Welding With Natural Gas

Non-Ferrous Metals

• When used to fuel a welding torch, natural gas causes a high amount of oxidization. This makes it appropriate only for welding non-ferrous metals together using brazing techniques, according to the U.S. Army's manual "Welding Theory and Application." Ferrous metals, containing iron, become badly oxidized and damaged when welded with this and many other gases like propane and butane. Non-ferrous metals are not as susceptible to the oxidizing process, and brazing minimizes the flame contact with the metal.

Using City Gas

• Many cities pipe natural gas directly into homes to power furnaces, small heaters and stoves. Welders with a workshop in or near their home can tap into this line with the right equipment. The normal pressure is too low to power a welding flame, states Bakers Gas & Welding Supplies. Adding a new manifold line to the main allows you to create more pressure in the line leading to the welder. Special injector torches also work on the low pressure of a home gas line.

Safety

• All of the common welding safety requirements apply to natural gas equipment. In addition to welding goggles and gloves, welders transferring fuel to their tanks in liquid form need to protect against cold burns by covering all exposed skin. Compared to other gases used for welding, though, natural gas is relatively safe. It is not toxic when inhaled in small amounts like acetylene is, states master welder Ed Craig. It must also reach a 50-percent concentration in the air to cause asphyxiation, a far higher percentage than other gases.

Cutting

• Making the right cuts is an important step in the welding process. Natural gas works well as a cutting fuel because it produces the same heat and intensity of all other gases. During the cutting process, the oxygen in the flame produces the heat instead of the specific fuel, according to the Weld Reality website. Natural gas is cheaper than other gases when used for cutting but creates the same results.