Acetylene regulator question

[easygo]

Thanks for the help and suggestions. I will replace all the O-ring for sure.
My question about cleaning the tips I meant how do I clean the whole thing. The tips - other then the Victor cutting tip - were sitting in a garage and had dust all over some even seemed that it got moisture and dust that caked into a hard mud-like stuff. That was on the some of the thread and the feed side of the tips that were not attached to anything. I did my best to wipe them clean with a clean moist rag. I blew air through them gently and they seem free. I cleaned the "flame end" of the tips as well with the files.

I'm trying to find used tanks before I go to the LWS and buy new ones. I have been looking for several months and at this point I'm ready to give up and buy new.

yomax4, I will want to make sure that at least one of the torches works properly before I consider trading. I'm sure I will not need more then one and if the old Purox works too that's great. I will try to see if I can fix the regulator myself if not then we can talk.

 

[easygo]

Monkeywrench, Thanks for the post and the link. Weldingweb is another one of my favorite sites.

Forgot to ask. I truly doubt that my outfit has a flashback arrester. Is that something I should consider?

 

[monckywrench]

They are a very good idea which is why the Mine Safety folks require them on regs and torch.

Also, gloves are your friend in all sorts of welding. Presume everything is hot. :laughing:

It Just Went BOOM!!!!! - WeldingWeb - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

I don't consider those torches and tips "dirty". You already did what I'd do to them. I shine the ones I sell (since every dog likes to mark its own tree) but brass patinas quickly so there's no point in doing a torch you're gonna use. They look quite decent, actually.

The trick to telling hard use on a torch is dents, dings and beat marks, not patina.

Also, Teflon tape is not for regulator nuts (just noticed the pic). Ensure the nipple surface is clean and smooth, post a pic if in doubt, and tighten securely to your cylinder then check for leaks. Replacement nipples are standard and your local welding supply normally stocks them for a few dollars if you need one.

I'm sure I will not need more then one and if the old Purox works too that's great. I will try to see if I can fix the regulator myself if not then we can talk.

Since the J100 is tipless, you could off that. A name-brand regulator (Smith, Victor, Harris, Purox, Oxweld, etc) is a fair swap.

I'd keep both the big Victor (you WANT that rosebud, they come in handy) and the Purox (for which you have two cutting attachments, and they are NICE to use). I have the same torches and since they are paid for it would be smart to use them for a while to see which you prefer for a given task.

 

[rjmack]

My question about cleaning the tips I meant how do I clean the whole thing.

okay, my mistake, just trying to be helpful

all the same, those are valuable insights that hold true. there are many things that are taught in welding school, and many that are not... for various reasons. sometimes the things you have to figure out on your own are the most valuable. if you don't have a sharp torch, and the right amount of preheat, you will soon come to hate slag removal.

far as torch choice, my experience has been that, generally speaking, torches with longer cutting jet levers are easier to do nice work with because you have to apply less force to them. less force equals less stress in your hand/fingers and a smoother result. those that claim a shorter torch is easier to work with actually have it backwards, at least that's my experience.

having said that, when an experienced welding supply salesman offers to trade straight across for a new one... you know he isn't offering to trade down. someone who sells welding supplies for a long time has the potential to become an expert welding supply salesman, but it's always prudent to remember that welding supply salesman, and welder, are different trades.

 

[monckywrench]

but it's always prudent to remember that welding supply salesman, and welder, are different trades.

Affirmative! :thumbsup:

 

[easygo]

okay, my mistake, just trying to be helpful

Rjmack, You are being helpful and I very much appreciate it. I must say the same to everyone else too!

I took apart the gauge and was able to "zero" it on the third click. Now with no pressure it says: "there is no pressure". I went to the LWS and ordered a couple sets of O-rings for the big Victor torch. I figured I will get the cutting attachment and the #3 welding nozzle outfitted with new ones regardless of what is on there now. I forgot that I wanted to get the rosebud going as well, but will do that next time. The guys at the shop said that they are willing to test the torches but if they need more then O-rings they have to send them out for any other repair work. I will take the whole works in on Monday or Tuesday.

 

[monckywrench]

Ask to observe the tests since they take very little time and ask for them to explain what they do so you can learn.

 

[Todd NE WY]

I noticed you said you are looking for used bottles prior to purchasing new. Most of the time bottles are leased. There are many threads on here where people own the bottles and they had issues getting filled without bills of sale etc. My LWS offers the best of both worlds, a lifetime lease. I don't remember what I paid but it wasn't much more than the 5 year lease option. Now I just drop off my bottles and pick up a filled one. I don't have to worry about rectifying the bottles every so many years and I don't have to write a lease check every year. Just a thought.

Todd

 

[dstig1]

I have a lifetime lease on my C25 tank. They still charge a $15-20 hydro test fee every 5 years on that. Not major, but is kind of annoying as leases are typically thought to be all inclusive...at least by me. I really like this LWS so far, so I'm not really complaining here, just FYI.

 

[easygo]

Thanks again for all your advice. I had no time to get the rig going with the holidays and a death in the family this kind of stuff is lower on the list.