Aircomaster II Welding Outfit

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I'm wondering if you folks could give me some advice. Thirty years ago I took a welding course in tech school. Shortly after I bought a set of oxy/acetylene gauges, hoses and accessories. I have never used them and find myself in need of welding something. I'm wondering if these would still be useful and not unsafe.If so, I'll pick up some tanks and see how much I remember. The set is marked Aircomaster II Welding outfit. Consists of series 9200 gauges. The number on the acetylene gauge is 806 9202. The Oxygen gauge is 806 9206.Anyone know if these are decent gauges? Worth using? The whole setup is still in the box brand shiny new. How about the hoses? They appear fine. Wondering if they could be dry and possibly unusable in any way?Thanks in advance for any advice!
Reply:Welcome to the forum Goldfish.As for that torch set, as long as the regulators and gauges have been clean (internally) and in the box as you've implied you should have no problem with them.  I have a 30+ year old Marquette 'Star Jet' 21-110 set that isn't pretty but still work fine.  You'll want to check any o-rings for the possibility of needing to be replaced (cracked or broken) in the torch head.As for the hoses, if they're not cracked they should be good to go.  However, you could set them up with the necessary adapters (from the regulators) and pressure test them with shop air (40-50psi) and spray them down with soapy water from a spray bottle and look for any leaks.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Thanks Duane!A bit more advice maybe?I was thinking of picking up some small tanks.  Maybe on EBay?  (The sort that fit into a small plastic carry/tote.)  I think I saw some that were 10 and 20 CF size.  Any reason why that wouldn't be smart?  How about pressure testing.  I saw one guy had a set of small tanks (brand new) for around $70.  These would be seldom used, but don't want to buy something I'll regret.My son and I are restoring an old Honda minibike and the frame needs a few welds.  Any advice on welding rods to use?  There is one area on the frame that's worn and I want to add weld and then grind down to the correct thickness/size.  Would an Oxy/Acetylene set up work okay for that?Thanks again!
Reply:Keep the receipts if you buy the new little tanks.  The gas guys sometimes won't fill a tank without an original receipt, or title to the tanks.  It depends on the area, and policies.Little tanks are good for little cutting jobs, and great for a quick cut where you truly need portability.  If you start to do any large cutting projects they can be a PITA.  Specialy the 02 bottle.  It won't last very long.  The good thing is that if you grow out of the little tanks, you usually can "sell/swap with credit" them to the gas supplier in exchange for bigger tanks.  You lose a little, and may want to consider just keeping instead.  They always come in handy"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I'd snag the set at $70 regardless. I just priced a "B" sized acet at $89 on sale, an "MC" size at $70 on sale at the LWS. You would still need an O2 bottle.Even though those tanks are way to small for anything I usually do for $70 I'd snag them for the portability.I have a set of 75cf acet, 100cf O2 and that works well for me. There's plenty of gas for my occasional cutting and heating with the rosebud, but I don't generally have to take off in the middle of a job to get more gas.As said I would bet the regs and torch are probably fine, I would take a close look at the hose. Even if you have to get a new hose you are still in good shape.IIRC I believe RG45 was the recommended filler for mild steel. I don't know what the bike frame is made out of. I would check and see if it is magnetic. That should tell you steel vs alum/some other alloy.Good luck and don't forget to post some picts of your project.
Reply:Will do.  Thanks everyone!
Reply:Few more questions if you folks would be so kind...1.  Will the gas guys fill my tanks or swap them for filled ones.  Isn't this how it's typically done?  Even so for small MC and 20 CU tanks?2.  How does a spark arrestor differ from a check valve.  Not sure my setup has either.  Are they absolutely neccessary?Thanks again!