Acetylene

Hobbyweld Acetylene Gas Cylinder

Hobbyweld Acetylene is a high-quality industrial fuel gas for oxy-acetylene cutting, welding, brazing, soldering and heating. When combined with oxygen using approved equipment, acetylene produces an exceptionally hot and concentrated flame, making it suitable for a wide range of workshop, fabrication and repair applications.

Hobbyweld Acetylene is available through a rent-free cylinder scheme, offering a practical solution for vehicle restorers, agricultural users, fabricators, workshops and light-trade professionals who do not want to pay recurring cylinder-rental charges.

Gas specification

• Gas: dissolved acetylene
• Specified purity: 99.5%
• Grade: 2.5
• EINECS number: 200-816-9

Acetylene cylinders contain a porous mass and solvent in which the gas is dissolved for safe storage. Cylinder contents are specified by gas weight rather than by filling pressure. A pressure-gauge reading must not be used to determine whether an acetylene cylinder is full.

Typical applications

When combined with oxygen and suitable equipment, Hobbyweld Acetylene can be used for:

• Oxy-acetylene cutting
• Oxy-acetylene welding
• Brazing
• Silver soldering
• General soldering
• Heating metal components
• Straightening metal
• Releasing seized nuts and fasteners
• Vehicle restoration
• Agricultural and machinery repairs
• General fabrication and workshop maintenance

Acetylene is a fuel gas and requires oxygen to produce an oxy-fuel flame suitable for these processes.

Why Choose Hobbyweld Acetylene?

High-Temperature Flame

Acetylene produces an extremely hot, concentrated flame when combined with oxygen, making it an effective fuel gas for cutting, welding, brazing and heating.

Versatile Workshop Applications

One correctly configured oxy-acetylene system can support several processes, from precision brazing and soldering to metal cutting and heavy heating.

Portable Cylinder Options

Hobbyweld Acetylene is available in Original, Plus and Ultra cylinder sizes, providing options for occasional repairs, mobile work and more frequent workshop use.

Rent-Free Cylinder Scheme

Hobbyweld cylinders are supplied without recurring monthly or annual rental charges. Customers normally pay a one-off refundable cylinder deposit together with the cost of the initial gas fill.

When the cylinder is empty, return it to a participating Hobbyweld stockist and pay for a refill or cylinder exchange. Acetylene deposits and exchange arrangements are separate from Hobbyweld’s high-pressure gas-cylinder groups.

Keep the original deposit form safe, as it is required when returning the cylinder for a deposit refund. Hobbyweld’s current administration charge and other terms apply.

Nationwide Stockist Network

Hobbyweld products are available through hundreds of participating stockists. However, some locations cannot hold acetylene because of their insurance or storage restrictions. Contact your selected stockist before travelling to confirm availability.

Available Cylinder Sizes

Hobbyweld Acetylene Original

• Cylinder capacity: 5 litres
• Acetylene contents: approximately 0.87kg
• Approximate height: 550mm
• Approximate diameter: 140mm
• Approximate filled weight: 8kg
• Outlet connection: 5/8″ BSP left-hand female
• Product code: 522920

Hobbyweld Acetylene Plus

• Cylinder capacity: 10 litres
• Acetylene contents: approximately 1.74kg
• Approximate height: 895mm
• Approximate diameter: 140mm
• Approximate filled weight: 17kg
• Outlet connection: 5/8″ BSP left-hand female
• Product code: 522934

Hobbyweld Acetylene Ultra

• Cylinder capacity: 15.9 litres
• Acetylene contents: approximately 2.77kg
• Approximate height: 875mm
• Approximate diameter: 200mm
• Approximate filled weight: 26kg
• Outlet connection: EN 561 quick-action
• Product code: 522944

Cylinder measurements, weights and gas contents are approximate and may vary slightly.

Required Oxy-Acetylene Equipment

A safe oxy-acetylene setup requires compatible equipment selected for the gas, cylinder and intended process.

This will normally include:

• Hobbyweld Acetylene cylinder
• Hobbyweld Oxygen cylinder
• Correct oxygen and acetylene regulators
• Approved oxygen and fuel-gas hoses
• Flashback arrestors
• Non-return valves
• Suitable torch or blowpipe
• Correct cutting, welding or heating nozzle
• Approved leak-detection fluid
• Suitable personal protective equipment

Original and Plus acetylene cylinders use a 5/8″ BSP left-hand female outlet. The Ultra cylinder uses an EN 561 quick-action connection and requires compatible equipment.

Never force a fitting, interchange oxygen and fuel-gas components or use an unsuitable adaptor.

Flashback Arrestors

Flashback arrestors are safety devices designed to help prevent a flame from travelling backwards through the equipment towards the hose, regulator or cylinder.

Hobbyweld states that flashback arrestors must be used with oxygen-and-fuel equipment in accordance with the Acetylene Safety Regulations 2014. Suitable arrestors must be fitted to both sides of the system as required by current legislation, equipment instructions and competent safety guidance.

Non-return valves, correct working pressures, sound hoses and the proper lighting and shutdown procedures are also essential.

Important Acetylene Safety

Acetylene is an extremely flammable gas. Incorrect handling can result in fire, flashback, explosion, serious injury or death. It must be used only by someone who understands the equipment, hazards and correct operating procedures.

Always:

• Keep the cylinder upright and securely restrained
• Use and store it in a well-ventilated location
• Keep it away from heat, sparks, flames and ignition sources
• Use an approved acetylene regulator and fuel-gas equipment
• Fit the required flashback arrestors and non-return valves
• Check connections with approved leak-detection fluid
• Keep hoses away from hot metal and sharp surfaces
• Remove combustible materials from the work area
• Keep suitable fire-fighting equipment nearby
• Close the cylinder valve after every use
• Follow the correct purging, lighting and shutdown procedures
• Observe current handling, storage and transport guidance

Never test for leaks with a flame, use damaged equipment, modify the cylinder or attempt to refill it yourself. Never roll, drag, drop or expose an acetylene cylinder to excessive heat.

If an acetylene cylinder has been involved in a fire, struck by a flashback, heated or seriously damaged, evacuate the area and contact the emergency services. Do not approach or move it unless instructed by a competent authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hobbyweld Acetylene used for?

When combined with oxygen, acetylene can be used for metal cutting, oxy-acetylene welding, brazing, soldering and heating.

Can acetylene be used without oxygen?

Acetylene can burn in air, but the controlled high-temperature flame required for normal oxy-fuel work is produced using oxygen and correctly configured equipment.

Are flashback arrestors required?

Yes. Hobbyweld states that flashback arrestors must be used with oxygen-and-fuel equipment in accordance with applicable safety requirements.

Does the cylinder require a regulator?

Original and Plus cylinders require a compatible acetylene regulator. The Ultra cylinder uses an EN 561 quick-action connection and must be used with the appropriate compatible equipment.

Can cylinder pressure show how much acetylene remains?

No. Hobbyweld does not fill acetylene cylinders by pressure, so a pressure reading should not be used to determine whether the cylinder is full.

Can acetylene be exchanged at every Hobbyweld stockist?

Not always. Some stockists cannot keep acetylene because of insurance or site restrictions. Contact the stockist before travelling to confirm availability.

Is Hobbyweld Acetylene rent-free?

Hobbyweld operates a rent-free cylinder scheme. Customers normally pay a one-off refundable acetylene-cylinder deposit and the initial gas-fill cost, then pay for an exchange when more gas is required. Current terms and administration charges apply.