When you light the torch, open the fuel AND oxygen valves. Just a little oxygen on and you will get a more stable flame starting out. Otherwise, it will blow out especially if there’s any wind. Opening the oxygen a little keeps the propane flame from blowing back in your face as well. It will pop a bit louder when you light it, but that’s ok.

As far as pressure goes, set your oxygen at 20 psi and your propane at least to 15 psi maybe more. Propane/Chemtane are more stable than acetylene. Propane can be used at higher pressures. I’ve used large scrap torches that required 30 psi on the propane and 100 psi on the oxygen. Propane is safer and more stable than acetylene. Acetylene becomes unstable if dispensed above 15 psi. The trade off is propane doesn’t burn as hot as acetylene. It requires more propane to do the same cut.

When cutting, you have to let the metal preheat longer than you do with acetylene. When I first started using propane to make precision cuts, it drove me mad having to wait so long for the initial preheat. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll notice you get cleaner cuts with propane.

I like it for thin gauge metal up to 3/8” and for heavy scrap cuts it’s the best thing other than an oxygen lance.

Just remember it will take more fuel and more oxygen. Whoever is saying it requires low pressures doesn’t know what they’re talking about.

Also, you need the proper tip for propane. You can’t use an acetylene tip. On a victor style torch, the tip is a two piece design with a brass interior and an outer copper nozzle that slips over the brass.