Oxy/Acetylene Torch question

May 24, 2005 25 Replies

Nice guy. I was lucky enough to do a smithing course with him a while ago (at Fire and Iron in Leatherhead). Best part was that we were all staying with the Quinells and spent the evenings talking smithing. I learned as much from that as we did during the day.

His book "The Artist Blacksmith" is what re-kindled my interest in smithing.

There's a cartel controlling the filling of them. You can't get just any bottle refilled, it needs to have a paper trail, which means rental. You _can_ own cylinders (in theory) but it's such a nightmare that it's only practical for big operators.

It's what really got me interested in it. I actually met him and Alan Evans. I had Peter sign my book and Alan sign some of his work featured in the book. I think Alan thought I was a dork for that, but who cares. :)

They were both great guys and I found them fascinating. I found that I love England (and all the wonderful pubs). Bitters...yum!

rvb

rvb

Chuckle..I work as a traveling machine tool technician..Sims happens to be right smack dab in the middle of my busiest areas..so Im in that area at least 3 times a week. So my mileage and travel time are paid for by other customers

Gunner

"Pax Americana is a philosophy. Hardly an empire. Making sure other people play nice and dont kill each other (and us) off in job lots is hardly empire building, particularly when you give them self determination under "play nice" rules.

Think of it as having your older brother knock the s*it out of you for torturing the cat." Gunner

I have to second Sims. I always go there first. In that part of Santa Ana there are two other welding suppliers, and Simms is the best! Friendly, too... I don't think I've left the place without them giving me something to eat or drink!

Most of my gas kit was bought from eBay, brand new, boxed and local.

Takes a little while, but those bargains are out there.

Check Thermadyne's website for Victor Equipment. I was just there a couple of nights ago and looked up all kinds of info on my setup. I bought my gas rig 3 0r 4 years ago under the Holox label, but it is the medium duty Victor Medalist kit with the WH-26FC torch handle which equates to the current 100 FC torch in their other medium duty kits. Mine has the CA-25 cutting attachment which uses 3-101 series cutting tips, and the torch takes W-1 series welding tips. This is the smaller than "full size" outfit. It came with K 25 series single stage regulators which are fine. But you have to remember to keep an eye on the acetylene pressure as you work as it sometimes needs adjustment as work progresses.

I like the smaller outfit because it's light and compact - easy to hold in any position for long periods, yet it will still cut up to 5" steel with the proper tips and adequate fuel gas supply. I think with the limitations on acetyelene withdrawal rate on my 140 ft tank, I can still cut up to 2" steel no problem.

I bought mine at the local welding supply shop where I get my gases even though I could have saved a couple of bucks shopping around. Sometimes it pays to pay into building a good relationship with your supplier. Here in my area owning your own tanks isn't a problem as long as you get your fills where you bought them. In reality, they just swap my C25 tank for a full one every time, and will probably do it for my OA too if I ever empty either of those tanks. So I don't have to worry about a tank getting out of date on its hydro testing.

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