torch harden ? oxyace vs air-ace b tank

[docbdj]

for the hobbyist maker - a question for those that torch harden there knives (high carbon - spring steels) ie... 5160 - etc

torch harden ? oxyace (2 tanks ) vs air-ace b tank (one tank)

I know the oxyacetylene - is a 2 tank system and gets ~ twice as hot - twice as fast - and I have used to get nice hamons at other shops- but it is considerably more expensive - and have issues like buying - new vs used tanks - vs renting - etc

air-acetylene- b tank - are a lot cheaper and easier to come by - know it's half the heat - etc

anybody have any experience or advice

many thanks

 

[A.McPherson]

Go to a pawn shop and buy a oxy-ace set up for cheap and then buy some tanks. It’ll last you for years...

 

[Lieblad]

I would never use acetelyne-air. Thats for plumbers.
Bias confession, I do alot more than just heat treat & beat metals. Oxy fuel is lot more versitile.

And just buy the tanks outright.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Acetylene/air works pretty well.
So does Propane or MAPP gas, if you use a heat reflecting surface.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If using Oxy/Acet or propane/oxy you want a rosebud tip on the torch. Be careful with heating, as you don't want to overheat the blade.
I have used propane/air and acet/air on a Prestolite B tank setup before. It worked fine. Use a large tip #4 or #5.

A Prestolite rig with a #1 tip works fine for soldering on guards and such. It will do silver brazing as well. I used one for jewelry work in my beginning days.

If you plan on also using it for welding, the two-gas welders setup is what you want.
If you think you will mostly use it for starting charcoal, soldering copper pipes, doing soft soldering of guards, and other medium heat tasks … get the Prestolite rig.