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old torch and regulators trash?

andrew240z

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Dec 12, 2006
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Location
Cinnaminson, NJ
found these old torches and regulators in the garage from previous owner. worth keeping or tossing? I don't currently have a torch but don't really need one.
 

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G_P

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Jul 11, 2010
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Central CT
Regulators can be rebuilt. Somebody will probably buy that if you put it on Craigslist.
 

bobss396

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Jan 3, 2008
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Location
Long Island, NY
You been in my garage?? I have a similar box of regulators I've had for a while. My newer set are Smiths, so I may sell the old ones.
 

PWC Repair

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Dec 27, 2012
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Arkansas
I have a small set that looked just like that when I bought it. Full dis-assemble, lots of elbow grease and #00 steel wool, then re-assemble with a light smearing of Synthetic grease (not petrol based) and buy new hoses. Mine work great!
 

404

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Aug 23, 2014
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Mass
I would keep them but then I keep all tools..
These are probably USA made.
 

over40pirate

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Aug 31, 2012
Messages
160
I would take them to a local welding supply co. and tell them, you don't know if they are working. Ask what deals on tanks they have.
If you want to spend the money on tanks, if your regulators and torch are ok, tell the supply guy, if he can test your stuff, and it is ok, you will buy/rent the tanks.
Or call them and ask if they test equipment, and the charge.
If you were near me, I'd say, bring them over and I would them hook up and see if they work.
A torch can be real handy. I don't use mine for a few years, then have a use for it, that saves the day!
 

alwaysFlOoReD

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Sep 24, 2013
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2,386
Location
Airdrie, Alberta, Canada
I had a regulator rebuilt. It cost $100 for the rebuild. The replacement cost was $450. I bought the pair for $15 at a yard sale. Research what yours are worth and decide from there.
 

gungatim

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Jan 8, 2013
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west mich
never toss a tool...somebody out there needs a guage, or knob, or something off those for parts, if not wanting to rebuild them...There's probably $10 or $20 of brass in there anyway...
 
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Jere

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Oct 26, 2011
Messages
708
The hose is junk, who made the torch,gauges? What are the model numbers? If the gauges are multistage they can fetch more than single stage.The torch looks like maybe a victor, those sell fairly well. They aren't worth a lot of money as is. Right now is not a great selling season either. Parts to rebuild are usually just orings and seals, not too expensive. To pay someone to rebuild this stuff can get pricey. If you want to sell them clean the up nice and check if the valves turn at least.

It looks like there is a less common torch in there with a brazing\welding tip on it, at second glance. What is the make of the small torch?
 
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machine_punk

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May 14, 2011
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Napa Valley, California
Those are my favorite regulators...if you don't have a need for them, I'd be interested in buying them and paying shipping.

I don't need the rest of it, I have plenty of torches and hoses.

Kev
 

Jere

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Oct 26, 2011
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708
Those are my favorite regulators...if you don't have a need for them, I'd be interested in buying them and paying shipping.

I don't need the rest of it, I have plenty of torches and hoses.

Kev

What kind are they Kev? Are they supposed to be water filled like that?
 

machine_punk

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May 14, 2011
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Location
Napa Valley, California
They are the Airco Dual Stage gauges. Most folks DON'T like them, because they don't read low pressures (for smaller, home-use torches). Doesn't really matter to me, because I set my torches by 'look,' not by pressure on the gauge. And, the dual-stage will hold the same pressure all day long...no matter how full/empty your bottle is...whereas the single-stage regulators seem to creep in pressure. That only matters when you are welding hours at a time...but it is nice to have dual-stage regulators, when you are using little torches, like the Meco Midget I use all the time.

I don't think they are fluid filled...that looks like a cracked glass. Which means the gauge glass is REALLY glass (and likely older). If you send those in for repair now, they will replace them with plastic gauge glasses.

Anyway, Airco is one of those old, industrial brands, which doesn't get much air time in this brand-focused world. I accidentally bought a set of these with my first set of oxy-acetylene bottles and lucked into them for cheap. After a little research, I'd take these over any single-stage Victor.

