Victor: Oxy/Acetylene Torch Question

[RRTX_TJ]

Hey all, I'm totally new here! First Post!

I have a torch question. I'm using a Victor torch with a 0-3-101 style cutting tip. The torch was given to me used, and I recently had a shop clean and refurbish it.

While using the torch, I often hear a pop sound at the tip. Now I'm well aware of flashback and the dangers there. But the torch is staying lit and there is no hissing or whining usually associated with a flashback situation.

Basically the torch stays lit and works, it just pops every few seconds or so. What can I do to eliminate this? Do I need a new cutting tip?

Oh by the way... My regulators are set as follows.

Acetylene: 3-5 psi
Oxygen: 25-35 psi

Any help would be great! Thanks!

[RIVERRAT]

Is the tip new? If not, does it need to be cleaned? Is there any color change to the flame when it pops?

[runchman]

Disclaimer: I haven't used oxy-acetylene a lot, I'm no expert.

I had this problem a lot until I cranked up the acetylene a little bit. I'd light the torch, then turn the acetylene up unti it hit the 'roaring' point, if you know what I mean, then back off just a little. Seemed to eliminate my popping.

I think a dirty tip can contribute to that as well, might want to get (if you don't have) a little tip-cleaning thingy with different size wires, page 3190 in the mcmaster online catalog (search for tip cleaner).

- John

[RRTX_TJ]

Well, I feel like the tip is clean since I just had the entire torch cleaned and refurbished. But I could be wrong on that.

I thought about the lack of acetylene, when first lit to. I usually turn it up until all black smoke is gone from the flame, and there is usually a slight roar.

There is usually also a pop when I first add the oxygen to, come to think of it.

I'm thinking of just replacing the tip to see if that helps. I'm not sure, what else to do.

[denrep]

That popping can be the symptom of a poor seal at the torch tip seat(s). Pull the tip, look for concentric contact rings at each seat. Make sure the seats are clean, snug the tip nut up good.

[RRTX_TJ]

Thanks for the tip denrep, I'll definitly try pulling the tip, inspecting it, and retighting. I'll let you guys know if this helped!

[Clanweld]

Please post back with your findings, also if I might suggest also check your tip is clear of dirt and the holes are all clear,that o-rings were replaced on the tip, and all your connections are snug. In my experience unless you know you can trust the place doing the work, don't trust them to do it right. I've seen welding shops turn out welds that failed within weeks, and mechanics that regularly couldnt fix cars until the 2nd or 3rd attempt.
The popping doesn't have to be caused by defective equiptment, it can be operator technique too. (Not knocking you.) Check your distance from the tip to your work; burying it will also cause that popping, and working with your tip in a tight space like inside small diameter tubing and the like could cause it too. Good luck!

[valhalen]

Cleaning your tip regularly is definitley a good idea, little set of round files you can get at any welding supply place as well as the Big Box Hardware stores should have em. I noticed you said you just got it back from having it serviced so the tip should be clean, but depending on your technique/experience and just plain luck that's proably not true. Also if you aren't equipped with flash back arrestors go buy some now. No point in blowing your self up......

[bluestreak]

what thickness steel are you cutting? a number 3 tip is pretty large. You may have better success (cleaner cuts, less gas waste) with a smaller tip.

A #3 Victor tip will cut 2" thick or better. You may be happier with a #1, which will nicely slice through anything up to an inch thick.

A smaller tip will also help eliminate your popping since you don't need to push so much acetylene through.

And how close to your work are you holding the torch tip?

[bluestreak]

I officially need reading lessons. I just looked back to see that you are using a #0 tip and not a#3.

I'll shut up now.