Was just given an oxyacetylene torch. Should it be rebuilt?

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Hope I'm on the right forum.I've only used such a torch a couple times....30+ years ago. So, I know almost nothing about them. That scares me.My 80+ year old father-in-law, who was a mechanic, gave me his old oxyacetylene torch. He didn't tell me anything about how to transport or operate the thing and he is not one to ask.The tanks, valves, and hoses look like they have seen their better days!Without knowing any better, I laid both tanks down in the bed of my truck and hauled them away. I did have enough common sense to keep them from rolling around.At any rate, I could put this thing to good use right away....but I'm scared to touch the thing.I assume it would be wise to take it to a shop that works on this sort of thing and have them go through it. Is that correct? I'm afraid that might cost me more than a new set up would cost though. What might I expect to spend if it needs rebuilt?Any and all advice appreciated!
Reply:Bend the hoses are they dry and cracked ? Most likely you want to start with those. You can't test without good hoes first. Is there gas pressure still in the tanks ?Back regulator screws out until they are free and open the tank valve slowly and see if the regulators hold pressure on high sides.
Reply:

Originally Posted by fishnaked

Hope I'm on the right forum.I've only used such a torch a couple times....30+ years ago. So, I know almost nothing about them. That scares me.My 80+ year old father-in-law, who was a mechanic, gave me his old oxyacetylene torch. He didn't tell me anything about how to transport or operate the thing and he is not one to ask.The tanks, valves, and hoses look like they have seen their better days!Without knowing any better, I laid both tanks down in the bed of my truck and hauled them away. I did have enough common sense to keep them from rolling around.At any rate, I could put this thing to good use right away....but I'm scared to touch the thing.I assume it would be wise to take it to a shop that works on this sort of thing and have them go through it. Is that correct? I'm afraid that might cost me more than a new set up would cost though. What might I expect to spend if it needs rebuilt?Any and all advice appreciated!
Reply:

Originally Posted by Oldiron2

Where are you? You can post your Location so others have an idea what resources might be near you.The first thing I'd suggest is getting a good basic manual like this (cheap) one and reading it so you understand the process, the safety requirements, and what other questions to ask here:https://www.ebay.com/itm/40344767630...oAAOSwYIJh-y4PPictures from the ad:


A local library may also have a good book or two.Next you need to post pictures of the equipment so some of the collectors can drool over them if the gear is really great...and they will then give you advice about its quality and what needs to be checked; parts like "O" rings or packing, besides perhaps the hoses. Be aware that a full oxygen cylinder can have a 2000 psi pressure, so whenever the cap is off, the bottle needs to be securely restrained in the vertical position, meaning chained to a wall or something equally stable. Acetylene is adsorbed in liquid acetone which fills a porous media within the cylinder, so the cylinder needs to also be standing up when used (and have been standing for some hours, if it had been lying down).
Reply:All torches are older than 50 years still going strong. Dave

Originally Posted by fishnaked

Hope I'm on the right forum.I've only used such a torch a couple times....30+ years ago. So, I know almost nothing about them. That scares me.My 80+ year old father-in-law, who was a mechanic, gave me his old oxyacetylene torch. He didn't tell me anything about how to transport or operate the thing and he is not one to ask.The tanks, valves, and hoses look like they have seen their better days!Without knowing any better, I laid both tanks down in the bed of my truck and hauled them away. I did have enough common sense to keep them from rolling around.At any rate, I could put this thing to good use right away....but I'm scared to touch the thing.I assume it would be wise to take it to a shop that works on this sort of thing and have them go through it. Is that correct? I'm afraid that might cost me more than a new set up would cost though. What might I expect to spend if it needs rebuilt?Any and all advice appreciated!