Regulator Patrol . . .

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OK friends....let me prevail upon you for your expertise:I think i've talked myself into buying a new set of regulators for my O/A outfit.  The regulators i've got now will be set aside for spares.   THE QUESTION:  I'm interested in your opinion (vote) for the best regulator in the industry (in your opinion) !   I guess this will be limited to the "big three", namely: Smith, Victor & Harris.Assume money is no object.....What's the preference of the Pro's ?I appreciate (and respect) your response....THANKS !PS....If you care to dive into the "single stage vs. two stage" debate, that would be helpful.I'll be the LAST one to let you down !
Reply:Better ? why are you buying new regulators?  If you just have too much money you can send donations to the Uncle Franz Toy Fund so the fund can buy toys for semi senile citizens suffering from Partsimer's Disease.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:If I wanted top of the line regulators, depending on the application. I'd go with two stage "Victor", either VTS 250, or 450 series.http://www.thermadyne.com/vec/index.asp?div=vecTwo stage regulators have two sets of diaphrams, pilot valves. The first reduces from tank pressure @ about 2,00PSi to about 300, then the second stage is what your regulate your torch pressure at. The advantage is that when the tank pressure drops, you don't have to go back and readjust the torch pressure, like on a single stage.HF expert Jim
Reply:Franz.....To answer yer' question....I think i may have a very small leak in the acetylene regulator.   I always check for leaks (after i swap bottles), by getting the set-up ready to use, then closing the bottle valves and, after a while, if the gauges still are up, I figure I don't have any (major) leaks.   The past 2 bottles, the gas side goes down after an hour or so.   (the ox. stays perfect).I'll be the LAST one to let you down !
Reply:A, that ain't worth worrying aboutB, Soap up the stem and if it don't bubble commense playingC, That pressure drop could also be from the torch or hoseD, You'll feel lots better sending that money to the Uncle Franz fund.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:I agree with Franz, I wouldn't worry . Just for grinns shut the tank valve off, and put soapy water on the  valve stem. I'll bet the packing on the tank valve is leaking.
Reply:Franz....I've got the cleanest regulator in town......brushed that thing twice with soap-suds.  Didn't notice any bubbles.....(but it IS lemon-fresh) I'll be the LAST one to let you down !
Reply:Thanks Jim, maybe you got somthin' there.....I'll humor you and try it, but it'll be a damn big coincidence if that's what it is,  'cause the first time i noticed this was on the LAST bottle of gas.I'll be the LAST one to let you down !
Reply:Don't forget to scrub up them hose fittings and torch too.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:In my business we used to have a lot of problems with valve packing on two ton Chlorine cylinders. A lot more exciting.  We would always check them on reciept. From certain suppliers about a third of them would leak. Nothing like the smell of Chlorine in the morning
Reply:Jim those cylinders make fantastic rollers.Unfortunately, around here all chlorine is delivered by tanker, and the damn government won't allow the old supplier to sell any more of the old cylinders.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:Due to the new regulations, everyone here is switching to liquid bleach for disinfecion. Most of the ton chlorine cylinders we used to get were surplus "Nerve gas" cylinders.I was on the plant "Hazmat" team, and used to get a free physical exam every year for my SCBA qualifications. We also used to use ton cylinders of sulfur dioxide to remove the chlorine from the plant effluent, prior to discharging it into the Gulf.One time we had a valve go bad and leak on a sulfur dioxide cylinder. We had to patch it with a "B" kit assy. I went through two air bottles before we got the leak stopped.
Reply:Well guys, I just went out there and "tinkered" for a bit.  I thinkI seen some tiny little bubbles at the connection between the regulator and the bottle.   I un-mounted it, cleaned the end real good with a clean cloth, and put it back together.  Also, the valve stem in the bottle is NOT leaking.   With the regulator screwed all the way out, and the bottle closed, i'm thinking that there's not more than 5 or 6 cubic inches of gas we're talking about......and it takes several hours for that to leak down,  so i guess i'm not in bad a shape as i thought.I'll be the LAST one to let you down !