rebuilding O/A torches

[CaptainWilly]

I've been shopping around for a O/A torch. Anyone ever buy used ones and rebuild them? Is it worth it? Good torch sets aren't cheap, but cant imagine its hard to rebuild a used one?

[weldgault]

Well, without the correct tools, it is impossible to repair oxy-fuel equipment and could be very dangerous. It would not be a good idea. John

[Mandau]

not really hard... I have 20 torch line up for repair and I have considerably improve the comfort of the torch...

1. the first evil will be carbon built up... poke and clean it.
2. the spring disfunction... If you have a torch with a screw below the handle unsrew and change the seal and spring...
3. check valve or arrestor problem more carbon over there...
4. all part can be clean with vinegar beside the check valve and arrestor... wont recomment unless you know what to do... too long to explain it.
5. thread on torch need repair check it do not force turn.

you can increase the comfort by buying air-condition hose (thin version) cut to size an slot it on the body of the lower part of the torch...

I cant use specific terminonogy as I will need to translate what we say in Indonesian lang. to ingglish... would be a long wait.

I need a new cellphone upgrade to get all pic attached... poor me use a cheap Nokia monochrome...

edit... I collect these stuff and buying an old limited stuff... you need to repair it to workin condition and installed all the safety to STD

[weldgault]

Originally Posted by westlawn5554x

not really hard... I have 20 torch line up for repair and I have considerably improve the comfort of the torch...

1. the first evil will be carbon built up... poke and clean it.
2. the spring disfunction... If you have a torch with a screw below the handle unsrew and change the seal and spring...
3. check valve or arrestor problem more carbon over there...
4. all part can be clean with vinegar beside the check valve and arrestor... wont recomment unless you know what to do... too long to explain it.
5. thread on torch need repair check it do not force turn.

you can increase the comfort by buying air-condition hose (thin version) cut to size an slot it on the body of the lower part of the torch...

I cant use specific terminonogy as I will need to translate what we say in Indonesian lang. to ingglish... would be a long wait.

I need a new cellphone upgrade to get all pic attached... poor me use a cheap Nokia monochrome...

edit... I collect these stuff and buying an old limited stuff... you need to repair it to workin condition and installed all the safety to STD

If you can't use the correct terminology, quit trying to get someone hurt. John

[Mandau]

OK... I should use Indonesian Language next yes...

I am sure this is my opinion and I expect the person doing the repair is experience with a torch and repair it... in front of their more experience friend... you could end the thread by telling the guy to throw the torch and buy a new one... NOW THAT IS SAFE...

[joethemechanic]

If the seats in the head that the tip seals against are in good shape it is usually just a matter of replacing valves.

The tool to reseat the head is pretty expensive though. I have got a couple to seat using fine valve grinding compound and an old tip. But if the leaks in the head are severe they really need to be reamed.

Just be clean, and if you have to use any oil make sure you clean it all out.

[Hammack_Welding]

It's been awhile since I've had a torch reworked, but I don't remember it being that expensive. I have bought several used torches over the years, and usually saved money even considering the price of having it reworked.

[Mandau]

Originally Posted by CaptainWilly

I've been shopping around for a O/A torch. Anyone ever buy used ones and rebuild them? Is it worth it? Good torch sets aren't cheap, but cant imagine its hard to rebuild a used one?

In your area... maybe torch is cheap and rework is expensive... Here all O/A welder wouldnt get caught having another welder do his repair... he will ask and get supervise but do his own repair...

[CaptainWilly]

I kinda ment having it rebuilt by the shop... I wouldn't attempt to do anything more than clean it.

obviously if i buy used im gonna save alot of money but then after time/money to have it rebuilt is it still worth it?

[Mandau]

look at the condition of the piece before thinkin of have it rebuilt... if it is thrashed, thread and nut is bad... real junk then buy a new one...

Maybe its just me... I collect and do repair and I have track record of 16 years repairing that stuff for hobby, taught by the company and I find fun in it... its just me.

[joethemechanic]

Around here it is cheaper to buy a Uniweld torch and throw it out when you are done than to have someone else rebuild an old one. Check with Kennedy down on Perry Street. He sells Uniweld and his prices are pretty good. He sells parts and valves too.

Personally I rebuild my own unless the head is really trashed.

[Mandau]

Originally Posted by joethemechanic

Around here it is cheaper to buy a Uniweld torch and throw it out when you are done than to have someone else rebuild an old one. Check with Kennedy down on Perry Street. He sells Uniweld and his prices are pretty good. He sells parts and valves too.

Personally I rebuild my own unless the head is really trashed.

good sense... he... he... the problem I collect em... I have a mix match one that I rebuit and had a bit of milling and it will last as long as I maintance it...

replied your PM sir...

