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Need a new Oxy-Act hose?

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malibu101

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Jul 1, 2005
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Walnutport PA
I have an older Victor torch oxy-acetylene torch set from my dad. I don't use it often but it is essential and does get used here.
When I brought it here the hoses were cracked and I didn't trust them. But I needed it then so I went to HF (closest place that had them) and grabbed a hose set.
Worked fine, but, about 5 years later this hose set outer jacket is cracked to the point I really don't like it.
They lived inside my garage and didn't see UV rays. Is this a "normal" lifespan?
I need new hoses again. 25' is all I need.

Here we go- What is a long lasting torch hose?
I really don't like my LWS and only go there for gases because I have to. I'd rather just simply order online.

I know the big names, BUT; What have you had for at least a decade in the real world?
 
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58Yeoman

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Central IL
I've got Craftsman gauges and torch setup, and I'd had them at least 20 years after buying them used. I used them just yesterday, and they still look fine. Of course, I don't think you can buy C-man any longer.
 
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Lassen Forge

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They sell both Acetylene fuel hoses (which are good for Acetylene AND anything else) and "Fuel" hoses (in which you can't run Acety;ene) so make sure you can live with what you buy... Acetylene approved hoses are 30% higher than non, but IMO its worth the money...
 
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rlitman

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Lassen Forge said:
They sell both Acetylene fuel hoses (which are good for Acetylene AND anything else) and "Fuel" hoses (in which you can't run Acety;ene) so make sure you can live with what you buy... Acetylene approved hoses are 30% higher than non, but IMO its worth the money...
Click to expand...


You’ve got it backwards. Grade R hose is for acetylene only, and is not oil resistant. Grade RM is also for acetylene only, and has an oil resistant cover. Grade T hose is for all gases. Grade T is what you want.

Early hose cracking is usually a sign of ozone exposure.
 
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matt_i

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SE Michigan
I used to buy these when I worked in a heavy mfg plant. Grade T hose.

https://www.mcmaster.com/oxyacetylene-welding-hose-systems/welding-gas-hose-with-fittings/

There are several lengths, you can fit your price point to your needs.

The T-grade has a heavy jacket, which can cause issues if you have a small bottle set that's on a rolling cart. Have to be careful as dragging and straightening the hose can be more than the cart can potentially handle. But, extremely long lasting. The fail mode in the plant was drips of molten metal would eventually melt a leaky spot in the hose. There are repair kits. In my shop I rarely torch-cut, its 99% heating. So the hose lasts and lasts, already 15 years on the one I currently have.
 
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skulldrinker

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Bolingbrook, IL
Mine are from the early 80s but dont know the name. I just rebuilt the regulators last fall one was leaking. I got big gold victors.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 
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andyvh1959

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Feb 15, 2020
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Green Bay WI
Welding hose sets are available from any Parker Store. You can choose this set or two other types of Oxy/Acet hoses to best suit your needs. Cheap hoses like those at HF have cheap elastomers in the tube and especially the cover, so I'm not surprised they cracked. So many factors go into the compounding of the tube and cover materials that impact the hose life. Cheap hose is just cheap.
 

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gungatim

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west mich
last set I got I don't recall the brand but got the super long ones. then cut them in half and you will have a spare set.

the LWS will have the connectors and clamp kits pretty reasonably for shops that use bulk line. don't use worm clamps and barbed air hose fittings, they aren't the same.
 
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Lassen Forge

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The romantic hills of central Umbria, Italy,
Lassen Forge said:
They sell both Acetylene fuel hoses (which are good for Acetylene AND anything else) and "Fuel" hoses (in which you can't run Acety;ene) so make sure you can live with what you buy... Acetylene approved hoses are 30% higher than non, but IMO its worth the money...
Click to expand...

rlitman said:
You’ve got it backwards. Grade R hose is for acetylene only, and is not oil resistant. Grade RM is also for acetylene only, and has an oil resistant cover. Grade T hose is for all gases. Grade T is what you want.

Early hose cracking is usually a sign of ozone exposure.
Click to expand...

You're right... I realized what I said yesterday was backwards, got on just now to fix it, but you beat me to it! Thank you! :beer:
 
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rlitman

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Long Island
BillK said:
Do you mind my asking why ? I am only asking from a business persons point of view. Nothing personal :)
Click to expand...

I'm going to guess it's because his LWS is a chain. The chains are notorious for treating individuals like ****.

I am fortunate enough to live within a short drive of not one but two independent shots that both treat me as well as I'd expect they treat their commercial customers. But few areas are this well covered.
 
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TractorJeff

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Elkhorn, WI
I bought my 50 foot T rated Hoses from an LWS, cut scrap with Propane for 5 years and always put them away at end of the day. Now they reside in the Shop partially shielded from the sun and still get used. They are starting to show their age because they were bought in 1986.
 
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BD1

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north side
I like using a 3/16" hose for the torch handle. I found there more flexible. When you use a torch all day, it's nice.
It's like having a smaller cable on a stinger.
Since most of our cable is 4/0 , a 10' piece of #2 with small 200 amp stinger on one end and a lug in the other. Sure beats handling 4/0 cable with a 400 amp stinger.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VVRDYNS/?tag=atomicindus08-20


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malibu101

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Walnutport PA
BillK said:
Do you mind my asking why ? I am only asking from a business persons point of view. Nothing personal :)
Click to expand...

rlitman said:
I'm going to guess it's because his LWS is a chain. The chains are notorious for treating individuals like ****.

I am fortunate enough to live within a short drive of not one but two independent shots that both treat me as well as I'd expect they treat their commercial customers. But few areas are this well covered.
Click to expand...

My reason is exactly the same as rlitman. :thumbup:
I always went to an independent for gases and most supplies, even before I had this torch set. Know that I am a very small consumer of welding products. They were always nice, helpful people and all they wanted to do was help as best they could with my small needs at a price everyone was happy with.

Once they closed the only guys close by are a chain. Cylinder exchange costs are higher. I own small cylinders, never rented/leased any.(yeah I know prices go up as time goes on, this isn't all about price).

First time there they gave me a we don't want to help you attitude and tried to get rid of me because I didn't have an account and my cylinder neck rings were from a different company than the one they bought out. Plus they were out of 10 year test date.
OK I owe for having them a few years, no problem.
When all was said and done, I basically begged them to help me by them extorting me on costs.
For a few years now after navigating I don't know how many company people, I have a COD account as they wanted. I'm not raped as bad. Now going in the "showroom" I wait at the counter while the 1 guys talks on the phone but he tells the person on the phone he's getting another call and yaps with them.
Hello?? I'm here for a simple and quick cash transaction. Do you see me??

Rant over. But BillK- that's why.
 
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malibu101

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Location
Walnutport PA
Sorry for all the posts, but thanks to all again!
My old hoses are grade R. I ordered grade T hoses from a mentioned online store.
Thanks matt-i for the advice on this heavier hose. I am always overcautious when the torch is in use.

this forum is awesome!! A guy could not ask for a better place to bounce off a question. :thumbup:
 
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malibu101

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Location
Walnutport PA
To close-
Today I received a BestWelds branded Type T hose from an online supplier.
It doesn't seem that much heavier or cumbersome than the light Type R that I replaced.
Time will tell.
Best of all (I didn't even think when I ordered it)- it's Made In U.S.A. !

Thanks again to all that had helpful advice!
 
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mark#3

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Feb 2, 2014
Messages
404
I always bleed the gases out of the hoses before storing(when done using them)
 
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