Port a Torch Help

admin

I bought a port a torch set at a garage sale the other day as they were only asking $10 for it and I figured the cylinders were worth more than $10.I took the cylinders over to Tractor Supply and traded for full ones yesterday.  I hadn't really looked at the rig until I got the full cylinders when I noticed that there doesn't appear to be a valve handle on the acetylene.  There is a "1/8 inch square peg" coming out of the valve.  I was reluctant to try turning the peg with a wrench.Hoping some one who has one these can tell me the proper way to open the acetylene valve.Thanks
Reply:TSC should carry the wrench for this in the welding accessories area.  It's  got two 1/8 inch holes just for your acetylene cylinder.  I keep mine tied to the caddy.My angle grinder is my best friend!
Reply:Yeah, get the proper wrench.  I refuse to accept ones from my supplier that have a buggered valve.What did the full ones cost on the trade?  I rarely use mine because it's so much more expensive per cubic foor of gas.  But it's handy when you need it, and you bill accordingly.
Reply:MacIt was 13 for the oxy and 18 for the ace.  Could have done it cheaper but TSC is only five minutes from the house and the nearest welding supply shop is a 45 minute round trip.If I start using it a lot I will probably trade up to larger cylinders to cut the cost .  Thanks for the info guys.
Reply:That's good prices!  It cost me over $50 to exchange my two tanks at Airgas last year.
Reply:Originally Posted by MAC702That's good prices!  It cost me over $50 to exchange my two tanks at Airgas last year.
Reply:One safety thing to remember is to leave the wrench on the valve when you have the valve open.  You don't want to be fumbling around for the wrench if you need to shut off the fuel quickly.  BTW I know you didn't steal that thing but boy you came close.  LOLDennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:Always turn the oxygen valve all the way open ot it may leak, the acetylene only needs to be open 1/4 of a turn.My angle grinder is my best friend!
Reply:I did feel a little guilty about about getting the rig for $10 so I also bought and old tackle box for $5. Figured I could use it for all the assorted little bits and pieces you use welding.  The box was old and dirty and appeared to be full of nuts and bolts.  When I got home and went to clean it out it did have some nuts and bolts but it also had 10 impact wrench sockets.I feel like I have used up all my garage sale luck for a while.  Thanks for the advice from everyone.