What happens if an oxyacetylene torch tip is too small?

When an oxyacetylene torch tip is too small, it can lead to heat drain. This situation occurs because a smaller tip tends to concentrate the heat in a very localized area, making it difficult to maintain the necessary temperature for effective brazing or welding. The intense heat can quickly dissipate into the surrounding material instead of being effectively utilized for the intended join process, resulting in insufficient heating of the workpieces.

Inadequate heat distribution can occur with a small tip, as it may not provide enough heat over a larger surface area. However, that is a secondary concern compared to the direct effect of heat drain, which can impair the overall effectiveness of the soldering or brazing operation. Overheating might occur with different conditions, like using a larger tip or increasing the gas flow excessively, while increased safety risks are more related to improper handling or malfunction than the size of the torch tip itself.