help,pls? Propane Regulator first time set up

[newglassgal]

Okay, have everything in place for running cricket. Hoses all set with f/a's at torch and quick connects.
I have screwed in the Harris reg., and tightened best I could. However, there are still a few treads showing at the connection. Is that normal??
Just wanted some confirmation prior to turning everything on.. Will test for leaks of course.
Thanks in advance for any and all comments.
Signed,
the fraidy cat newbie

[Deb Hopeful Journeys]

I suggest going into chat and asking if you can call one of them. I called Shawnette and she walked me through it while on the phone. It really helped me.

Have fun!

[Wonker]

You can call me if you want and I'll see if I can help

[newglassgal]

thanks all.
Tried to upload an image of my connection..but too large.
Anywho, I am not afraid to light torch AFTER knowing my reg/propane connection looks okay. I guess my question was... does the regulator connection fit securely all the way into the propane tank... without any brass "treads" showing???
Going from bulk prop./hothead to this is a bit confusing.. I have read, and re-read a "gazillion" threads
I guess the only way to find out is to fire it up and test for leaks... The tank is out on driveway.. If I hear any hissing at regulator connection- I will shut down and try again..
Wish me luck..

[Paul Ewing]

Most of the time, there will be some threads showing. Do not go crazy and over tighten it the first time, ust go till it is hard to tighten any more. Once you get it tightened down with a wrench test it for leaks. Do this by mixing some liquid soap (Dawn etc) in water. Then pour some around the connection getting it all wet. Open the propane tank valve and then watch for bubbles. If you have any appear around the connection try to tighten some more.

[newglassgal]

Okay thanks Paul--
Question tho, should torch be on, or just open propane at tank to test for leaks???
Hopefully, when I am beyond this point, it will be smoother sailing..
thanks again.

[Paul Ewing]

Torch should be off. You just want to have pressure in the line. Once hooked up, test at the tank, at the connection into the regulator body, the connection out of the regulator, the hose connection to the regulator nipple, and then the hose connection at the torch. I have seen some regulators that had leaks at the body of the regulator where the brass pipe goes in. This is rare and mostly on older ones.

Cheers,

[newglassgal]

Thanks again Paul..
Welding shop tested all connections in the hoses... All fine and good. Gotta love your neighborhood welding shop/supplier. He even lit my torch and checked the lines and connections... brought him a few necklaces for his wife as thanks.
Now, will turn on propane and see what happens...Soap test first...
will be back with results...
Again a MILLION thanx!!

[newglassgal]

okay, passed "soap test" HOWEVER the needle on regulator is showing way past 15 and in the "red zone" on Harris acety. reg.
Is that normal????Will that go down when I start torch and turn the "T" knob to adjust?
Sorry, tried to look this up here with no avail... Just didn't want to get slammed
I am SO excited to be on a "big girl" torch- you guys rock...
Again, many thanks from the "fraidy cat"
Will keep ya posted, and I am sure down the road a few more questions...

[Paul Ewing]

The red zone is for acetylene so don't be too concerned about that. Propane can go way higher. Open the torch valve to relieve the pressure.

One thing though, you need to start your regulator very loosely screwed and then screw it down to increase the pressure. If you open the tank on a set regulator there is a chance that you can damage the regulator. This is very small, but it is a best practice type of thing.

Unscrew the regulator till it is fairly loose, then screw it down till you get close the pressure you need. Probably 3 to 5 PSI. Then turn on your torch and fine tune the pressure while it is running.

[Dale M.]

A little reading about regulators can be found here...

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum...c.php?f=12&t=8

This will help dispel some of the mystery........ After reading, the mysterious regulator adjustment will be a thing of the past.....

Dale

[newglassgal]

Thanks again, for reg. help Guess I was being a "Nervous Nellie"- tho I know all safety pecautions were in place. Just fired up the cricket and did a few test beads and "water" annealed them. Will turn on kiln tomorrow to play all day, and try to figure out flame settings, etc.
Again, many thanx to you all. Now I can sleep tonite, (no more regulator nightmares )knowing the regulator issue has been resolved and from here on in is PPP! A definate learning curve from a hothead
Many thanx,
Y'all are great!!

[Wonker]

Congrats on a successful maiden voyage on the new torch!!! way to go!

[newglassgal]

"Maiden Voyage" says it all!
Again..many thanks
Lisa