oxy acetylene help

admin

I have a set AIRCO oxy acetylene torch set that has been in storage for 12 years. I would like to start using them again. Is there are anything I should do before using the? I plan on buying a new hose "is any brand better then another"? Do the regulators need to be tested some how, do they need cleaning or worry about insects nesting in them?  Thanks
Reply:

Originally Posted by woody367

I have a set AIRCO oxy acetylene torch set that has been in storage for 12 years. I would like to start using them again. Is there are anything I should do before using the? I plan on buying a new hose "is any brand better then another"? Do the regulators need to be tested some how, do they need cleaning or worry about insects nesting in them?  Thanks
Reply:Thank you for the quick reply. i am getting a 25' hose but is one brand better then other? Best place to order from?
Reply:i ve used goodyear hose and was happy.      recently i couldnt get it, and the junk my weld store sold me dont even unwind right/always kinking
Reply:I found that is about size for most shop use. It is size I use today.If doing a lot fab work a longer hose is better as do not have drag bottles around the yard. When doing fab work I used 75 foot hose and bottles just sat in one spot in the yard.Dave  

Originally Posted by woody367

Thank you for the quick reply. i am getting a 25' hose but is one brand better then other? Best place to order from?
Reply:Yes, check regulators for leaks. Be careful if you decide to blow out anything with compressed air. If your compressor passes any oil in the airstream, that will not be good in the presents of oxygen.As far as new hoses, I like grade "T", because I run oxygen/propane.Unless you plan on gas welding and brazing, propane is a better choice, imo. As far as brand, I like Parker, Harris, Bestwelds, Anchor, or something made in USA.If you have leaky regulators, Jim at regulatortorchrepair.com is fantastic. He is a member here and has been online to answer questions."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!

" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Don't forget to get new flash arrestors.
Reply:WhyI start in welding and no flash arrestor (aka check value) it a new gadget.  Dave

Originally Posted by Weld_

Don't forget to get new flash arrestors.
Reply:Personally I would send the regulars off to be rebuilt.  After 12 years of storage, the diaphragms are probably cracked and the loss of a single acetylene's bottle worth of gas would pay for a regulator rebuild.Re the hoses, the inexpensive import hoses are stiffer than the US Mfg ones, which I find problematic for torch brazing and welding.  So ditto the advice above for good USA Mfg hoses.Miller Trailblazer Pro 350DMiller Suitcase MIGMiller Spectrum 2050Miller Syncrowave 250DXLincoln 210MP
Reply:

Originally Posted by scsmith42

Personally I would send the regulars off to be rebuilt.  After 12 years of storage, the diaphragms are probably cracked and the loss of a single acetylene's bottle worth of gas would pay for a regulator rebuild..
Reply:

Originally Posted by scsmith42

Re the hoses, the inexpensive import hoses are stiffer than the US Mfg ones, which I find problematic for torch brazing and welding.  So ditto the advice above for good USA Mfg hoses.
Reply:

Originally Posted by scsmith42

Personally I would send the regulars off to be rebuilt.  After 12 years of storage, the diaphragms are probably cracked and the loss of a single acetylene's bottle worth of gas would pay for a regulator rebuild.Re the hoses, the inexpensive import hoses are stiffer than the US Mfg ones, which I find problematic for torch brazing and welding.  So ditto the advice above for good USA Mfg hoses.
Reply:That is reason I buy very little from Harbor Freight.  It all Chinese equipment.  I have purchased from Home Depot a set 25 years ago and still in good shape Dave

Originally Posted by whtbaron

Try to avoid cheap Chinese hoses from the big stores. I had a set that cracked after a year with no sunlight or abuse. Mine came from Princess Auto, but if you're in the US you've probably never heard of that store.... Harbor Freight quality...
Reply:

Originally Posted by 123weld

i ve used goodyear hose and was happy.      recently i couldnt get it, and the junk my weld store sold me dont even unwind right/always kinking
Reply:

Originally Posted by woody367

I have a set AIRCO oxy acetylene torch set that has been in storage for 12 years. I would like to start using them again. Is there are anything I should do before using the? I plan on buying a new hose "is any brand better then another"? Do the regulators need to be tested some how, do they need cleaning or worry about insects nesting in them?  Thanks
Reply:I do agree with hoses. It is simple to rebuild regulators but give out they just hiss at you. I can not tell why the give up but some regulators I work are over 60 years still working everyday. I had other less than 2 years old and die  hiss  . The flashback does save regulators.But I used torches for 30 years before flashback check values came out with no problems. Dave

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

As others have said, send your regulators out to be rebuilt. Buy new flashback arresters (no need blowing yourself up). Buy name brand hose. Goodyear makes some good stuff. I also have experience with Continental (as in Continental Tire) brand hoses and they very nice. Given the Continental hoses I have are for hot water. I know they make all kinds of different hoses, though. Edit:typoSent from my Lincoln Buzzbox using Tapatalk
Reply:

Originally Posted by 12V71

Why? test first. I have a set of regs on the mechanics service truck that are 30+ years old out in the weather and still working just fine. I do have to replace the gauges every now and then so I can read them.
Reply:It could a brand determines the life.It so long I do not remember the brand that had a short life.Dave

Originally Posted by scsmith42

Because when you use them on a regular basis the diaphragm's don't go bad as quickly as when they sit unused.
Reply:Thanks guys for all the great info. I have been searching online and ABN Oxygen Acetylene Hose ¼ Inch B Fittings Twin Welding Hose, 25 foot come up as one of better hose. What is your opinion? Not sure if it is made in the USA or what brand are.As far as flashbacks, (I never had a set but which ones are good or what to look for?Is it worth having the Airco regs. serviced or just go and buy a VICTOR performer  Kit?I use this mainly for heating ,cutting and a little brazing as I have a Miller mig welder. May be making I  may be making this bigger then I need to. But want it do right so no one or things get hurt.Last edited by woody367; 4 Weeks Ago at 05:47 PM.
Reply:Hook them up and try them out. I think an old regulator probably has better quality parts inside it than new Chinese replacement parts. If they don't leak they will most likely be ok.  I have bought a lot of 2nd hand regulators at garage sales auctions and pawn shops very few didn't work
Reply:

Originally Posted by scsmith42

Because when you use them on a regular basis the diaphragm's don't go bad as quickly as when they sit unused.
Reply:I have good luck with Victor. Heating for welding I use a low cost weed burner on propane. Dave

Originally Posted by woody367

Thanks guys for all the great info. I have been searching online and ABN Oxygen Acetylene Hose ¼ Inch B Fittings Twin Welding Hose, 25 foot come up as one of better hose. What is your opinion? Not sure if it is made in the USA or what brand are.As far as flashbacks, (I never had a set but which ones are good or what to look for?Is it worth having the Airco regs. serviced or just go and buy a VICTOR performer  Kit?I use this mainly for heating ,cutting and a little brazing as I have a Miller mig welder. May be making I  may be making this bigger then I need to. But want it do right so no one or things get hurt.