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Bought used torches. What would you do to initially check?

L

lastcowboy32

Well-known Member
I picked up a used torch set.

It's old, but it appears to be a good brand (the cutting torch is a Linde).

I took the torch and regulators to our local industrial welding supply store and had them find me an adapter to adapt my acetylene regulator to a standard propane tank.

I also asked them for the proper tip for using the cutting torch with propane.

They hooked me up with both.

Once I get my oxygen and propane tanks and connect everything up. Are there any tips on how I should check the system out?

For instance, should I open the valve on the tank, set the regulator and then turn the tank valve off and see if the pressure drops quickly...which would show a leak?

Or should I try soapy water?

Any other things that I should lubricate, adjust, check before striking flint to gas???

I've done some torch work in the past. The main thing here is just checking out a "new-old" torch before putting it to use.
 
I'm by no means an expert but I don't think you should use an acetylene regulator with propane. There's a difference in density which is why you need different tips for burning. I did that once and could not get the preheat flame to work. Big difference in pressures as well. And DON'T EVER use anything petroleum based on the oxygen equipment.
 
"Any other things that I should lubricate"

What Mike said!!!

Don't be tempted to lubricate anything!

Don't even handle parts with oily hands.

Enjoy your "new" torch!
 
(quoted from post at 20:50:20 02/05/16) You will have to use a propane regulator if you are using propane for the gas, welding store should have told you that.
Click to expand...

They didn't mention it, but I didn't ask the question either. I'll look into that. Thanks!
 
The hoses used for propane are made of a different material than Acetylene. Propane hoses are grade T which is designed for propane. Acetylene hoses are grade R. The grade R hose will degrade over time if you run propane through them.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?67572-oxy-propane-hose

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forum/welding-discussions/25601-propane-instead-of-acetylene
 
With unknown regulators, look them over for damage, and insect nests in the fittings. Connect the
regulators to the tanks, remove the hoses. Back off the pressure regulator knob until you feel no spring
contact. Then slowly open the tank at arms length, facing away from the cylinder! If gas comes through the
regulator, STOP! Something is wrong.

If no flow, slowly turn the adjuster in until flow begins, then back it off, see if it stops. Then connect
the hoses. This way if the regulator is defective, you wont blow the hoses.

Check the hoses for dry rot, especially near the fittings.

Check the feel of the valves on the torch handle, they should move smoothly, no bent stems. Check for leaks
around the valve glands, they can be tightened.

Check the orings where the heads attach to the valve handle. They may be rotten or missing.

Before lighting it the first time, put on welding gloves, they will protect your hands if there is a leak
on the handle.

Hopefully everything is good, have fun!
 
I have an older Craftsman (Harris) torch set, bought by my Dad in the mid/late '60s. It has the original regulators. I think it may have burned about 20 tanks of Acetylene before switched to propane. Same regulator. The hoses did get leaky after about 20 years though.

I still use it occasionally, using both gases. works fine. I usually use my much smaller Victor to weld/braze and reserve the older/bigger one for heating or cutting with propane. Rarely need the bigger tips to weld heavy stuff.
 
like the others have said don't use any petroleum products around gases under pressure. It can cause an explosive reaction. Bill
 
The hose is the only thing to watch,we have only sold T rated hose for 20 years, others not so. The difference in regulator is just the nipple and you have changed that.(BTW there is a valve that is the same for propane and acetylene)
 
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