If you are in the appliance repair business, you are going to have to learn how to use an oxy-acetylene torch. This is a torch that uses fuel, gas, and oxygen in order to generate extremely high heat. This is used for welding, soldering, and cutting numerous materials, including steel, brass, and copper.
We have put together a quick guide on how to operate this tool that you will be using quite often as an appliance repair technician.
Getting Ready
Before you start, you want to make sure you have everything ready to go to ensure safe operation of the tool. When using an oxy-acetylene torch, you should always have a face shield, welding bib, goggles, and gloves. The workspace should be free of any and all loose debris and flammable material, such as papers, lint, and rags. The windows should be open to allow for proper ventilation. Once you have checked and ready to go, we can light the torch!
Lighting the Torch
When you get ready to light the torch, know that oxygen will come out first, followed by the gas. You will want to turn on both valves very slowly by moving them counterclockwise until fully opened. At this point, you will open the fuel valve, then use a striker to light the torch. Once the torch is lit, you can adjust the size of the flame by adjusting the valves accordingly.
This sounds a bit more complicated than it is when you read it, so you can do a quick search on YouTube and watch a video to see the exact sequence. Even though it may seem a bit long, everything you just read takes about 10 seconds to do.
Start the Job
Once you have adjusted the flame, you can get started on the job. If soldering, you will need some distance between the flame tip and the material, whereas welding requires much closer contact between the flame and material.
Again, while you are working, make sure no flammable materials have worked their way into your work zone.
As you can see, this is not a very difficult tool to operate, but it can be dangerous if you are not taking the proper safety precautions.
This is one of the many tools you will learn how to operate and use successfully in the appliance repair business when taking our courses. If you would like more information about our classes, please give us a call at 817-222-0145, or, if you want to register for classes, click here.
