Smith torch questions

[kmev]

Looking at buying this Smith torch. There aren't flame arrestors on the torch, but are those arrestors where the hose comes out of the regulator?

There's also a small dent in the handle - would this affect the operation at all?

 

[goodfellow]

That's quite an old set -- and I would be very suspicious because the rubber diaphragms may be trash. As far as check valves are concerned; I don't see anything on the torch, or the regulators.

Vintage O/A welding outfits didn't include check valves; so I'll assume this set hasn't been touched with regard to modern safety devices.

Vintage O/A equipment is nice, but "O" rings and diaphragms will most likely require service.

 

[trackwelder]

I agree no arrestors or check valves there. I remember when I learned there where no check valves or arrestors used for the most part. The very first day of class we learned how to balance a torch to get the most heat out of the tip and to prevent backflashes. We use to gas weld alot at work but switched to propane and that was the end that. We used a #12 welding tip and the gas rods where 1/4"x36". I actually miss gas welding on the job. What model is that smith torch?

 

[JayL]

gts-welco.com have the Western Enterprises FA-30 Flashback Arrestor Set ( regulator mounted style ) for $44.98 & shipped free.

http://gts-welco.com/gtsweldsstore/detail.aspx?ID=688

 

[a390st]

Buy newer or new if possible. It is best if you can get modern gas equipment, as the o-rings and seals won't be cracked and rotted. Also, they will have the most current safety features. I had an old torch that had been great over the years, but didn't have check valves. It finally got to where it was so bad that we quit using it and got a new Victor set. It wasn't that we couldn't have repaired it, but that by the time we did and added a few safety features, it just wasn't worth it to us.

 

[JayL]

If it was me I'd go with a390st's suggestion.

 

[kmev]

Thanks guys I didn't think it had arrestors, but I didn't think of the o-rings, diaphrams, and everything else. Not sure what model it is.

I was looking at the Victor sets at the local welding shop, but it seems like you can't get anything with more than a cutting head and one welding tip. I'd like to find a set that included a variety of welding tips.

 

[a390st]

Well, our shop had about a hundred tips you could just buy off the rack. Victor is just about the standard, and there is no lack of selection at most shops. It's better to buy the tips you need than a bunch of junk that isn't the right size for what you'll be doing just so you can say it came with a set. You are going to need very specific tips based on what you're doing. Just buy them as you need them.

 

[russlaferrera]

The torch looks like a model MW5 series. It's been around many years. They last forever. The Torch is gar. for life . Smith will repair or replace the torch. The dent will not affect anything. Smith has a newer model WH100 which is the same as the MW5.

There are no check valves in the torch. They have to be placed on the regulators.

The regulators you have ? I don't know what to tell ya.

I have 2 sets of Smith. One set is over 40 years old (MW5) just had the reg. rebuilt. A. new WH100 set, 2 years old all tips are interchangeable. I highly recommend Smiths.