Greetings from snow country

[sporkfly]

Hey all,

I got my start in college going for automotive service. I had rebuilt my motorcycle frame up in high school and thought it was a path I wanted. Boy was I wrong, the professors weren't up to par for what I was expecting to learn and I passed state mechanic certification tests without learning much of anything from the courses I had taken.

Fast forward, I'm going to be graduating with a nursing degree. Kind of an odd change of path, but my passion still exists for working with my hands, building and troubleshooting. I don't intend to give up my hobbies. I've been putting together an oxy acetylene rig with the primary intention of building bicycle frames. Because of that I don't entirely fit on these forums as I'll mostly be doing fillet brazing with LFB and silver brazing. That said, I do enjoy a good gas weld.

Mostly I'll just be here for torch envy and to learn more about other processes (such as TIG). I'm still trying to get a torch handle suitable for what I need, and I'll be funding that with the sale of a big ol' Smith SC225 cutting torch I received in a trade. I've mostly got my kit put together, and for what I've got I'd say it's been a "budget build" of really nice used equipment.

Here's what I've got:
- L-Tec (Oxweld/ESAB) R-77 heavy duty 2 stage oxygen regulator
- L-Tec (Oxweld/ESAB) R-77 heavy duty 2 stage acetylene regulator
- L-Tec (Oxweld/ESAB) R-76 heavy duty single stage LP regulator
- 125 CF Oxygen tank (with 10 years on the hydro test still)
- 145 CF Acetylene tank (x2, need recertification - fingers crossed)

I have the various safety equipment, like check valves and flash arresters, and like I said I'm just out to get my torch now. My total investment so far is just about $500. Considering an R-77 new is around $300 and an R-76 $200 I think I'm doing alright. I figure with the LP and the Acetylene regulators I have some experimentation room. Also, my girlfriend does jewelry work and propane is more suitable to her needs so it works out.

I think I'm done rambling!

Cheers,
Andrew

[longevity-inc.com]

Hello sporkfly,

Welcome, Please post some pics if you have any of your projects.

Best,