Cut-off torches 101 - for me

[fairlaniac]

I've never had a torch set of my own and never justified getting any as I never had too many opportunities to use one. So today I picked up an older set of Victor stuff from a nearby elderly gentleman who had them posted in the local grocery store for sale board. $115 for what you see, regulators, strikers, 50 ft. hose, both tanks and a older cart. The only thing the man warned me off was the seals might need replacing. My past experience using a torch was my buddy's and at his garage when we were dirt racing. I'd light it and cut. So I'm just wondering what I have and what maintenance would be good to perform before I light them up?

I'm not sure what to set the regulators to. Does it depend on the material that you are cutting? Any good recommendations of website or specific Youtube videos to watch?

This looks like the model number might be a 1000? There is a number that might be a serial number? V-354801, these seem like smaller torches? Any thoughts on the limitations and any exploded diagrams?




Thanks,

 

[Firebrick43]

100 C is the model, replaced by the current 100 FC. Sometimes known as the Super Range. Decent torch set. Its my main torch set, little big for most welding jobs but will cut anything in the typical home shop, something like 6" thick if my memory is correct. This is a mid size torch, definitely not Small. The journeyman size handle is way to big for most shop uses. I use my 100FC for most cutting and heating but use a small Smith airline (aircraft torch) for 1/4" and smaller cutting and nearly all my welding/brazing.


Setting the regs depends on the tip.

Use a tip chart, this one is for cutting tips

Cutting tip chart

Welding tip chart, See page 5

 

[bluedog225]

Subscribed

 

[Big Bad Dad]

I'm also going to watch this. I inherited a Victor torch set when my dad passed. I used to use it a lot many years ago. However, it has been stored in his barn, and has not been turned on and lit for at least 30 years since I moved away from home. I am really afraid to open the valves, especially the oxy bottle. What should I expect in regards to possible problems with the old seals and gauges, etc? Is this something that I should have reconditioned before attempting to use it? I know the hoses look kind of dry rotted....

 

[kaymccampbell]

I have the same set. Nowhere near as many torches n tips. You done good. The only thing you are missing is a rosebud.

 

[fairlaniac]

Any idea on a part number of Rosebud that will work with what I've got?

Thanks!

 

[lilredex]

I have a similar Victor set and never use the rosebud tip that came with it.....just use the cutting tip with a neutral flame, if you need to seriously heat up something.

See 9:02 here

 

[tester19]

Just a suggestion?
I install these flashback and check type valves for added safety. I used my torch set for years without them but I simply did not know?


.
.
.

 

[cvairwerks]

I'm also going to watch this. I inherited a Victor torch set when my dad passed. I used to use it a lot many years ago. However, it has been stored in his barn, and has not been turned on and lit for at least 30 years since I moved away from home. I am really afraid to open the valves, especially the oxy bottle. What should I expect in regards to possible problems with the old seals and gauges, etc? Is this something that I should have reconditioned before attempting to use it? I know the hoses look kind of dry rotted....

Shouldn't be any problems with the bottles, although they will be out of hydro test date. Expect a charge to get them tested when you go to have them filled.

At 30 years, toss the hoses and buy new, and send the regulators for overhaul. The diaphragms might be ok, same with the o-rings, but much safer to have them refreshed when you start playing with them again.

 

[GeoBruin]

Any idea on a part number of Rosebud that will work with what I've got?

Thanks!

Here's a chart that shows part numbers for rosebuds that fit 100 series torches. This chart is also good because it has the gas flow rates for each torch size at various pressures. This can help you ensure you stay within the maximim safe acetylene withdrawl rate, which might dictate a maximum size Rosebud you can run for the acetylene tank size you have.

If you are not familiar with the 1/7th "rule" (now 1/10th rule), definitely Google it and do your reading before running a big Rosebud.

 

[fairlaniac]

Trying to understand the location of Flashback Arrestors. I saw a pair of Victor Arrestors online that appear to thread in between the hose ends and the torch. Is this the way to use them?

Thanks,

 

[supratreo]

put them between the torch and hose. ive also seen people put a second set between the hose and reg.
if your unsure about the condition of your regulators and torch, contact these people. they have great service and have been doing this forever.

Home

regulatortorchrepair.com

 

[Jswain]

Trying to understand the location of Flashback Arrestors. I saw a pair of Victor Arrestors online that appear to thread in between the hose ends and the torch. Is this the way to use them?

Thanks,

You can get them for both sides if needed. At least run one set, some people run both...I would run both for peice of mind

Unless you have a big acetylene tank or switch to propane for the rosebud I wouldn't worry about getting one

I wouldn't toss anything, or have anything rebuilt I would simply test it & make sure it holds pressure, check everything for leaks. You should be able to get an oring kit/source individual orings for your torch very easily, those I would change & keep spares.

 

[BukitCase]

The comments on rosebuds/tank size aren't idle "jaw flapping" - even back when 1/7 was the "rule" I found that (at that time, mid '70's) the biggest single acetylene tank available (sometimes known as a size 5) was just BARELY big enough to run the SMALLEST rosebud available -

Please read at least the first page of this

Fuel your safety knowledge

The subject of oxyfuel safety is vast and would take volumes to cover completely. In fact, most large companies involved in oxyfuel cutting and welding publish their own procedural guidelines for employees to follow.

www.thefabricator.com

Seriously, this is NOT a subject where "whatcha don't know can't hurt you",,, Steve (and yeah, I know - the orange straps are ONLY to minimise RATTLE; look closer, the CHAINS are there too...)

 

[steel 35]

#1 use No oil.

 

[fairlaniac]

Is there an exploded view of the 100C anywhere? I just want to see what the BOM is should I need to rebuild/seal it. Also to get a better understanding of the torch.

Thanks,

 

[BukitCase]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjstY6J96H7AhV3ATQIHTntAGUQFnoECA8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gasandsupply.com%2Fdocs%2FVIC_DocLib_2323_56-0665%2520Torch%2520Handles%2520and%2520320%2520Extension%2520(Includes%2520all%2520C%2520and%2520.pdf&usg=AOvVaw38mMO2h6vPvCPPwvDsvNB5

 

[gerlbaum]

Every manual I've ever seen was to only run 1 set of fb arrestors - either at the tank or the torch but not both.

Running them at the tank allows for a shorter handle and I think you get resettable ones at the tank only. There is also an advantage of you use quick connects.

Most people run them at the torch.

 

[BigMike782]

Running one set of flash arrestors is recommended by Victor, more and you restrict flow.
Be cautious of acetylene cylinder volume when picking a heating head as they use a larger volume of fuel than cutting or brazing tips.
Conventional thinking is only draw 1 7th of the volume of your cylinder.
Personally I wouldn't worry about the regulators unless you see a reason to suspect them. I have a set of Harris and a set of Smith regulators in regular use and both are likely from the 60s or older.
I have scrapped hundreds of regulators, some being 60 or 70 yrs old and the internals look ok unless the have had an obvious failure.