Oxy Acetylene Torch Problem/Question

[Fireball027]

I am new to using Oxy Acetylene torches. I bought a set of "B" tanks and the "Industrial Oxy-Acetylene Welding kit" item # 92496 from Harbor Freight.

I am having a problem however... With the hoses connected I have no flow of acetylene past the "check valve" on the end of the torch handle. Oxygen flows fine through the check valve. With the check valve removed from between the hose and the handle Acetylene flows and I can light it.

I did buy a set of flashback arrestors and have them installed between the torches and the hose.

My question is should I buy another set of check valves or is it safe to use without them and just have the flashback arrestors installed?



Thanks for the help.

 

[gmwelder86]

Dont use harbor freight check valves, not worth your life? Goto to your local welding shop and get a set. But the flash arrestors should be fine, thats all I ever use at work, but it is best to have them at the torch end as it will protect the hoses from catching fire.

 

[taumac]

DO NOT use without flash back arrestors!!! If im reading correct you bought a set of aressotrs? I just read description and kit comes with arrestors already so did you use 2 sets of arrestors on one torch? You only need one set to work a torch.

 

[metaldad]

Make sure they're installed in the direction of flow.
and, as gm stated, dont use the HF ones.

 

[Fireball027]

The harbor freight ones come with a check valve only, they are not flash arrestors. The harbor freight check valve (Acetylene one) does not seem to be opening with pressure so I took them off and am only running the flash arrestors. I bought a set of actual flash arrestors and have them installed between the torch and the hose.

So before it went.... torch/check valve/flash arrestor/hose (acetylene wont flow)

Now I just have it..... torch/flash arrestor/hose (and it works perfect, just making sure its safe)

I'm just trying to play it safe, and don't feel like having an unplanned bon fire.

Thanks Everyone.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Toss the HF valves and keep your flash arrestors. I put a set of check valves on my regulators as an added safety precaution.

 

[taumac]

my bad I looked at picture of your torch set and thought that the FBAs where on there. I just those where check valves. My Victor has built in check and FBAs and friends torch just has FBAs. My bad

 

[Fireball027]

Ya no problem at all. I ended up just removing the check valve and installed the flash back arrestors and it works perfect.