old a/c torch hoses

[noogernock]

Whats up welders? Man am i glad that i found this website. Its a welders dream come true. I have recently bought an old lincoln stick welder, o/c torch, and band saw, but im a little worried about using my o/c torch becuase it has been sitting for a couple years with no one using it. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how i can test for leaks or if i even have any reason to worry about it?

[Sberry]

Turn them on, turn them off,, see how long it takes for the gauges to leak down.

[bomberz1qr20]

Originally posted by noogernock
Whats up welders? Man am i glad that i found this website. Its a welders dream come true. I have recently bought an old lincoln stick welder, o/c torch, and band saw, but im a little worried about using my o/c torch becuase it has been sitting for a couple years with no one using it. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how i can test for leaks or if i even have any reason to worry about it?

I guess the first thing to look for is dried and/or cracked hoses, o-rings, etc. Anything that is not brass and easily replaceable.

Assuming you know the proper hookup procedure for an O/A setup...(this is too involved for one post)

After all is hooked up and the regs are at the correct PSI (check with about 4 PSI each O and A) with the torch valves closed, shut off the tank valves and watch the reg dials very carefully - they should hold steady. Pressure drops = leak. If all is ok at the regs, perform a spray test anyway to make sure. Open the tank valves again and spray each connection starting from the tanks to the torch with a solution of soapy water in a spray bottle. Bubbles = leak. Re-tighten connection and re-spray - if still leaking, replace.

[bomberz1qr20]

Oh, and welcome to the board.

:cool:

[axehind]

I bought some old used gauges last year. Though they looked in good condition I had them sent out and rebuilt. I wouldnt of felt safe if I didnt. If your worried about the condition then have it looked at.

axehind

[Tomcat]

I have the old Smith regs for my torch.

Who rebuilds them is it cost effective vs buying new?

Thanks

[enlpck]

REbuilds are handled by most welding shops, either in-house or ship out. Depending on what the reg needs, it can be cost efffective. We have our rebuilt when needed for less than half of new. A good reg should hold up for five or ten years of heavy use, if not more, if it isn't abused. They do wear, tho. Remember to release the spring when mot in use, close the bottle valve when done, bleed the lines, and open th valve slowly. Also, keep connections and fittings CLEAN. Dirt and dust eat regulators.

I will add that a cheap reg likely isn't worth rebuilding--or, for that matter, purchasing --if it will get long-term heavy use. Occational use a cheapy may be cost effective to replace.

[axehind]

Smith is a good brand. I'm sure it's probably worth rebuilding or you could just give them to me if you dont want to use them anymore :)
Like enlpck said, most welding shops can handle the rebuild. I believe the one I had done was around $40-$50.

axehind