Oxy-Acetylene torches

It was Saturday afternoon, we were coming back from visiting Grandad in the rest home and Dad decided to catch up with Uncle Dave. When we got there the chickens were in the front yard and on the wrong side of the fence, the neighbor's kitten was lying in the middle of there driveway and when you stroked it it started running around your feet or grabbing your hand. Gino had retired to the couch but Spider/Stinker was ready to give us a big lick when we came though the gate.

Uncle Dave was in his shed. He told us about his bikes and where they came from. Then he showed us the frame he was working on for Kate's new bike. He was putting flux on the chainstays and the bottom bracket to prepare the metal and so that it wouldn't rust when he welded it. He then lit the Oxy-Acetylene torch and adjusted the flow of the oxygen and acetylene to get the temperature and flame right. When Uncle Dave first lit the torch the flame was orange as he adjusted it, it changed to blue. With this he melted the welding rod into all the joints to make sure everything was strongly attached and that the edges were smooth. It was an exciting process! I particularly liked the Oxy-Acetylene torch, I look forward to seeing it used again!

Kate's bike frame



Oxy-Acetylene torch



Written by Emma, assisted by Bruce. With thanks to Uncle Dave.
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