Lighting, adjusting and shutting down an oxygen-acetylene torch is easy – especially when following the proper procedures. In addition to these easy to follow instructions, you must always be sure to follow the torch manufacturer’s operating procedures.

First – before you attempt to light the torch follow these checks:

• Make sure regulator pressure adjustment screws are backed out!
• Make sure torch valves are closed!
• Stand away from front of regulator
• Separately and slowly open the oxygen and acetylene cylinder valves
• Adjust regulator p/a screws to tip pressure settings
• Open/close torch valves separately and fine tune pressure settings on regulators
• Depress cutting lever and adjust pressure if necessary

Lighting and adjusting the torch (with a positive/equal pressure mixer):

• Separately purge both oxygen and fuel gas lines
• Open fuel gas valve 1/2 turn
• Ignite flame with striker
• Increase fuel gas flow until flame leaves end of tip and no smoke is present
• Decrease until flame goes back to tip
• Open oxygen valve and adjust to neutral flame
• Depress oxygen lever and make necessary adjustments

Shutting down the torch (with a positive/equal pressure mixer):

• Close oxygen torch valve
• Close fuel gas torch valve

If the torch/regulators and gases are done being used for a while, follow these procedures:

• Close oxygen and fuel gas cylinder valves
• Separately purge oxygen and fuel gas lines
• Make sure all regulator gauges read 0
• Back out regulator pressure adjustment screws!
• If you are using in a commercial environment, report any damage, etc. to your supervisor

Remember to always follow basic safety rules when working with oxy-fuel equipment.