Advice needed on Torches

[tas850g]

I am in looking to buy a used set of these portable torches. What should I be looking for to judge if they are in good operational condition?

A few questions I may have for the seller:

1. Tanks - if they are still certified for usage or refilling??? - how long can they be used before they can no longer be useable.

2. Hoses - cracks or signs of wear and tear???

3. Regulators - leaks or proper functioning???

Is there anything else I need to look for?

I have used some in the past but it's been +10 years and I just used them for demolition derby cars so appearance was not really a factor.

Here are type I am looking at but used: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2921_200342921

[rustybronco]

Is there anything else I need to look for?

I have used some in the past but it's been +10 years and I just used them for demolition derby cars so appearance was not really a factor.

You really should test them out in person. lacking that option, ask if they function as expected. for example, does the cutting head adjust properly, do the valves close properly, do they pop excessively (rapid fire popping) which would indicate a bad sealing surface between the cutting torch head and the tip.

also, see what tips are in the set.

if you do buy a set of torches, get a set of popper stoppers!

[chuck hahn]

Check with your local welding supply dealers and ask them the particulars on the tanks and recertifications.. they are the best source of proper info there. Also some companies..such as Airgas want you to sign a service agreemant as well to have them refill the tanks.. ask a lot of questions on servicing and refilling the tanks. they may even want you to trade yours in AND sign a service cotract. Try to find a place that will test yours, recert them, and not scam you.

[tas850g]

What the hell are Popper stopper??? I'll look them up. I have an airgas company a couple of miles from my work. I'll check them and ask those questions. Thanks for the advise.

[Andrei]

I'm assuming they mean flashback arrestors but I could be wrong.

[rustybronco]

I'm assuming they mean flashback arrestors but I could be wrong.

Yes, that's exactly what I meant. sorry about using the slang term.

[Nessism]

I need me some of them poppy stoppers! Been putting it off.

I started with a cheap Victor Firepower set up and it's served well. Bought some NOS Harris regulators on ebay for less than 1/2 price so I suggest ebay if you don't mind doing some research - good deals are out there to be had. As for tanks, local welding shops will sell you some, and trade the empties for full ones when the time comes.

[kirkn]

Interesting story re: the tank certifications. My father gave me an oxy-acetylene set a few years back. The oxygen tank had a bit left in it, but the last stamp was from greater than 5 years earlier, so my local welding gas supplier said they'd not refill it without hydrostatic testing and recertification. They did this recertification for a nominal fee, and re-stamped it with that year's date (I think it was 2006).

However, before I took the tank in to be recertified / restamped, I took a wire wheel and buffed off years and years worth of accumulated paint etc. I was able to trace the previous certification stampings all the way back to 1917!!! Roughly every 7 ~10 years going straight back from 2006!!

So, my current oxygen tank, sitting there with about 1000psi (now) of oxygen was originally made nearly 100 years ago!

You're mileage may vary, certain rules and restrictions apply, not all buyers will qualify.

Kirk

[tas850g]

I've searched you tube and there is a good explanation about what to look for in used tanks. Certifications are usually good for 5 years unless It has a + sign and a star symbol then it is good for 10 years. If there are no symbols after the latest date then it's good for 5 years. This is according to Alamo welding supply in Austin Texas.

[rkubik]

Aha, the trailer/caravan thief's special kit: you can take that torch unit anywhere, torch off the trailer hitch, then hook it up to your own vehicle and away you go! So... don't be doing that!

[tas850g]

Aha, the trailer/caravan thief's special kit: you can take that torch unit anywhere, torch off the trailer hitch, then hook it up to your own vehicle and away you go! So... don't be doing that!

I hope no one leaves their '86 1150 on a trailer near me then, ha! I just might have a "new" bike.

[themess]

I haven't welded for 25 years. I rented tanks. The welding stores told me than that if I bought tanks, I would not keep a specific tank. instead, they would switch out my tanks when I refilled. I would always receive a certified tank, and the tank I returned would be recertified when it was required.

Do I remember that correctly?

[rustybronco]

Tom, When I bought my tanks back in '77(?), you could keep you own tanks. you had to show a receipt for them when getting them refilled and it took about a week. you also had to pay to have then re-certed when necessary, but you did get your tanks back. now I just swap them.

[tas850g]

I think it can and does work the same as filling your gas grill propane tank. Some places you have to exchange your tank for one of there's or they will fill your tank and you get it back.