# I am gonna buy an ox bottle; what fun can I have with it? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 29, 2001, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145 "2001-07-29T07:01:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![red\_dragon60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@red\_dragon60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_dragon60)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2001, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/1 "2001-07-29T07:01:05Z")
To clear up, that’s a tank of oxygen for my blowtorch. Now, since I only have one tip, I can use propane or oxy at one time. Not both. I was thinking of starting a wood fire, then using the oxy to get it hot enough to melt copper. Does anyone have good ideas for things I can do with a can of pure accelerant? Note: this is not medical grade gas. ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2001, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/2 "2001-07-29T18:05:09Z")
Set your speed dial to 911 before you can start. Playing with fire and pure O[sup]2[/sup] is most hazardous. I’m curious just how your plan on using the oxygen bottle correctly and safely as your torch isn’t set up for it. “Blowtorch” to me means the old style plumber’s torches for sweat soldering. The kind that had to be pumped up, not a propane torch. Acetelene torches have two input hosez and regulartors. Each has different threads so they can’t be mixed up. That’s the only way I know to safely use oxygen with a torch. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2001, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/3 "2001-07-29T18:46:15Z")
I gotta second Padeye here. You really do not want to fool around with fire and oxygen. See this site for what may happen. This guy is using liquid oxygen, but still … what you are proposing sounds damned dangerous. [http://ghg.ecn.purdue.edu/~ghg/](http://ghg.ecn.purdue.edu/~ghg/) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2001, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/4 "2001-07-29T19:05:28Z")
That guy was also a trained professional, who knew _exactly_ what he was getting into, and took all appropriate precautions. Do not do this, Red. If you do this, you will die. ---
**Author:** ![red\_dragon60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@red\_dragon60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_dragon60)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2001, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/5 "2001-07-30T01:36:51Z")
The kind I saw at the hardware store looked like one of the screw-on tanks of propane where you screw on the nozzle. They were pressurized, and you turn a knob to start the gas flow. However, I think I might just wait until school starts so I can do this safely with my science teacher. That is, if I do it. ---
**Author:** ![Booker57](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Booker57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Booker57)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2001, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/6 "2001-07-30T01:45:05Z")
For safty reasons, Oxy tanks are left-hand thread. ---
**Author:** ![Whammo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8dc957/32.png) [@Whammo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whammo)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2001, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/7 "2001-07-30T04:35:34Z")
Uhhh… that guy on UncleBeers site also said that ONE charcoal briquet soaked in liquid oxygen when exposed to a flame is equivelant to A STICK OF DYNAMITE in the explosion that results. I seriously don’t think this sounds like shit to fuck with… especially when your considering a wood fire as your source of ignition. There is easier ways to melt copper WITHOUT FUCKING DYING!! ---
**Author:** ![red\_dragon60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@red\_dragon60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_dragon60)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2001, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/8 "2001-07-30T06:56:04Z")
Note: this stuff wasn’t liquid. It is emitted as gas. Still, a briquette as a stick of dynamite… heh heh heh. But I value my eyebrows too much, as well as my fingers. ---
**Author:** ![Animus\_Ping](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e47774/32.png) [@Animus\_Ping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Animus_Ping)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2001, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/9 "2001-07-30T07:17:11Z")
From your OP, it sounds like you have the small 1lb bottle that is used with MAPP gas or Propane for hobby/home use. I used one of these to remove a Kryptonite lock I had lost the keys to from a bike. As the other posters have indicated, It can be tricky, but as long as you start with something thats already burning and isn’t likely to expand rapidly with heat, then kinda slowly add O2, you’re safe. Don’t add it to any liquid, and wood isn’t the best either as it can explode if it’s heated rapidly. If you want to melt copper, you don’t need oxygen, forced air (as in a forge) will do nicely, but it sounds like you don’t have the equipment for handling it when it’s liquid, and the fumes aren’t good for you. From your post, it sounds like you’re pretty young, so doing your discovery with a fire extinguisher and someone experienced with brazing/gas welding equipment is advised. I’ve played with a few flammables, and I consider myself among the very fortunate to still have my sight, hair, and all my fingers. Your best bet would be to get the rest of the kit and use the oxygen in the way it was intended, as part of a set. ---
**Author:** ![tisiphone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tisiphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tisiphone)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2001, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/10 "2001-07-30T07:28:41Z")
Hey dude, checking out the theme of a couple of your threads tonight, you might want to look up a copy of [Metal Techniques for Craftsmen](http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0709107234/qid%3D996476924/202-3915715-2407852). It’s a pretty good basic text for a LOT of metalworking. I have a set of [jewellers torches]([http://www.lacywest.com/12solder.htm#The](http://www.lacywest.com/12solder.htm#The) Little Torch) that I haven’t played with much yet. Something about 100lb tanks of high explosives in a small house just doesn’t grab me. However, it is indeed an oxyacetylene setup with the double regulators. Propane torches will give a lower heat than the oxyacetylene setup. It’s ok when you’re working on metals with a relatively low melting temperature (ie copper,aluminum and gold), but when you move up you definitely need something more. Propane is used by itself, AFAIK. Not with oxygen. Not unless you are trying to blow up the house. ---
