What is a common consequence of excessive acetylene in welding?

Excessive acetylene in welding can lead to overheating of the workpiece. Acetylene, when used in welding, produces a very hot flame, and if the gas is not balanced with the appropriate amount of oxygen, it can create a flame that is too intense. This overheating can cause various detrimental effects on the metal being welded, such as altering its properties, leading to warpage, and affecting the overall quality of the weld.

When the metal overheats, it can become too fluid, which can result in poor penetration or a lack of proper fusion between the base materials. The excess heat also increases the risk of burning through thin materials, which could lead to catastrophic failures in the weld. Thus, maintaining an appropriate acetylene-to-oxygen ratio is crucial to avoid overheating and ensure high-quality welding results.