Speaking things that could go boom...I have not seen any calcium carbide at the welding store in a few years. Don't use it any more so never gave it a thought. Has that been taken off the shelves?
Wouldn't surprise me... but a quick google search brought up ten pounds fot $77.50 shipped with all HAZMAT fees included. Guess the feds figure that being able to buy acetylene directly that there isn't much point in trying to regulate the stuff it's derived from. Acetylene by itself isn't that vicious when just mixed with the 21% oxygen in the atmosphere. Yes, it'll go boom, but not like when it's mixed with 100% oxygen. Now that's impressive! Had a shop teacher back in high school welding class that got that point across by filling a balloon with oxy-acetylene mix and used a neon sign transformer on a long extension cord to set it off from a distance. The resultant BANG cracked the window between the shop and the classroom some 30 ft away. Don't think he expected that part. Doc
For cast iron I have considered building a small cupola type furnace. I have seen plans and information on small diameter melters. after reading this guy's book it is something I want to build in the future. www.stephenchastain.com I also hang out at this casting forum if anyone wants to get into foundry work: backyardmetalcasting.com kent
We blew a rat out of a 20' stick of 2"id X 4"od steel tubing at the plant with oxy-acetylene. The thing tried to bite two of my crew so it was war! Ever seen a rat break-dance? T
We blew a rat out of a 20' stick of 2"id X 4"od steel tubing at the plant with oxy-acetylene. The thing tried to bite two of my crew so it was war! Ever seen a rat break-dance? T
No.. have seen flying squirels... Sounds like a cousin.:) Doc
The thing tried to bite two of my crew so it was war! 
Ever seen a rat break-dance? 
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