New Old Torch

admin

I just picked up a new torch. Well used, but new to me. This will be my first try at cutting with a torch and this is the only reason I picked it up. I actually traded a Ruger 10/22 rifle for the torch, hose, and regulators. I hope I didn't get a piece of junk. The torch is a Harris Model 85 and the guy I traded with suggested I get an O-ring kit for it. I assume an O-ring kit will be pretty cheap? Can I install this kit myself and how many o-rings are in a torch like this? Also, I am planning to set it up to cut with propane. Anything I need to do different using propane? I know I need a propane tip, but anything else?Thanks,BrentLincoln 3200HD MIGLincoln AC/DC 225 Stick
Reply:You will also want a propane regulator.  I was just looking at getting a new 10/22 $250. Me!
Reply:I believe that the hose may also need to be different for Propane and the cutting tip is definately different. Take it in to your LWS and the guy there will hopefully be able to get you squared away. Post up some picts when you start cutting. It will take a bit to get it all tweaked right but once you get the hang of it its very easy.Good luck.
Reply:HARRIS is good... I said it not because I am the local distributor but I have tested and had nice feedback from the customer... good luck... Unit in my fab shop dept:my good hand and team that trust me...A lone welder make art... a village full of welder make Miracles...
Reply:Thanks for the info.Update, I went to my local LWS and got some more info. Struck out on the o-ring kit for a Harris Model 85. They do not carry kits for Harris, only Victor and Smith. The guy strongly suggested I pick up new hoses, so I will. He said the regulators should be fine, as long as they are still in working order. They appear pretty old. He showed me some hoses that were labeled as safe to use with either propane or acetylene. On to the bottles. I have several 20# propane tanks. What size O2 bottle am I going to be satisfied with? My use will be cutting only, and certainly some heating for bending/shaping. I am just a weekend warrior and think a torch would be very handy for ocassional projects, cutting odds shapes, etc. My LWS wants $209 for a 80cf bottle and $170 for a 40cf. I found brandnew bottles on eBay, $154 for 80cf and $92 for 40cf. Do you suppose I would have troubles getting one of these filled or exchanged for a full bottle from LWS that I did not buy a bottle from? I am not sure how this would work, and both my LWS are closed on Saturday, so I start by asking here. Would a 40cf bottle be large enough for my hobby use, or will I be cussing myself for buying such a small bottle? Would I be better of with the 80cf?The reason I am going with propane is cost and the talk I have heard that propane cuts cleaner. The savings of not needing to buy another bottle for acetylene is appealing to me. Am I making the right decision going with a propane setup?Thanks for your time,BrentLincoln 3200HD MIGLincoln AC/DC 225 Stick
Reply:Cutting is primarily an oxidizing process. I am sure you have seen the trick of getting the cut started and turning off the fuel and cutting with O2 alone. I would get nothing smaller than an 80cf tank if I had a choice. My small tank is a 100cf but I almost never use it any more as I have big 282cf O2 tanks. I only use the 100 for portable use. Fill costs on the O2 will be almost the same regardless of size most likely. My 282's cost about $3more to fill than my 100. I can't make any recommendations on how long the propane will last. I have a complete propane burning kit that I got for almost nothing, but never have had a need to use it. I think my acet cylinder was filled 3 years ago, that's how little I cut with oxy/acet. Mostly have the unit for heating steel for bending.As far as a tank from ebay and if your LWS will fill it that I can't answer. My suggestion would be to buy loacal as you need to establish a relationship with your local gas supplier. Remember that the tank you buy from the LWS will come filled, the ebay tank will be empty. Add a fill cost to the ebay tank so you are comparing the same price. I would guess that it will cost you about $30-35 for an O2 fill. Will the ebay place charge shipping? If so add this up also. My guess is the ebay tank will be a bit cheaper but I would still go local. Can't hurt to ask if the LWS can move on the price, just do it gently so as not to pi$$ them off. BTW I can get a full 80 cf O2 from my LWS for $151 on "sale". They'll give anyone this price if you push a bit even when the sale isn't technically running.As far as the "right" decision that's a tough call. I know plenty of places that use oxy/propane for cutting. Mostly salvage and scrap yards. I am sure that fuel cost plays a part of this. Propane makes a poor welding fuel so other than cutting and limited heating with the cutting torch and maybe a special rosebud. That's all you will be able to do with it. If I was to get start over today and get a torch I would have no problem looking at oxy/propane for cutting. The big deal maker for me would be if I could get a rosebud to use for heating. That's what I do most with a torch.Last edited by DSW; 05-24-2008 at 07:32 AM.
Reply:I just did an exchange with Airgas on a 125cf O2 tank for $29 and some change. That would put you in the ball park on gas cost.