How big an error?

[CalgaryExplosives]

Hi All

I'm new to oxy fuel welding but I was a gas fitter in my younger years so I understand dangers of gas. I currently work in the explosives industry so I have great respect for safety.

This is what I did & it's a NO NO! I bought an oxy propane setup with an empty bottle of o2. All parts are well used, like hoses are finished, regs are 2 stage Craftsman & look greasy, torches look greasy as well. Tanks are new. I'm going to toss the hoses but I've been reading that 2 stage regs are the best & they're not cheap. The torches are old but look nice as well, they're Craftsman too. Anyway, to make a short story long my error was using WD40 to clean the VERY stiff valves on the torches!

What do you recommend I do with the regulators & what can I do to get rid of ALL the WD40 in the torches! By the way, when cleaning low pressure natural gas valves WD40 is typically used. They're cleaned then new Gas Valve Grease is applied. Obviously this is NOT the case with oxygen welding/cutting. I have to admit, after reading all the accidents out there, I'm afraid of going near it now!

If I do decide to use oxy/fuel in my small shop, I will put arrestors at the regs and the torch.
Thanks!

[DSW]

Best thing to do is send the stuff out to be professionally rebuilt. I'm certified to do rebuilds on O2 regs for diving and even though I know how to clean and handle the regs, I'd still send it out and let some one else do it. High pressure O2 is nothing to fool around with, especially with contaminants like oils.

A number of members here have had good results with these guys.
http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/repairservices.php

[Bls repair]

X 2 send them out

[CalgaryExplosives]

That's what I thought but I was concerned I may have to throw the stuff away. That's an American location, do you know of any places that services o2 equipment in Canada? Better yet in Calgary or Alberta? I've called a few from online search but when I call them they said they stopped servicing.

Thank you guys.

[DSW]

If nothing else, check with your local welding supplier. They often can get things sent out for service if nothing else.