I need to weld a thin piece of aluminum. I don't own a tig torch. I decided to use propane as it can get hot enough and there are others who do welding that say that propane works fine for aluminum. I couldn't find any instructions on what tubing to use with the propane regulator and what form of crimp to use. So, I purchased some tubing like you'd use for running compressed air throughout your home. It seemed a good choice because it's obviously rated for air.
Unfortunately, the tubing leaks at the propane regulator connection. I tried using hose clamps, but they stripped out when tightening. I tried using pex clamps (These, to be precise: https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-10-P ... 1000182819 ), but the tubing bubbled up where the crimping tool crimps the connector so it leaked. BTW: The hose clamps were also from lowes.
What sort of tubing plus clamp would we used for a ribbed propane regulator?
Thanks
PS: As you may guess, I am new to welding. BUT I do have PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).
What tubing plus clamp would be used for a ribbed propane regulator?
Moderator: Harold_V
What tubing plus clamp would be used for a ribbed propane regulator?
Last edited by LQFP-144 on Mon Mar 28, 2022 11:22 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: What tubing plus clamp would be used for a ribbed propane regulator?
Somehow the picture didn't upload. Here's a pastebin link (of the regulator tip so you can see what I'm talking about): https://pasteboard.co/fJ7fHzneU1Sp.jpg
Re: What tubing plus clamp would be used for a ribbed propane regulator?
Standard hose is highly unlikely to be an acceptable choice for propane. Even oxy/acet hose isn't proper, although it will work, just with a premature failure. Welding supply stores can provide the proper hose, even one that is compatible with both acetylene and propane.
The idea of welding with propane on aluminum may work, but not without oxygen. If you think you can do it with just atmospheric air (you didn't say), you're likely not going to enjoy success. Aluminum conducts heat at an astonishing rate so by the time you have the zone to be welded hot enough to weld, the entire piece will be near collapsing. You will most likely struggle with oxidation, too.
There is a brazing rod for aluminum that may solve your issue. It is primarily zinc and is reputed to work well. I have no experience with that rod.
Just sayin!
H
The idea of welding with propane on aluminum may work, but not without oxygen. If you think you can do it with just atmospheric air (you didn't say), you're likely not going to enjoy success. Aluminum conducts heat at an astonishing rate so by the time you have the zone to be welded hot enough to weld, the entire piece will be near collapsing. You will most likely struggle with oxidation, too.
There is a brazing rod for aluminum that may solve your issue. It is primarily zinc and is reputed to work well. I have no experience with that rod.
Just sayin!
H
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Re: What tubing plus clamp would be used for a ribbed propane regulator?
Look up hose specified for propane use. Works at low temp and is electrically conductive.
The hose j use is reinforced and on the proper barb connectors requires no clamping.
The hose is also suitable for hot water...
Look in McMaster Carr hose for the propane spec in the hose section. The hose is clearly marked for use with propane.
.....OR USED TO BE...(sorry)..
NL1770 hose CGA 8.1 is rated for propane use.
in reality -> a hose that you get from Lowes or Home Depot for feeding from the propane bottle to the BBQ grill should be the correct hose.
The hose j use is reinforced and on the proper barb connectors requires no clamping.
The hose is also suitable for hot water...
Look in McMaster Carr hose for the propane spec in the hose section. The hose is clearly marked for use with propane.
.....OR USED TO BE...(sorry)..
NL1770 hose CGA 8.1 is rated for propane use.
in reality -> a hose that you get from Lowes or Home Depot for feeding from the propane bottle to the BBQ grill should be the correct hose.
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
Re: What tubing plus clamp would be used for a ribbed propane regulator?
The ribbed fitting is 10.61mm/0.4177inches. The hoses at mcmaster are 3/16 == 0.1875 and 1/4 == 0.25. Do they stretch or what?Bill Shields wrote: ↑Tue Mar 29, 2022 6:46 am Look up hose specified for propane use. Works at low temp and is electrically conductive.
The hose j use is reinforced and on the proper barb connectors requires no clamping.
The hose is also suitable for hot water...
Look in McMaster Carr hose for the propane spec in the hose section. The hose is clearly marked for use with propane.
.....OR USED TO BE...(sorry)..
NL1770 hose CGA 8.1 is rated for propane use.
in reality -> a hose that you get from Lowes or Home Depot for feeding from the propane bottle to the BBQ grill should be the correct hose.
Also, why no clamping? It seems to me that a barbed fitting wouldn't need a clamp, but the fitting is ribbed -- not barbed.
- Bill Shields
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- Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am
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Re: What tubing plus clamp would be used for a ribbed propane regulator?
Not sure on the answer to your question about ribbed or barbed. I can send you a picture of what I have used...really cannot remember where they came from or what they are called
If you think you may need a clamp then I would suggest the crimp ring type. Again...I do not remember the specific name but can send a picture.
I personally avoid worm screw type of clamps on small diameters.
If you think you may need a clamp then I would suggest the crimp ring type. Again...I do not remember the specific name but can send a picture.
I personally avoid worm screw type of clamps on small diameters.
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
Re: What tubing plus clamp would be used for a ribbed propane regulator?
Please do send pictures!Bill Shields wrote: ↑Tue Mar 29, 2022 7:42 pm Not sure on the answer to your question about ribbed or barbed. I can send you a picture of what I have used...really cannot remember where they came from or what they are called
If you think you may need a clamp then I would suggest the crimp ring type. Again...I do not remember the specific name but can send a picture.
I personally avoid worm screw type of clamps on small diameters.
- Bill Shields
- Posts: 10605
- Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am
- Location: 39.367, -75.765
- Contact:
Re: What tubing plus clamp would be used for a ribbed propane regulator?
Fittings with barbs and clamps to be used with ribs
with the correct size hose, the barbed fittings require no clamps
in the lower picture, the fittings have ribs and require clamps
with the correct size hose, the barbed fittings require no clamps
in the lower picture, the fittings have ribs and require clamps
Too many things going on to bother listing them.