Picked up an old Smith OA set

admin

I just picked up an old Smith OA torch off craigslist.It seems to be in good shape and the price was an offer I couldn't refuse.Now I have to go back and revisit the gas welding chapters I skipped over in my welding books.I have a few questions:1) Does anyone have some background info on this set?  It appears the the welding tips are no longer made for this item, the parts diagram is unavailible on the website, etc.2) What should I check to be safe?  (I was told both regulators have been rebuilt.)3) What additional safety equipment do I need?  (Check valves, arrestors, etc)  I don't think this torch has any of the newer safety features built in.4) What size tanks would you reccommend for a home hobbyist?Here what I picked up:Handle SW-1Cutting attachment SC205Cutting tip SC12-1Welding tip LW103Welding tip LW105Welding tip LW109Purox regulator "TYPE 14" CGA 540 Purox regulator "TYPE 34" CGA 510Two lengths on O/A hoseLast edited by cnywelder; 04-10-2009 at 12:22 AM.Reason: typo------------------------------Lincoln 175HDLincoln AC/DC225Smith O/A
Reply:you're gonna need some check valves and arrestors unless they're built in.  how bout tip cleaners?  striker? (dont use bic lighter/matches)lighter shade goggles, i'm not sure if you can use your mig/tig helmet for OA.  I suppose if they go low enough, you could.check for leakage on the hoses.tank size depends on what you're welding.  if you're cutting half inch thick stuff all day long, you're gonna need big tanks.  I just have a small set (acet is about two feet tall, and oxy is about 2.5 feet tall)
Reply:Right now my shopping list is as follows:1) ~80CF tanks (won't be able to use biggest tip, but for welding anything thick I'll use stick.2) Torch mount flashback arrestors3) Goggles4) Tip cleaner (already have striker)Do I need reg. mount arrestors as well or would that be overkill?------------------------------Lincoln 175HDLincoln AC/DC225Smith O/A
Reply:reg mount arrestor is up to you.  a lot of people have it at torch end and at reg. end.
Reply:So I've picked up goggles, lighter, tip cleaner, reg mount arrestors, and torch mount arrestors.Three questions:-My local airgas quoted $300 for the tanks.  It sounds like this is reasonable.  Correct?-One of the acetylene regulator has a small "nick" in the brass surface which would mate to a cylinder.  It it approximately 0.010" wide, 0.040' long and maybe 0.003" deep oriented along the central axis of the fitting.  On a scale of 1-10, one being no hazard, ten being "run for the hills", what kind of risk would I be taking by hooking this up to the cylinder and checking for leaks? -Assuming that a leak inspection feasible, what is the preferred method?  (Maybe someone has a link on this.)------------------------------Lincoln 175HDLincoln AC/DC225Smith O/A
Reply:Before you go spending dollars, would get the regulators tested firstA nick on the surface will leak gasDepending on how old the oxygen reg is it may not stand up to the full cylinder pressures these days
Reply:Do your homework first to the best of your ability, (check out the oxy-fuel threads) then get humble and ask makoman.
Reply:Originally Posted by BillyBefore you go spending dollars, would get the regulators tested first
Reply:Originally Posted by cnywelderGood idea.I can take them in and get a thumbs up or down and have zero risk of blowing myself up.Thanks
Reply:Cnywelder,   It is always nice to get a deal on equipment.  As to your question about your (new to you) equipment, the Smith handle and cutting attachment are no longer made by Smith.  However, the parts are still available for both.  The SC205 is the same as the SC209 which is still in production, except the SC205 has a valve on th side of the cutting attachment not under the tubes like the SC209.  I would change the orings on the tips and cutting attachment.  The model numbers of your regulators do not sound familar to me. I would get them check out by somesone before I put them into service.    Do not use both regulator flash arrestors and torch flash arrestors, I would only use torch flash arrestor with built in check valves ( test the check valves at least every 6 month) . Even the best  Flash arrestor restrict gas flow, having two set only reduces your gas flow more. Low gas flow is one of the leading cause of a flash back.   Hope this has been helpful.OAdoctorwww.regulatortorchrepair.com
Reply:Cynwelder,  The nick on the inlet nipple is not a concern if it does not leak.  If it leaks it can be very dangerous.  If it leaks replace the inlet nipple.  You sould be able to p/u a CGA510 inlet nut and nipple for under $10.00 at your LWS.  Be careful if you change the fittings.  It is very easy to get small piece of debris into the main valve of the regulator when removing and installing new intel fittings.OAdoctorwww.regulatortorchrepair.com
Reply:Check valve and arrestors. I been welding for years without. What is this something you have to have to weld with a china made torch. HEHE. I use a victor and smith at work without the extra junk. Cant figure out all this safety equipment. Staying home will be safer. Ill run that by the wife. Hmmm