Old Smith regulators

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I just ran across an old OA setup which I couldn't pass up.  The guy was really just trying to clear out his garage of some of his grandfather's old equipment.  He had four big O2 bottles, a big acetylene bottle, a couple of old heavy-duty carts, four torches (three Smith, one Purox) with various tips, a heavy-duty set of Smith regulators, and a few other miscellaneous pieces.I'm trying to decide if the regulators are worth refurbishing.  They appear to be in decent (but dirty) condition, they are big and heavy, and I haven't cleaned them up yet.  I know the O2 regulator will need a new adjusting screw (the threads are worn down so the screw is very wiggly), and for some scary reason the regulator threads and diaphram are caked with heavy grease (yes I know the dangers here ) presumably to help the threads seal/grab better??Anyway, I obviously won't pressurize anything yet, but I'm considering either rebuilding the regs or maybe sending them to OADoctor.  I already have a set of Harbor Freight regulators which work fine, but I would prefer to upgrade to a name brand.  I know a decent set of regulators aren't too expensive, but these old ones seem very heavy duty and are just neat.I can't find any model numbers on them, although there are serial numbers.  The adjusting screws are labeled H-131H.  I would appreciate any opinions on their usefulness and/or value compared to new ones.  I would also like to know more about them (their possible age, model numbers, etc.).  They are both stamped "Type BB". Attached ImagesHobart Handler 210Lincoln AC-225Smith Torches/Regs
Reply:I'd keep them as wall hangers.
Reply:Those were once real good regulators. I believe they're 2-stage as well. The adjuster screw thread slop could be solved with some machining, either by tapping the hole to a larger size or by boring the hole out and sleeving it with a press-fit bushing threaded correctly on the inside. Bead blasted, with new seats, those would last you as long as they lasted your grandfather. If you don't have a good place to rebuild your regulators, the shop everyone uses in Seattle is:Hansen & Miller4101 Leary Way NWSeattle, WA 98107206-782-8842Those guys are real pros -- can fix anything. I've been going to them over 30 years.metalmagpie
Reply:Can't hurt to see if you can get them rebuilt.Nice old-school guages still there. I'd retain those if they work, and keep if they don't for possible future wall hanger use.Here's OADoctor's site, note the similar Smith reg on the left!http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/repairservices.phpIf you don't rebuild them and want to swap 'em off for some cleaned rebuildable Victor 450/460 cores, PM me (I like old equipment) but if I were you I'd put them back to work.
Reply:Yeah, I noticed that too.  It looks like he shines up the old brass and even repaints the body.  I usually maintain everything myself, but in this case considering (1) the safety issues especially for the O2 regulator and (2) parts for these he probably has in stock, I'm thinking I might let him restore them.  The adjusting screws on each regulator are identical, and I'm hoping he might have an old matching one available.I also have the torches (I'll post pics of them in a day or two) which I'm also interested in restoring.  There's a small Smith brazing torch, a medium size Smith, a large "Lifetime Guarantee" Smith, and a medium-size Purox.  The Purox (W-200 if I remember, not looking at it at the moment) happens to be in the best shape, and it looks to be at least (maybe better) build quality than the Smiths.  The small brazing torch has had some brazing done to itself down close to the inlets, so it might have some issues.Hobart Handler 210Lincoln AC-225Smith Torches/Regs
Reply:Regulator rebuild is actually much more economical to farm out because the cleaning is a azzpain. I redo my own acetylene regs if they are all brass and I can get the parts cheap, but if those Smiths were mine I'd just send them off even if I had the parts. Find and save a genuine Smith tip for any Lifetime Smith you have because the warranty is still honored!If you can't find a Smith body with a screw, hang on to the reg because that style turns up on Ebay often.Sounds like a good bunch of gear.
Reply:The Lifetime torch has a cutting torch attached (I think it also says Lifetime).  I would like to find a model number, but so far I haven't seen anything.  It's a pretty good size torch, much bigger than the Purox or the HF victor-style torches I have.I wonder what the warranty covers?  I think I would be a little embarrassed to try and claim anything since it's fairly well worn and I didn't buy it originally, but it obviously speaks well for the confidence they have in their equipment.  I'll try and get some pictures posted tonight.Hobart Handler 210Lincoln AC-225Smith Torches/Regs
Reply:These old Smith "BB" regulators are rebuildable.  The Lifetime warranty covers any problem with the torch that is not caused by abuse or neglect.  We are the only repair facility in the US trust by Smith to provide the LIFETIME Warranty repair service.If you have a Smith LIFETIME you can send it in with your regulators and we can take of everything at once.  (NOTE: Smith's LIFETIME Warranty only cover repairing what is acually not working, it does allow for the torch to be totally rebuilt).JimOAdoctorwww.regulatortorchrepair.com
Reply:Can someone tell me if these are in fact two-stage regulators?  I'm still wanting to get these rebuilt but I would like to know more about how they will perform compared to modern regs.Looks like the original gauges will unfortunately be replaced when they are rebuilt, but I'll at least be able to keep them for whatever collector or curiosity value they may have.Hobart Handler 210Lincoln AC-225Smith Torches/Regs
Reply:Following up, I've decided to go with a set of new Smith 30-Series regs.  Everyone seems to like them, and I found a really good deal online.  I'll follow-up again after I get them and have a chance to try them out.Not sure what I'll do with the old ones.  Maybe I'll keep them as wall hangers, but that's sort of a waste and I don't need any more clutter.Hobart Handler 210Lincoln AC-225Smith Torches/Regs
Reply:curious what u payed for the  old regs  , i restore  all sorts of stuff , including regulators  . i would definitly keep them gauges with the regs  if there original .
Reply:Hard to say what I payed for them, since they were included with four old torches, some bottles, and a couple of carts.  I'm sure the gauges are original, and they are really interesting with the crescent-moon hands and the old style font on the numbers.Hobart Handler 210Lincoln AC-225Smith Torches/Regs
Reply:You'll like the Smith 30s. If you don't want the old regs, throw 'em up in the For Sale forum. Cores don't go for much but someone may make them live again.
Reply:id be intrested in buying them and restoring  them ,   theyd  go right in my living room  and on the shelf  for display  ..