Torch Tips Clogging. Any suggestions?

[caliglassguy]

I have a very new Red Max torch for boro work running tanked oxygen and bbq grill style propane tanks and it's possible I'm just running the oxygen at too high of pressure. Using 15 to 20 psi on guage when doing glass that requires highly oxidizing flame and the torch tips keep getting glowing orange bits on alot of the tips. Is this because the propane is dirty or maybe it's not fully burning up and leaving deposits? I saw some inline filters somewhere for the fuel hoses... abr imagery I think? Any suggestions or is it normal for the tips to get alot of glowing orange bits on them and I just need to keep cleaning them off? thanx

[Role]

The little meteors are propane that is not being fully burnt.

The oxygen/propane ratio for complete combustion is 5:1.

Start out with:
5 PSI Propane
25 PSI Oxygen

Adjust from there if you are still having problems.

[PittsGlass]

There are also variations in propane itself. I remember an artist famous for her metallic beads before silver glasses were on the shelf gave me a trick. She used a particular gas station that had the dirtiest propane for the best effect(it is a matter of testing filling stations in your area). Try a different source for your propane if the pressure adjustments do not fix you up.

[LarryC]

Are you working with a reducing flame most of the time? Sounds like carbon buildup. Some torches do produce carbon and just need a regular cleaning.

[caliglassguy]

Originally Posted by LarryC

Are you working with a reducing flame most of the time? Sounds like carbon buildup. Some torches do produce carbon and just need a regular cleaning.

Mostly working an oxidizing flame....I think PittsGlass was right its just dirty propane ....the bottle I was using was nearly empty and I think it was putting all the crud from the dregs in bottom of tank into torch. Going to try different propane fill station.

Thanx for the replies