Why am I avoiding any method that requires acetylene? It's so useful!

It's too dangerous

It's true that oxy-acetylene torches are a workhorse in most metal workshops. Those red and green hoses are ubiquitous.

Unfortunately the only place I have to use this torch is at home. And there are two VERY STRONG reasons why it's a bad idea to use acetylene in a residence:

• Your local fire marshal likely has regulations prohibiting this, or at least they will strongly disapprove of using it in a residence.
• If you're honest with your home insurance provider, that you're storing acetylene in your residence, there's a good chance they'll terminate your coverage.

Also, of course, it's objectively a dangerous thing to do. [1] [2] And it's ethically wrong, to the extent that it risks other residents' safety (eg. living in a condo/apartment building, or sharing a home with others).

Some people do it

All warnings aside, a number of people who do hobbyist jewelry do use an OA torch in their residence. [1]   [2]   [3]   To the point that if I bring up possible safety issues in forums, sometimes jewelry people will really push back about it.