Cleaning a torch

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I recently picked up some cutting torches from a friend that are pretty grungy looking and just want to shine them up a bit. I know that most of the comments will be "shiny torches are for people that don't work" or" you need to have those rebuilt or die!!" BUT when I picked up these torches they were properly capped off (inlets and plugged tip) and everything is in proper working order. Cuts well too. I know not to use any kind of polishes or chemicals, so what does that leave me?Will a fine steel wool work or is my only choice to bead blast it? I know the naysayers will still be fuming at this but hey, I use my torches as a hobby and I like to have them looking nice too. When I have enough space I would like to be able to hang them on the wall for display and still use them!thanks everyone.Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Sandblast it, and powder coat it, and hang it on your wall....Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Nevermind, if a moderator or somebody could delete this thread it would be great.  Not sure why I expected a different answer.
Reply:Just joking,....Steel wool should work.Try a couple things, see if they work.No hard feelings....~JohnJust a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Thanks, I just always see people saying the same response.  Its like restoring a car, just because I want it to look nice doesn't mean it isn't going to get used.  I even take pride in the cleanliness of my tools at the shipyard.  If I am going to spend so much time and focus keeping my welds clean for UT, then why wouldn't I do the same with my equipment?  Keeps everything hassle free and guaranteed to work.
Reply:Great!I'll get some new steel wool, and try it on some of my torches.I'll let you know.~JohnJust a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Thank you.I tried some acetone on a lint-free rag because I know that it will not leave any remnants that would be dangerous, but it didn't even take any of the crud off thats on there.  I wanted to use fine steel wool or extremely fine grit sand paper, but I am not sure what that would do to it.Do you know what Smith torches are coated with?  Is it just brass with a nickle coating?
Reply:The smith torch is chrome, so I would just use a scotchbrite pad and some alcohaul or something to wipe it down. On the older Harris type torches I clean em up with fine emory and a small wire brush.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeThe smith torch is chrome, so I would just use a scotchbrite pad and some alcohaul or something to wipe it down. On the older Harris type torches I clean em up with fine emory and a small wire brush.
Reply:Smith torches are Nickel plated.  On the external surfaces, try some Barkeepers Friend.  It's a mild abrasive and has Oxalic acid."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Big thing you want to do is make sure nothing can get inside the torch as far as contaminants go.At worst, send the torch to these guys and they can completely clean and rebuild it for you.http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/repairservices.phpTorches come back looking almost like new when done. They'll completely disassemble it and clean the unit, then rebuild the torch with all new seals and so on..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWBig thing you want to do is make sure nothing can get inside the torch as far as contaminants go.At worst, send the torch to these guys and they can completely clean and rebuild it for you.http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/repairservices.phpTorches come back looking almost like new when done. They'll completely disassemble it and clean the unit, then rebuild the torch with all new seals and so on.
Reply:If they are Smith Torches check and see if they have a lifetime warranty? If so Smith will rebuild or replace it free. Must have a Smith Tip in it does not have to be good just Smith. And you bought it new. J. R. Bauer
Reply:Originally Posted by johnrbauerIf they are Smith Torches check and see if they have a lifetime warranty? If so Smith will rebuild or replace it free. Must have a Smith Tip in it does not have to be good just Smith. And you bought it new. J. R. Bauer
Reply:I sent a 509 in not too long ago they went through the head and sent back a brand new body no charge. It has to have a Smith tip in it and you owned it forever. J. R. Bauer
Reply:Originally Posted by fsisnerosCleanliness and organization are top of my list!
Reply:I tried most of the methods mentioned in this thread and finally settled on the barkeepers friend.  It worked incredibly well and seems to have been the safest choice to use on the torch considering water is a main component that is added for cleaning.  Only took maybe 20-30 minutes total.Severely tarnished torch will be sent to Jim at Regulator and Torch repair but the other one came out very clean and works 100%. I am very happy with the results.First picture is a before of the tip area,second picture is after with my other severely tarnished torch for reference. Now you see why I wanted to clean them up a bit!  Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:One more for good measure, couldn't add more than 2 to my previous reply. Also the Purox and Airco that I have been working on.I keep red caps like that on every part of the torch setup when it is not in use. Regulator inlet and outlet, hose inlet and outlet, and the torch inlets. Clean torch is a happy torch, should last forever.The company that makes those caps is called Caplugs if anyone is interested. I can get the part numbers if anyone wants it.Sent from my VS980 4G using TapatalkLast edited by fsisneros; 05-14-2014 at 10:04 PM.