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Oxyhydrogen Welder

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Categories: Instruction and information; Projects and equipment

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I finally purchased an oxyhydrogen generator, i.e. a water welding machine. It almost seems redundant given how many other torches I have, but not quite. It's not an industrial version but a high-output "desktop" unit that seemed like it would do the trick.

This method was invented nearly a century before oxyacetylene torches. Using water as fuel, electrolysis produces hydrogen and oxygen. Advantages include not having to store or refill gas cylinders, limitless supply of gas that's better than carbon-based sources (some metals react with carbon dioxide), lower costs, and more environmentally friendly.

One drawback is that the gas mixture is always the same - no high marks for versatility. Gas cylinders allow rich or lean flames which are important for all-around torch work. Supplementing oxyhydrogen with additional gas is not something I've come across. However, some generators have an additive tank for water, methyl alcohol, acetone, and other liquids that can give it reducing/oxidizing characteristics and change the flame temperature.

The flame is exceptionally hot and pinpoint precise. Most torches have different heads to adjust flame size. I wasn't impressed with the small one; the largest was better but there's not enough "hot" to do more than solder or weld small parts. It won't melt anything much larger than a cherry pit.

There are online videos of these machines but until you actually have one or see it in person, some of its capabilities, or lack thereof, are lost in translation. It will work for some of the simpler things but not the heavier stuff I so coveted.

Output is measured by how much gas per hour is produced. A basic one-torch setup will be fine at 40 liters. Mine has 160 which means it can have up to four torches. Or, as I optimistically thought, four times the output for one torch.

Bigger flames are simple with gas cylinders, but it's more complicated here. The manufacturers I've contacted said this is not a common request. Torch heads require a certain amount of flow and pressure to work safely and properly. Small oxyhydrogen systems might not meet the specs for regular torch systems.

I could ziptie two or more torches together, a DIY hack if there ever was one. Enlarging the orifice might create other problems with said gas flow so that's not a viable option until I learn more. I've seen multi-orifice heads in passing. Hopefully, additional research will reveal a solution.

It's not a loss or waste but it's no panacea. A less expensive version would be sufficient for a single torch. At least this one is more robust and powerful. I want more if I can't modify this one. The "more" in this case requires a larger, more expensive industrial machine. If so, I won't make the same mistake again.

Posted by M: April 25, 2026

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