[CaptainWilly]

Originally Posted by joethemechanic

Around here it is cheaper to buy a Uniweld torch and throw it out when you are done than to have someone else rebuild an old one. Check with Kennedy down on Perry Street. He sells Uniweld and his prices are pretty good. He sells parts and valves too.

Personally I rebuild my own unless the head is really trashed.

Are uniwelds good compared to a smith, harris, victor and all them?

[Mandau]

Uniweld and victor are not interchangable... different hose adapters... I like UNIWELD... dont know which model over there but the one I have I collect is really good...

Uniweld and CIGWELD have same hose adapter...

What is your current torch? just curious...

[joethemechanic]

Originally Posted by CaptainWilly

Are uniwelds good compared to a smith, harris, victor and all them?

I really don't think they are quite as good as one of the big brand names, but they are about half the money. Quality wise they are pretty good. What is nice is you can get then that are either Harris, Victor, or Airco compatible so you can use whatever tips that are commonly available in your area.

How big of a torch are you looking for? And do you need hoses and regulators too?

If you need hose, check with Ray over at Commonwealth Rubber on enterprise ave. He is in the old Thiokol plant. 609-695-8312

[Sandy]

Originally Posted by CaptainWilly

I kinda ment having it rebuilt by the shop... I wouldn't attempt to do anything more than clean it.

obviously if i buy used im gonna save alot of money but then after time/money to have it rebuilt is it still worth it?

Buy used and run it. Not all used equipment needs rebuilt. Sometimes when it does it's just minor maintenance items that you feel comfy doing yourself. Common item is dry cracked -O-rings or torn or crushed -O-rings, bad valve seal. Start getting into regs and the price and difficulty factor goes up. Regs last forever tho mostly because they spend most of their life not being fondled by idiots (hopefully).

When you buy used check the things that can't be rebuilt like the male and female threads. check for crushed or bent feed tubes. Check the mating faces and seats. Check the condition of the tips. No sense buying a supposed set if most of the piece parts have to be thrown in the can. Check the condition of all nut/collars. Check for evidence of pump pliers.

A good used set will give you some service.

[Oldtimer]

Every piece on the older Victors can be replaced if it is not so old they no longer make parts. Don't know about their recent stuff but any of it should be in pretty good shape anyway. Harris has some things that can't be replaced and you have to buy a new one. I've used Harris and it's pretty good stuff but I like Victor a lot more. I can't comment about the other brands except Meco which is out of business. I can understand why they are no longer in business too.

[Jolly Roger]

I have a Uniweld cutting head that is Victor compatible. I have been using Victors for around 40 years and honestly I can't tell a difference between the uni cutting head and the victor. Gentec is a Chinese made Victor product. My business partner has one. The regulators are identical to my old (1969) Victors. I don't know how old my torch is but it has been around a long time and the Gentec looks and feels exactly like it. Cuts like it too. Costs considerably less than a new Victor. I also have a Harris that I got for around $190. That was torch, regulators, hose, goggles, etc. It's not a Victor, but it's still a good torch. I have an ancient Victor cutting head that I am trying to locate a part for but having no luck so far. They changed the cutting air valve and apparently it's obsolete now.

[weldgault]

Well I don't know who is the oldtimer, but since 1962 I have been dealing with Victor and everything then, parts are still available. There are pros and cons about all gas equipment Mfg's. John

[weldgault]

Originally Posted by Jolly Roger

I have a Uniweld cutting head that is Victor compatible. I have been using Victors for around 40 years and honestly I can't tell a difference between the uni cutting head and the victor. Gentec is a Chinese made Victor product. My business partner has one. The regulators are identical to my old (1969) Victors. I don't know how old my torch is but it has been around a long time and the Gentec looks and feels exactly like it. Cuts like it too. Costs considerably less than a new Victor. I also have a Harris that I got for around $190. That was torch, regulators, hose, goggles, etc. It's not a Victor, but it's still a good torch. I have an ancient Victor cutting head that I am trying to locate a part for but having no luck so far. They changed the cutting air valve and apparently it's obsolete now.

I have all the repair manuals for victor and if you can tell me the type of torch, I can tell you where you can get them. John

[Jolly Roger]

Well that presents a problem. I put the cutting head up and don't remember where I put it now, along with the Smith and the one I haven't identified yet.

[GeorgeG]

I'm looking at rebuilding a Craftsman blowtube 624.54741 - mainly I want to repack the stems. Anyone know who made this torch?

[Rich59]

I have used these guys for parts and service. Had good service and prices seem reasonable. I have no interest in the business except as a customer.

www.regulatortorchrepair.com