Acetylene Supply Problem???

wdw2003

I've got a roofer who's put off starting a small job to due apparent problems getting hold of acetylene gas for welding lead, saying it's a nationwide problem. This has gone on for a month and he now says another 3 weeks at least.

Through googling, I'm not aware of a general lack of supply and a resultant standstill in the roofing and other industries. I'd appreciate any views from those who might know the score so that I can weigh my options.

DVardysShadow

I don't know that there is anything that acetylene will let you do with lead that you can't do with propane.

I googled and it seems that there were supply issues 2 years ago. So this strikes me as a recycled excuse - maybe he is too busy or can't afford an acetylene refill. Perhaps it is time to find another roofer.

wdw2003

Thanks DVS. I saw something about the biggest plant in the US going out of commission a month or so ago and had hoped that might have had a knock-on effect.

I'd like to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, but my confidence of a start even in 3 weeks isn't high. Equally, sourcing another roofer will have a lead time of at least that and who knows what excuses they'll come up with. At least I haven't paid anything up front.

ormus

there were some problems a few yrs ago. i dont know of any problems right now.
why cant he use propane?

jrrowleyws

Why on earth a roofer would use acetylene is beyond me! Its expensive and not the safest gas to be transporting around in a van.

Last supply issues I knew of in the chemical industry was not due to a shortage of gas but a shortage of cylinders. Acetylene cylinders are non standard and are packed with a strange filler to stabilise the highly reactive gas. Air products was doing only exchanges for a while with no new cylinders available.

keystone

jrrowleyws wrote: »

Why on earth a roofer would use acetylene is beyond me!

Because thats the way its done and a much better result than using propane. At least thats what a roofer buddy told me dome considerable time ago.

Last supply issues I knew of in the chemical industry was not due to a shortage of gas but a shortage of cylinders.

That could be what he means.

Cheers

happybiker

jrrowleyws wrote: »

Why on earth a roofer would use acetylene is beyond me! Its expensive and not the safest gas to be transporting around in a van.

But it's the most efficient and controllable gas for lead welding! There are far more dangerous substances carried in vehicles every day. As long as the bottles are transported upright and secure, There's no problem.

bobhawke

I couldn't find any suppliers that had acetylene, they all blamed plant explosion and said there was a shortage. I swapped over to using Adam's gas for any welding I do, ended up working out a lot better too because of no ridiculous bottle rental or delivery charges.