O/A Welding Torch Whip

[Tractor Seabee]

Ron, I thought you downsized with the move... it seems that plan is not working. :laughing:

Mark, you know how it is with a man and his tools. I have been doing some plumbing remodel at this house and it became clear that the standard hose was so stiff and twisty I was constantly fighting the torch because of the hose. It is a 3/16 whip at that. I have an inquiry into that Tinman outfit on what the inside diameter of there hose. It may fill the bill.

Last fall I lucked onto a deal a the auction. Bid on a set of tanks, a cart, a length of rotten hose, and parts of an old Victor knockoff "J" torch handle W cutting attachment. Got it all for $140, ($400 worth of tanks) only 2 bidders. I posted the torch set looking for TBN ID of the torch, not much useful response. One of the guys at PW finally recognized it. Welding/brazing tips still made but the cutting tips only one place . Finally getting it into a usable set. They are small and very handy for soldering/brazing. We use to call them "aircraft torches", very popular in the plumbing/pipefitting trade. I have a grandson who is a welder so he may inherit it someday.

Ron

 

[dragoneggs]

I remember seeing your tanks and cart that you won. I also remember thinking that you are going to be stuffed in your new garage!

Do they call them aircraft torches because they are for light gauge materials or tight spaces?

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I remember seeing your tanks and cart that you won. I also remember thinking that you are going to be stuffed in your new garage!

Do they call them aircraft torches because they are for light gauge materials or tight spaces?

Both. I ordered the Tin Man whip. Not sure it will work except on the J torch. The ID is less than 1/8". Defiantly won't with my heavier victor torch. They have some interesting things n their web site. TM Technologies: Tools, Sheet Metal Shaping Machines, & Gas Welding Supplies for Better Metalworking They have fluxes for torch welding copper, aluminum, and stainless. Kinda spendy for the size of the container.

Ron

 

[jaxs]

While age and quality of the hose effect's flexibility,I wonder if age and dexterity of operator could be the main problem. :stirthepot:

 

[dragoneggs]

While age and quality of the hose effect's flexibility,I wonder if age and dexterity of operator could be the main problem. :stirthepot:

What are we talkin' about here boys? :laughing:

 

[Tractor Seabee]

While age and quality of the hose effect's flexibility,I wonder if age and dexterity of operator could be the main problem. :stirthepot:

It is a factor, but I consider it to be minor. I can still bend my coupons w/o them cracking. I think eye sight may be a bigger factor, especially in overhead work. Body flexibility is also a factor. I guess we need to add up all these factors. Good welding is like good safety, it has to become a lifestyle.

Ron

 

[jaxs]

Back in my working days we were able to get 10-15' sections of 3/16 O/A twin hose that was very soft and flexible. In my old age I am unsteady enough w/o fighting that stiff hose.

Ron

What are we talkin' about here boys? :laughing:

I haven't a clue what we are talking about,just repeating what I was told.

 

[jaxs]

Now I feel bad so I'll attempt to redeem myself with meaningful contribution. I pretty much retired the little rig I used in hvac and bought a larger rig for use in hobby welding shop. I hate the feel of a large handle,esp with cutting attachment. After reading a post by Irishfixit on Welding Web titled "How to use a cutting torch",I had the small Victor rig rebuilt and tested what he had said. I was amazed and very happy to be using a torch again that just feel's right in my hand. Armed with Wayne's teaching I am pleased to rarly change tips and getting great cuts on sheet through 3/8" with 000 tip and 3/8" through 1"with 0 tip. Irish later passed away but the post is a sticky. Unless they are an expert,I highly recommend anyone doing oxy-fuel cutting read it. If nothing else,you might save $$$$ after realizing you don't need a drawer full of tips to get good cuts. Ok,let the banter resume.

 

[yomax4]

The torch manufacturers offer up free tip charts and the LWS should have them. I agree with above. You almost never need a size 3 or 4 cutting tip. Yet a hundred years ago when I worked at a LWS no-one ever bought one smaller than 2. Same with the smaller torches. With the right tip you can still cut 4" material. I still have a large assortment but use the smaller stuff the most.

 

[Ritothebull]

The torch manufacturers offer up free tip charts and the LWS should have them. I agree with above. You almost never need a size 3 or 4 cutting tip. Yet a hundred years ago when I worked at a LWS no-one ever bought one smaller than 2. Same with the smaller torches. With the right tip you can still cut 4" material. I still have a large assortment but use the smaller stuff the most.

Wonder if it had anything to do with the rising cost of oxygen and acetylene, I used to like having big engines in all my vehicles back when fuel was cheap but not so much anymore.