Oxy-Acetyl Welding - Backfire

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Posted by MNickson on January 14, 19100 at 19:55:31:

I often find that when I am welding a joint using 3/8 inch cold rolled bar and iron filler rod that when I'm using a smaller flame that I get what I can only call "backfire". This small explosion sends a shower of molten steel everywhere. Not a good thing. What is the cause of the "backfire" and how do I avoid causing the reaction. It seems to happen when I've already placed a small bead of iron down and I'm trying to heat the base metal to accept the bead. I know this isn't the best form but I'm just getting started. Is "backfire" bad for the equipment and how do I go about cleaning out the "soot" that builds up inside the mixer and tips. What pressures should I have set at the regulators for welding 3/8 inch plate? What tip size is recommended? One last question, I suspect that there might be a slight leak of acetylene out of the mixer handle where the hose meets the mixer. Is this normal at all? Is this a concern? The equipment is brand new Victor and I doubt it's due to wear. Can one use teflon tape to seal up these junctions or is that considered a "petroleum" product to be avoided?

(Please e-mail response to mnickson@san.rr.com if possible)

Thanks,

MNICKSON

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