Oxy/Acet flame flame problem

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This weekend I went to cut some rusted bolts from an old trailer and the flame on my torch was not straight.  I tried to cut the bolts and it didn't even got them red.  My settings on pressure are alright but the tip of the torch was clogged.  Somebody left another tip on the basket, so I thought that there was a problem with this one.  I changed the tip and not even acet. would come out of the torch.  I could'nt even hear the hisss.  Can I clean this tips or is it better to replace them?  If I can clean them, What is the correct way on doing it?  Now that we are on the subject, What is the proper way on maintain and cleaning the hoses, tips and torch?  Thanks in advanced.Cheers,Thormold
Reply:Unfortunately, I have to answer with questions. But, first; yes it can be cleaned, if it is only dirty.What brand torch? Model? Size tip? These are important questions and if any one else starts telling you pressure settings or flow w/o knowing those answers, don't listen.Weldtek
Reply:They have a cleaning wire but if they are bad, easier to replace the tip. Most are under $10.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I find that ninety percent of problems with flame cutting are from a dirty tip.  Tip cleaners are available at welding supplier.  Don't force too large a wire into the holes.
Reply:Thanks everybody.  Weldtek, I will have your answers tomorrow.  Right now I'm at work and do not have the info.  Thanks,Cheers,Thormold
Reply:Cleaning the tip is very easy, with tip cleaner consisting of several different number sized wires with serrated shanks. There also may be a wire mesh screen between the cutting adaptor and the torch body.Billy
Reply:Incidentally, when cleaning the tip, make sure you have your oxygen on to provide positive pressure, and remember that you're blowing oxygen, so be careful.As to cleaning, it is cheap to replace the tip, and cleaning (like hand grinding drill bits) is turning into a lost tech.  Then again so is oxy/fuel welding.KalroyKalroy"It's all about the OODA Loop."
Reply:They also make tip drills; very effective at reaming the holes. Be careful not to resize the hole. Even though torches are relatively safe tools there is still an extreme potential hazard with them in the wrong hands. I don't want to start a big debate here, but Victor Torch is the first and last best source of information for torch safety and operation. Example; Smith torch rep was bragging about the tough Tony having a hammer head. I don't know about you guys, but when I use a torch to cut, the parts are severed! I don't need the "Swiss Army Torch"Weldtek
Reply:p.s. - The tip should be removed when cleaning.Weldtek
Reply:I personaly like to remove tip and using long tip cleaners in the direction of flow so nothing is logged in the tips holes
Reply:Thanks everybody.  Tonight I'm going to buy a tip cleaner and tomorrow I will try again.  Weldtek, sorry for the delay.  I have a Victor Medalist Portable Tote, the torch model is WH26FC and the cutting attachment is CA25.  I did not check the tip size.  The Acet. was set at 5psi and the Oxy was set around 23psi.  I used it a couple of times with this setting and had no problems.  Again, thanks for every tip, I will keep you posted.
Reply:As everyone else has said; replace with new and good tip. Then switch to propylene as a fuel gas.
Reply:I went to buy the new tip, but the store that sells them near my house was closed.  I went to home depot and did not carry them, went to sears and they only had Lincoln, went to MASSO, local store like home depot, and they had FirePower, which said Victor.  They had all the welding and heating tips, but not the cutting tip.  I cleaned the tip and was able to cut without problems.  Anyway, I'm buying a couple of new tips and keeping them in my toolbox, plus I will clean them everyday so it does not happen again.  Thanks for all of your advise.Cheers,Thormold
Reply:Hey Thormold, hope all is well with the torch. Sorry this is late, having 'puter troubles these daze. Very important to keep tip clean. Please get a copy of the Victor torch safety book, they're free! Or at least the tip chart for the gas you're using. Couple of cutting "tips" for ya. 1. Choose the tip size based on material thickness.2. Set the pressure based on tip in use; always set max. recommended.3. Always purge torch before lighting; one valve at a time.4. Always set proper "Neutral" flame. Open Acetylene valve 1/8 turn, light,        then open valve til flame stops smoking.5. Then open Oxy. valve until bright blue inner cone is observed.6. Depress Oxy. trigger, inner cone should not change shape, size or color.7. Always close Oxy. valve first, then Acet. valve.8. Any time flame "pops out", always close valves - Oxy first, before         reopening and attempting to relight.Safety First and Always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Weldtek
Reply:Thanks a lot Weldtek.  It is never late for safety and proper use of equipment.  Thanks.Cheers,Thormold