Perhaps the wrong forum?

[armedandsafe]

First of all, I am not a welder, nor have I ever welded anything. I am doing some silver soldering now and need more than the little Bernzomatic oxy/MAPP rig. Not more heat, but more cost effective. The cost of 4 to 5 oxygen bottles (@ $10 each) per bottle of MAPP gas is prohibitive. I know that oxy/propane is hot enough to do the job.

What I am thinking of doing is placing a small propane tank (10 lb) and a small oxygen tank (~20 cu ft) in a cabinet outside my shop and running them into the shop to adapt to the hoses of the tip of the Bernzomatic. My "shop" is a grounded pickup camper.

Now, I know that propane can be run via copper tubing into the shop, as that is how the existing supply is run. However, I don't know if running copper tubing for the oxygen supply is the proper/safe way of getting that gas into the shop.

Can I use copper tubing for the oxygen, or must I use oxygen rated welding hose for that purpose?

Thank you.

Pops

[HWooldridge]

I think you can buy air-propane torches for silver brazing (not the hobby size but for commercial use). That would eliminate having to use O2.

[BigMike782]

I have a Prestolite and TurboTorch air/acetylene torches and both provide a large amount of heat.TurboTorch also make an air/propane version.
Unless you are properly trained I would not suggest plumbing an oxygen service.If any part of the service is not cleaned of hydrocarbons properly you run the risk of serious fire or explosion.I would use the torch with factory made fittings and hose and store it else where when you are not using it.

[sch]

FWIW hospital oxygen systems are made from brazed copper tubing.

[ironmonger]

Hospital gas systems are indeed constructed of brazed copper tubing, specifically brazed with silfos.
see:
http://www.silfos.com/,
which is a alloy that requires no flux on copper to copper joints. The tubing and fittings are cleaned and certified to be CLEAN, primarily of hydrocarbons, but in the case of medgas systems particulate matter also. The systems are purged with nitrogen while brazing.

Industrial oxygen systems can be constructed of screwed steel pipe or welded steel pipe, but the pipe must be hydrocarbon free and the joint compounds used on threads needs to be approved for oxygen service.

I have a feeling that your insurance company would have a greater problem with an amateur installed oxygen system than bringing the tanks inside for use. Ask them at your own peril.

I see no reason to put the tanks outside. Get a small Oxy / MAPP-pro or propane or acetylene rig, make sure there are no leaks, and simply bring it into the shop while you are using it.

I have used oxy whatever in buildings for 42 years, others have done so for years before I ever started.

Follow the required safety procedures and you will have no trouble... Soap test every thing and remember...
No bubbles/no troubles.

paul

[loose nut]

Why not just run the proper hoses.