How long do you run your oxycon for at one session?

[GoodMonkey]

Should it have a rest after a certain amount of time?

Just wondering as mine worked quite hard yesterday   

[Lush!]

I've had two running since about noon today ... 

[Pam]

Mine runs as long as I can bead for which is max of 7 hours  but most often 2-3 hours. I usually have a couple of breaks though but I don't turn oxycon off just the nozzel on the torch. I notice that sometimes it has an amber light but still works fine and doesn't appear to alter the flame. I thought it died not so long ago but after cleaning the filters it was just fine again.
I do like to open the shed door every now and again to make sure I am getting some fresh oxygen though

[Kaz]

Mine have been on since about 9.00 this morning. I don't switch them off, just turn off the propane at the torch and leave the oxygen flowing through. Not sure it's good for the oxycon to switch off at the torch and leave the oxy running though?
Kazx

[Dragonfire Glass]

My oxycon cuts out if I leave it running with the tap off

[MangoBeads]

All day !

[GoodMonkey]

Oh I'm not such a bad employer then

I feel better now - thanks everyone x


*blushing* I've been turning mine off every couple of hours to give it a rest LOL LOL

[MangoBeads]

thats coz you are nice   

[MyPrecious]

Maybe I'm wrong but I think they are made to be run all the time? So you don't need to worry about it staying on for a few hours.

[GoodMonkey]

thats coz you are nice   

LOL or stooopid 

[Lloki]

I've been told that oxycons are really designed to run 24/7 (after all that's what they're designed to do in hospitals!) also, that if you start your oxycon you should keep it running for a minimum of 30 minutes before turning off (even if you decide to stop torching - for some CRAZY reason!)
Just make sure that you keep the oxy value open on the torch (but propane closed and turned off at source!) if you take a break as a build up of pressure is harmful to the oxycon.
Some of the "ex-medical" oxycons have been "bastardised" so to speak, to provide a continuous flow of oxygen (not like in hospital where they provide oxygen "on demand" ie; when the patient breathes in!) so I've been advised to keep my oxycon running for long periods to prolong it's life - and that some of the problems encountered by lampworkers may actually be caused, not by "high working hours" on the counter, but by dirty filters and intermittent useage (you know, stored in cold, damp atmosphere - ie shed/garage and only used twice a week for instance?)
So my advice, is don't worry - use it for as long as the gas lasts - you may be prolonging it's life!

I'm such a slow typer (mind you, did take a "comfort" break) but 5 replies where posted by the time I was really to post - hope it makes sense? Use it or lose it maybe!    

[SallyR]

My dad has an oxycon at home which he has to use at night - it provides a continuous flow (rather than on demand) for at least 8 hours at a stretch every night, plus odd sessions of a couple of hours or so during the day.  Mind you, it's been replaced by a newer model at least twice over the last couple of years - don't know what the NHS criteria is for swapping it though, whether it's running hours or calendar-based.  I keep asking Dad to ask the oxygen man what happens to the old ones ... 

[Lloki]

I keep asking Dad to ask the oxygen man what happens to the old ones ... 

Sounds awful Sally, but keep asking.........everybody (not just lampworkers) need to know?......(where are the "cheap/used" oxy's going?) also - what are the NHS actually doing with our taxes...................?

[ejralph]

I would be happy just to find a supplier for the internal filters on the things.

Emma

[Yellow friend]

My usual sessions are about 3 hours long but my oxycon randomly cuts out on its own, usually after about 2 hours and sometimes if I have been doing a lot of reducing.  I have opened it up to see which bits I'm meant to vacuum out (can't seem to screw it back together properly but closes together and stays there on its own) Have vacuumed the 'cyberman head' bit in the side door.  My biggest concern is that the spongey bits have almost turned to dust and may be being sucked in somewhere. I also only get a green light for a short time, it usually runs on amber but I'm not really worried about that bit.
I thought maybe it was only meant to be on for about 3 hours (cos it's a recon).
So interesting to read this thread to see what others expectations are.

Btw My oxy is kept in doors and lives in a nice dry and warm environment.

Shelia