Rebuilding vintage Oxy/Act gauges?

[bad_idea]

I have a pair of Oxweld oxy/act gauges my neighbor gave me. They appear to be from the 1970s. The acetylene gauge has a blown diaphragm. I would like to rebuild them and put them into use. I am a novice to oxy/act, but I hold a journeyman's in Industrial Repair, I know how to fix things. Anyone know where to get a rebuild kit, a tutorial on rebuilding them, or maybe a ball park cost on having them rebuilt professionally?

Disregard the pile of baby stuff on the coffee table, baby girl turns 1 week old tomorrow and it is hard to keep up with the chores.

 

[gungatim]

I don't think you can rebuild the guages, but there was a thread on here a while back about fixing the regulator's. I'll try to find the link

 

[DekeT]

Your local welding supplier can usually have them rebuilt. My local place sent mine off to Minnesota to have them done. Somewhere around $60 was the price. Rebuild kits are available on eBay but like a lot of other things this could be penny wise and pound foolish.

 

[Buckgnarly]

http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/store.php/categories

 

[laser3kw]

If you want to keep the original gauges (the "dial") make sure who ever rebuilds it knows that. If the gauge / dial is bad they will install a new style.
Don't try it yourself, the bodies and parts have to be uber clean. The cleaning solution has to be of a certain type so there will not be a adverse reaction in the presence of oxygen or acetylene.

 

[Carla]

If you send the regulators out for rebuilding, first remove the bezels and glass from the gauges, and put them aside.....if asked, say you threw them in the trash bin.

Its a requirement, these days, for gauges to be refitted with screw-on plastic lenses....and the old parts thrown away. (allegedly an OSHA requirement, on the theory that glass lenses could be accidentally broken, and cut someone......the plastic replacements merely dim and become partially opaque over time, but won't break.)

cheers

Carla

 

[pancho400cid]

I'm far from an expert and may be stating the obvious but oxygen regulators and gauges have to be devoid of solvent residue and "02 clean" and any lubricants must be oxygen compatible. Petroleum based solvents, lubricants etc. mixed with oxygen are a good way to get your head blown off....

 

[toldert]

http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/store.php/categories

Wish I had know about this site two days ago. Just replaced my old Smith regulators.

 

[bad_idea]

Anyone have experience with the above site? I emailed them asking a cost per regulator, and they quoted $45-60 per depending on which model they are. Seems like a fair price for a working pair of gauges I don't have to do the work on.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Anyone have experience with the above site? I emailed them asking a cost per regulator, and they quoted $45-60 per depending on which model they are. Seems like a fair price for a working pair of gauges I don't have to do the work on.

I picked that company up from some welding forum, cannot say I used them yet. I had a set of old Harris gauges I still need to get rebuilt and they were the cheapest/best I could find. My local welding shop (Airgas) does not do gauges, only torch rebuilds.

 

[laser3kw]

allegedly an OSHA requirement, on the theory that glass lenses could be accidentally broken, and cut someone......the plastic replacements merely dim and become partially opaque over time, but won't break.)

you got to be f#cking kidding me.
But , it's probably true.

oxygen regulators and gauges have to be devoid of solvent residue and "02 clean" and any lubricants must be oxygen compatible. Petroleum based solvents, lubricants etc. mixed with oxygen are a good way to get your head blown off...

I was going to type all that but decided Nahh..... to much typing. But you are absolutely correct. If I remember right they use 1,1,1-trichloroethane. The may have changed.

 

[Harley00]

I just had a set "rebuilt" at Mineapolis Oxygen, they were a set from the 60's, I paid around $80.00, new guts, bead blasted, cleaned , painted like new. I did keep the glass for the guages as well.

 

[bad_idea]

I sent these pictures to regulatortorchrepair.com and he informed me these are older two stage gauges and they cost $150 to rebuild. He also told me a new set of Harris single stage gauges are only $170 for the pair w/ a seven year warranty. Other than the cool factor, are there any benefits to these older gauges over the new Harris gauges? What is the difference between a two stage and a single stage gauge?

 

[DekeT]

What is the difference between a two stage and a single stage gauge?

I did not notice they were 2 stage. The first stage is a preset psi reduction from the high pressure cylinder. The second stage takes the pressure from the first stage and allows an adjustment to your working pressure.

 

[bad_idea]

Is there a benefit to two stage vs. single stage?

 

[Jere]

Is there a benefit to two stage vs. single stage?

Yes if you are using a lot of gas at a time or tiny tanks, the pressure doesn't need up-ing and constant fiddling with. If you do small jobs here and there you don't need them and can get away with single stage and just eBay the oxweld.

The Harris two stage torches at that price are the "low end" two stage models. I think they have gaskets rated for a few different gases like propane/lp. Not sure what the oxwelds have for gaskets, they might be rated for acetylene only, but they are out of business so you can't just go check the website like Harris.

There is a member on welding.web oadoctor or something like that he might be worth contacting. He rebuilds regs and torches I believe and he rebuilds cheaper.

 

[bad_idea]

I was informed these regulators are from the 50s or 60s, pretty cool. But the uncool part is he suggested I don't rebuild them, not worth it. Perhaps I can sell these to someone who will appreciate them for the age and style, and buy a quality pair new single stage regulators. Anyone interested in them?

 

[fnieto]

I recently rebuilt a Victor journeyman Oxygen regulator and purchased the parts from regulatortorchrepair.com. OEM parts, reasonable and friendly guy. I would advise you to buy the the lubricant they offer to hold the large o-ring in place while reassembling. Take your time and print the manual off their website. I believe I had to check a box (waiver) releasing them from liability. Regulator is as good as new.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Anyone have experience with the above site? I emailed them asking a cost per regulator, and they quoted $45-60 per depending on which model they are. Seems like a fair price for a working pair of gauges I don't have to do the work on.

Yes I have and they were great to deal with.