Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi all. I plan on ordering a Victor "Journeyman" oxy/ace torch set. I don't have my oxygen or acetylene tanks yet, that will come shortly. My question is about the acetylene tanks that are being used. I don't know which regulator connection to order. What is the most common acetylene inlet, male or female threads?

This is copied from cyber weld.com when ordering the Victor kit:

"You must choose your "acetylene inlet" based on the type of acetylene tank you have.
-If your tank valve has male threads, you should choose a CGA 300 (female) regulator. Note: will not fit "B" or "MC" acetylene cylinder.
-If your tank valve has female threads, you should choose a CGA 510 (male) regulator."


So which one should I order? I just want the most common "connection" so as to not have any hassles or delays when swapping out a full acetylene tank in the future at the local (distant) LWS. I haven't had time yet to go to my local AirGas supplier and ask them because they are 60 miles away.

Thank you very much.

Mine came with an adapter, so I can use either type of cylinder.

WerkSpace wrote:Mine came with an adapter, so I can use either type of cylinder.

Well, that's nice for you, but mine doesn't. I must choose one or the other.

If you aren't interested in having the option of both types of cylinders,
then perhaps, call your supplier and ask which type of cylinder they sell.

Heavy Metal wrote:

WerkSpace wrote:Mine came with an adapter, so I can use either type of cylinder.

Well, that's nice for you, but mine doesn't. I must choose one or the other.

Female threads are more common,

BUT the connector on the regulator is threaded, and removeable. You can change from one to the other for about $10

Steve S

Otto Nobedder wrote:Female threads are more common,

BUT the connector on the regulator is threaded, and removeable. You can change from one to the other for about $10

Steve S

Okay, "female thread are more common" on the a acetylene bottle you're saying?? So I should get the male threaded regulator, correct? Just want to be 100% clear on this. Thanks guys.

Yes.

Female threads (left-hand) on the bottle.

That doesn't mean your local supplier doesn't do it the other way, hence the suggestion you call and ask.

I have to reiterate what Werkspace said...

If you have a supplier for the gas, ask them what thread you need.

Really?

i thought these were pretty universal? over here (UK) we have two major suppliers of gas, who are BOC and Air Products and both use the same regulator fitting (female bottles. male regs).

Okay, the general consensus is that acetylene tanks generally or should I say "predominantly" are female threaded. Th k you all for the "411." Now I know and I know which victor set I will order. A "male" threaded regulator.

Colt45GTO wrote:i thought these were pretty universal? over here (UK) we have two major suppliers of gas, who are BOC and Air Products and both use the same regulator fitting (female bottles. male regs).

I've encountered one supplier (who's name I've long forgotten) here in the U.S. that has male-thread bottle connection for acetylene (and CO2, if I recall), and we have so many that I would guess there are a few more.

However, the major suppliers here seem to have stadardized to female-thread bottle valves.

Steve S

yes even when i was in Easton the bottles they had were female valves, i didn't even know male existed until i looked at this thread

Dave