A blowtorch is a device that uses fuel gas to cut or melt metal. They range from professional-grade to small cooking torches and are used in welding, plumbing, cooking, and metalworking. Professional torches use an acetylene-oxygen blend or a methylacetylene-propadiene oxygen gas mixture (MAPP). Blowtorches can be dangerous and require protective gear. Non-professional torches use butane or propane and are cooler than professional torches.
Most often used in welding, a blowtorch is a device that uses fuel gas to make flames hot enough to deliver precise cuts in metal or melt pieces of metal together. Also called blowtorch types, blowtorch types range from professional-grade to small cooking torches found in cooking stores. The type of blowtorch used depends on the type of business involved.
Although blowpipes are most often used in welding, plumbers also use them to weld pipes. Additionally, chefs will use smaller torches in some recipes, such as crème brule that requires sudden high heat to caramelize its sugary top or to roast vegetables. Many other people own a blowtorch for tasks like building or repairing cars or repairing metal. Some people also use them to light cigars.
Despite how common blowpipes may be, they are dangerous and can cause explosions if not handled properly. Welding torches reach 5,000-6,000°F (2,760-3,316°C), and the sparks caused are actually pieces of molten metal. Welders always wear gloves, aprons and face masks due to the high heat and molten metal.
Usually referred to as oxy-acetylene torches, professional torches often use an acetylene-oxygen blend. An oxyacetylene torch can be very unstable and can explode if mishandled or if handled too roughly. Oxyacetylene is usually dissolved in acetone to keep it stable, but even then it is still volatile.
Another type of professional blowtorch uses a methylacetylene-propadiene oxygen gas mixture (MAPP). MAPP gas is more stable than oxyacetylene and can be used underwater, so this type of blowtorch is often used to repair ships. A MAPP gas torch, however, does not burn as well as an oxyacetylene torch.
Lit by a pilot flame, a professional blowtorch consists of two cylinders, one for oxygen and one for fuel, and a metal head with a removable tip, which can be swapped out depending on the task. Two regulators and two color-coded rubber hoses connect the containers to the torch. The regulators are adjustable and control the gas pressure of the torch.
Small non-professional torches use butane or propane. Propane or butane torches do not have an oxygen tank inside them. Instead, they use the outside air to burn the gas they contain, just like simple lighters. For this reason they are cooler than professional torches, but reach 3,200-3,800°C of 1,760-2,093°F. Non-professional tin cans can be found in hardware stores and some gourmet food stores.
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