Cutting torch problems

I don't know how much help I can be on this one though. It's difficult to diagnose problems like this long distance. There is also a good deal of liability both on my part and yours should something go wrong.

You can do the simple checks that have been described by others. This would include checking the regs to see if they hold pressure when the O2 lever is depressed and ruling out a blocked hose. You could easily and inexpensively replace the o-rings. I would not recommend taking any of the gauges or regulators apart. There are certain areas where the manufacturer uses locktite or sealants. These fittings should not be tampered with. The same can be said for the gas valves on the torch body.

I rebuild all the torches that our customers send in for repair. One of the first things I do is check for obvious obstructions. This is done by using tip cleaners. I prefer the drill type. The drill type cleaners will reach the places the average person should maintain. Don't use shop air that can contain moisture or oil to blow out the inside of your torch. One common error that can lead to blockage stems from failure to crack the gas valve on the cylinder prior to mounting the regulators. Cracking the valve slightly and momentarily will clean out any foriegn debris that might be present in the valve fittings.

It sounds as if the same problem has developed with three different torches. This would make me suspect that the problem is originating between the cylinder valve and the torch handle. Once again, too difficult to say for sure w/o personal inspection.
Steve

I'd get your regulators into a shop and
have them checked pronto.

Regulator set 20 + years old ? They can go bad over time, especially if you don't 'back them off'
and bleed off residual pressure every time they
are gonna set for awhile.

IMHO Regulators are not that good of a thing to mess with at home. Even when I worked in a machine/fabrication shop we sent them out for repair.. didn't mess with them ourselves.

bb

To check the hose for a plug, take off the torch and turn the regulator up to 60psi and turn the bottle on and see if you have good free flow. If thats ok then put the torch head on and remove the cutting tip. If good flow then then the tip is pluged, if not take the cutting head off the mixing chamber (the fist part of the torch with the valves) and run the same test. If ok flow the then there is a plug in the cutting chamber. If not then tear the secondary regulator apart looking for a plug. The system is very simple to work on.

T_Bone

T_Bone