**Author:** ![Mikahw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Mikahw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikahw)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2001, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/11 "2001-07-30T08:12:17Z")
> [@](#): > > Propane is used by itself, AFAIK. Not with oxygen. Not unless you are trying to blow up the house. There are several torches in my basement. While I have never used any of them, I can see from the picture on the box that one of them has a tank marked ‘oxygen’ and a tank marked ‘propane fuel’. Let’s just hope that they don’t develop a leak. ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2001, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/12 "2001-07-30T13:31:16Z")
Mikahw, you better hope they don’t. Get the propane tank out of your basement for starters. IIRC it’s heavier than air as are most flammible gases and leaks will pool in the basement rather than dissipating. This is why propane and natural gase vehicles aren’t allowed in underground parking structures. This stuff should be out of your house. ---
**Author:** ![tisiphone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tisiphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tisiphone)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2001, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/13 "2001-07-30T23:37:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mikahw \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > Propane is used by itself, AFAIK. Not with oxygen. Not unless you are trying to blow up the house. > > There are several torches in my basement. While I have never used any of them, I can see from the picture on the box that one of them has a tank marked ‘oxygen’ and a tank marked ‘propane fuel’. > > Let’s just hope that they don’t develop a leak. \*\* And that’s why I cleverly qualified myself with the AFAIK. I’m most familiar with tiger torches (straight propane), blowtorches (straight propane), oxyacetylene torches, and arc welders. And I second Padeye on the please move them from your basement. Just because they have been OK for the past six months, one year, ten years, etc. doesn’t mean that they will stay OK. I live in Whitehorse Yukon, and IT HAS HAPPENED HERE. Including the idjit whose home propane tank gelled at -50c or so, and decided to warm it up with a tiger torch. Boom. He was lucky, minor scarring from burns and shrapnel. His trailer was a writeoff, though. ---
**Author:** ![red\_dragon60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@red\_dragon60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_dragon60)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2001, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/14 "2001-07-31T04:06:50Z")
Yeah, this is a small tank of O2. They are the same size as the small propane and MATT tanks. This is not liquid stuff when it comes out. I am 16, but have worked with molten metal on small scales before. I have a crucible & lid, tongs, and heat-resistant gloves. If I decide to do this, it is gonna be with caution. I was thinking of using it the same way you blow on a fire to make it burn hotter. ---
**Author:** ![Sultan\_Kinkari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7bcc69/32.png) [@Sultan\_Kinkari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sultan_Kinkari)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2001, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/15 "2001-07-31T04:19:42Z")
When I was a kid the next door neighbors used to fill up big, black garbage bags with acetylene and tie a paper bag to the end. The would light the paper and run like hell. Two seconds later, “WHOOOMP…BOOOM!” I guess the “whoomp” was the implosion and then the explosion was…um… an explosion. We had to quit because another neighbor came by and told us stories about how he used to do the same thing on the farm where he grew up as a kid. He said the sound waves packed such a big punch that they would shatter windows a quarter of a mile away. Anyone heard stories like this? ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2001, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/16 "2001-07-31T04:29:44Z")
If you want to get an idea of what a fine oxidizing agent Oxygen is try dispensing some of the gas into a glass or metal container. Use something nonflammable and sturdy with a wide mouth. The Oxygen, being heavier than air, will stay in the container until you tip it. Stand back, light a match, and toss it into the container. The match will flare up very impressively. This can be a dangerous procedure if not done carefully. If you really intend to play around with burning things in Oxygen gas become familiar with its properties with small scale tests before attempting anything major . ---
**Author:** ![Ross](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e274bd/32.png) [@Ross](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ross)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2001, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/17 "2001-07-31T04:40:12Z")
You guys are well cool. Can I be your mascot or something? Short fat hairy Scotsman? So how much danger was I really in when I lit up the jet froma can of hairspray? ---
**Author:** ![Raving\_Nude\_Hermit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/cab0a1/32.png) [@Raving\_Nude\_Hermit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raving_Nude_Hermit)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2001, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/18 "2001-07-31T08:17:15Z")
Once the bottle is empty, you can hang it by the valve on top and use it for a gong. Experiment using different things to hit the bottle with and also try tapping it in different places. Struck with the right objects, the bottle will give off a really pleasant ringing sound. Enjoy ! ---
**Author:** ![Mikahw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Mikahw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikahw)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2001, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/19 "2001-07-31T13:23:20Z")
So, I suppose you guys also want me to remove the nitroglycerin in my basement? 😉 Seriously though, where should I put the propane? I suppose I could put it in my garage next to the car that hasn’t ran in 10 years because I poured water in the gas tank when I was little… ---
**Author:** ![Gunslinger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4491bb/32.png) [@Gunslinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gunslinger)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2001, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145/20 "2001-07-31T18:18:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by wishbone \* > \*\*When I was a kid the next door neighbors used to fill up big, black garbage bags with acetylene… > > Anyone heard stories like this? \*\* I’ve seen it done. Science fair demo in a gymnasium with the lights out. Candle tied to the end of a yardstick put against: balloon full of helium: _pop_ balloon full of hydrogen: BANG! (3-foot fireball) balloon with 2 parts hydrogen, 1 part oxygen: _BANG!_ (only 2.5’ fireball, but louder) standard black trash bag full of acetylene: _ **BOOM!** _ ::basketball goals and pads bolted to walls rattle, dust drifts down from ceiling, pressure wave felt at opposite end of gym:: (flame went past the candle man, who escaped only slightly singed. He was wearing earplugs) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-gonna-buy-an-ox-bottle-what-fun-can-i-have-with-it/74145.md?page=2)