One of my favorite things about these is the configuration of the faces of the gauges. It looks a little weird, if you are used to modern gauges, but they are placed so that when you are looking at the gauge, you are standing in the safest place to be opening a regulator...out of the 'blast zone,' when things go bad. Of course, I don't need the guages, for anything but checking to see if the regulator is 'on,' or there is pressure left in the tank. I use sight to determine how much gas to use. But, it is nice to know they were thinking about safety, when they built this set.

It also has a built-in indicator, to tell you when the regulator needs a rebuilt. If the red is showing, time for a rebuild...which also means these were BUILT to be reused, not just thrown away. I like that.

Kev.
 
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Jere

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Joined
Oct 26, 2011
Messages
708
They are the Airco Dual Stage gauges. Most folks DON'T like them, because they don't read low pressures (for smaller, home-use torches). Doesn't really matter to me, because I set my torches by 'look,' not by pressure on the gauge. And, the dual-stage will hold the same pressure all day long...no matter how full/empty your bottle is...whereas the single-stage regulators seem to creep in pressure. That only matters when you are welding hours at a time...but it is nice to have dual-stage regulators, when you are using little torches, like the Meco Midget I use all the time.

I don't think they are fluid filled...that looks like a cracked glass. Which means the gauge glass is REALLY glass (and likely older). If you send those in for repair now, they will replace them with plastic gauge glasses.

Anyway, Airco is one of those old, industrial brands, which doesn't get much air time in this brand-focused world. I accidentally bought a set of these with my first set of oxy-acetylene bottles and lucked into them for cheap. After a little research, I'd take these over any single-stage Victor.

One of my favorite things about these is the configuration of the faces of the gauges. It looks a little weird, if you are used to modern gauges, but they are placed so that when you are looking at the gauge, you are standing in the safest place to be opening a regulator...out of the 'blast zone,' when things go bad. Of course, I don't need the guages, for anything but checking to see if the regulator is 'on,' or there is pressure left in the tank. I use sight to determine how much gas to use. But, it is nice to know they were thinking about safety, when they built this set.

It also has a built-in indicator, to tell you when the regulator needs a rebuilt. If the red is showing, time for a rebuild...which also means these were BUILT to be reused, not just thrown away. I like that.

Kev.

Cool stuff, I had an airco oxygen tank for a while, didn't realize they made regulators also. Thanks for the tip about the midget doing well with multistage regulators. I will have to pair mine up and try them out.
 

fourjeepin

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Feb 12, 2011
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Location
Atlanta, GA
Can that torch be cleaned up or rebuilt ? I have an old one that I figured is junk.

Yes, they can be rebuilt. When I got my grand dad's torch (Victor) it probably hadn't been used in 20 years. I took it to the local welding supply house and asked them about it. They sent it off to be rebuilt ($40). It came back looking like brand new and they said it would be better than buying a new one.

I've been using it maybe once a year for the last 10 years or so. No issues.
 

Jere

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Oct 26, 2011
Messages
708
Can that torch be cleaned up or rebuilt ? I have an old one that I figured is junk.

I am using a torch that is maybe 30 years old, it had asbestos o rings to give you an idea. A good company to buy replacement parts from is http://www.sealseat.com I bought new needle valves, knobs and some orings for around 20 bucks. I had to buy some spares to meet the minimum order amount because their replacement parts are so inexpensive. So you might want to check them out.
 

Tronyadorable

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Sep 25, 2014
Messages
1,170
Yes, they can be rebuilt. When I got my grand dad's torch (Victor) it probably hadn't been used in 20 years. I took it to the local welding supply house and asked them about it. They sent it off to be rebuilt ($40). It came back looking like brand new and they said it would be better than buying a new one.

I've been using it maybe once a year for the last 10 years or so. No issues.
Ever heard the term "Engine has been balanced and blueprinted" ?
That means taken apart and re-assembled to the best factory specifications.

That is why "re-furbished" tools are superior.
They originally failed==== and were replaced under warranty.With another P.O.S. assembly line item.
The technician that " refurbished" it had access to shims. Over---or under --sized bushings or bearings and did YOUR item. By Hand.A better than "new" item.
 
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