Oxygen regulator

admin

interested in oxy acetylene welding and started buying some equipment before taking a course and have a question on an oxygen regulator. Was in a local store and a posting on a bulletin board read Victor 450D-540, $75.00 new but not with original box.  Looked this thing up on the computer and see its a heavy duty model so the question becomes, is this a good unit for occasional puttering on home projects and what exactly does HD mean?  Also the gage seems hard to read since the psi divisions are in small increments,  can this gage be changed out to a 0-30 psi gage.  The price beats most of the light duty models for sale on the internet.
Reply:An oxygen regulator has two gauges. One is high pressure gauge and the other is a low pressure gauge. The high pressure gauge runs up into the thousands of PSI.  the low one maybe 60 lbs. PSI  You should check the gauge with oxygen to make sure it is good. Or have you local welding gas supplier check it for you.  Mac
Reply:To me, "heavy duty" implies something intended for daily use AND supports higher flow rates.  That model appears to be a two-stage reg, which is great.  Sounds like a deal."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