch with the door open in summer.

Thanks Yellowbird.

cheng076 · #12 2010-04-01, 10:44am

Beadanna,
I believe you refer to having the makeup air intake at least 12' (10' should be OK) from the fan exhaust so bad air is not recirculated.

Might I suggest experimenting with closing off the makeup air registers a little bit to bring more makeup in from behind you. I would start with the outer ones of the three. Also the louvers in the registers may be directing the makeup air against the plexi and causing swirling air currents; try turning them around so they are directed to the center. Have you done a smoke test to see where those air currents actually go? You might also experiment with different heights and shapes of that 'baffel' you removed. Other than that the setup looks great.
PJ

PattyK · #13 2010-04-02, 8:55am

Anna I love your setup!

Thanks so much for posting a pic!

Beadanna · #14 2010-04-03, 5:51am

Oh thanks Cheng! I always wondered about that. I have 12' pipes bringing in the replacement air in. But I still thought that air from behind should be 10' from the torch!
The flame seems to be fine now only a little flicker now and again. The smoke test worked well then.
Thanks Patty!

lisabk · #15 2010-04-09, 10:52pm

love it!
so open...yet closed. what is the framing material made of?
Are the sides plexiglas?

Beadanna · #16 2010-04-10, 9:23am

When I went looking for plexiglas I found polycarbonate which was a little dearer but has a higher flameproof rating. So we went for that.

I really want to put up more photos now that it's up and running but my phone won't bluetooth the new hard drive on our computer and I haven't got a cable to upload photos at the moment.
I love it too Lisa!

lisabk · #17 2010-04-10, 3:48pm

Is the frame part metal?

Beadanna · #18 2010-04-11, 5:06am

No - it's wood. I believe there's some sort of flame resistant barbecue paint but I like the light colour of the frame as it is.

lisabk · #19 2010-04-11, 1:03pm

me too....!

NMLinda · #20 2010-04-15, 6:34am

Anna - it's a pleasure to see that you finally have your studio up and running! Looks wonderful by the way. In addition to PJ's excellent suggestions on experimenting with the make-up air baffles, you might also try sealing the edges of the hood to the table and along all the corners. One LE member with a hood similar to yours posted that even though the gaps she had were small, the hood could pull enough air through them to cause eddy currents and blow her flame around. I don't remember if she had under-the-table make-up air like you, but she said that sealing all the edges made a big difference in her set up.

Good luck and congratulations on finishing your set up!

Linda

Beadanna · #21 2010-04-15, 7:09am

Ah thanks Linda!
I have to say thanks also to you for support you gave me during the process.
Yes - we still need to put a bead of silicone around the edges to really make them airtight.
I have been making beads like crazy and getting used to the set-up.
I do love it. . . Sigh.