What's the story behind the Smith Tuf-Tony torch?

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I found one of these, model SC739, and bought it for $190 shipped.  It's 6' long with a 90 degree head, and looks like a Gas Axe.  I don't have it yet - it's on it's way from NY.  This particular one looks new, and was just rebuilt.  I can only find a couple of references to the "Tuf-Tony" or SC700 series online, and most of them have to do with a lawsuit Smith settled on where a user was badly burned from a flashback fire with one.  Smith changed something and now has the SC900 series out, which is the Gas Axe line.  I see that the Gas Axe valves aren't the same part number as the ones used in the SC700 - maybe that's the difference.I bought it for demo work, and I'm just going to hang it behind the seats in the truck and leave it there for when the time comes that I need it.My question is, was this a bad design?  Why is there almost no info out there about this series - I know it's not that old?  I had been looking for a Gas Axe for some time, but everything I was finding was in the $275+ range so I jumped on this one -- now I'm hoping I didn't make a mistake.  Anybody have experience with one?
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550However, I already have a few Smith torches, and never really wanted one longer than my SC229.
Reply:T[Bone - IF, based strictly on reading your own speculation, that is  IF the wealth of knowledge at some manufacturer has decided that a certain model of torch should be pulled from the market, then, for roughly a measly $85 in savings, is it really worth gambling with? And anyway, who wants a long torch with a 90 degree head? Well, in your case, besides Stick-man of course.Last edited by denrep; 12-10-2011 at 11:39 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepAnd anyway, who wants a long torch with a 90 degree head? Well, in your case, besides Stick-man of course.
Reply:Ha ha, Mr. Sticky, the joke is on you.  After running various geometric and trigonometric calculations, I've deduced that I, with my new SC739 torch, can sit here in my living room at my computer, and cut the locks off of your shop.  I'm trying to decide if it's really worth coming after all of my stuff you've got, or if I should just commence to melting it into a pile of scrap.   I'm starting with my Commander 500.  And don't try to stop me, or I'll break your ribs!  And Sticky, I think Denrep meant that you would be wanting MY new torch.
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550Ha ha, Mr. Sticky, the joke is on you.  After running various geometric and trigonometric calculations, I've deduced that I, with my new SC739 torch, can sit here in my living room at my computer, and cut the locks off of your shop.  I'm trying to decide if it's really worth coming after all of my stuff you've got, or if I should just commence to melting it into a pile of scrap.   I'm starting with my Commander 500.  And don't try to stop me, or I'll break your ribs!  And Sticky, I think Denrep meant that you would be wanting MY new torch.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manAhhhh, but mine is a 75*, Mr. Denrep! Have a look for yourself......... http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=61899Now put that in your pipe and................. I'll light it with my 75* torch!!!
Reply:Howabout ASKING Smith if there's a recall and if you can swap the thing for a new torch?"Dear Smith, After reading about possible problems with this torch I have reservations about using it.Why was it discontinued and may I exchange it under the Lifetime Warranty program for a different torch?" (Don't forget to send it back with a Smith Tip.)After reading the lawsuit details, it would make sense to run flashback arrestors (everyone does anyway, riiiight?).As to "bigness of sticks", mine's so big I haven't gotten a chance to use it yet. (I need something worth ordering an LOX dewar to cut up!). The cutting tips are supposedly good for twenty inches.http://products.esabna.com/EN/home/g...scarfing_torchI bet you wish you were Italian too!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallHowabout ASKING Smith if there's a recall and if you can swap the thing for a new torch?
Reply:Just received a response email from Smith:Hi Joe,We have not built the Tuf-Tony torches for several years. I am not aware of any lawsuit as the reason for discontinuing that model.  The design is sound and if the torch is of good repair, there should be no issues with using it.  Thanks for your inquiry and for using Smith products.Regards,Bruce BuhlerProduct ManagerSmith EquipmentI wanted to post it here so if the question comes up again, someone can find it with the search engine.
Reply:Final update - the torch just came in, and was not an SC739, but instead an SC969, which makes it a modern Gas Axe and not a Tuf-Tony.  Oh yes.
Reply:Pics, or it doesn't exist!Oh, and clean it up for me if it's dirty. Please."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:Oh, and clean it up for me if it's dirty. Please.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallThat's what she said.