LP gas instead of acetylene?

[garagewelder]

I was visiting my daddy in law, a retired pipeline welder, and noticed a tank of LP (like outdoor gas grills use) on his welding cart where an acetylene tank would normally be. He says with the right torch tip he can do about anything with it that he does with OA. Is this commonly done? It sure sounds a lot more convenient for home welding.

[MAC702]

There's a LOT of information on this here. Search for "propane."

You can't do EVERYTHING acetylene can do, but you CAN cut steel, which is what most torches are used for. You can also heat for bending and brazing.

But, it just doesn't really have the heat in the right part of the flame cone for being a good welding set-up. This is where acetylene (and MAPP) is king.

And you do need the proper tips (and rated hose) for propane use.