In an episode of Mythbusters, they mention ordering methane from the welding supply. I thought welding was done with just oxygen and acetylene for gas welding, and one of
the noble gases for arc/plasma welding. A quick search reveals over a dozen different gases are used for welding. And while most of them are of the neutral, non-reactive type, there are at least 3 different fuels (acetylene, propane, proylene).
Knowing nothing about welding (or any sort of fabrication, for that matter), I’m curious why welders need* so many choices, especially for non-fuel gases.
- by need, I mean there are enough welders buying a particular gas that it’s economically viable for a welding store to keep them in stock.