Victor torch w/ beat up body

[toddmcdong]

I've been lurking for a while and picking up some great ideas in the forums... now I have a question.

I'm looking to add a small torch to my tool box for welding sheetmetal and have read that the victor j-27 is good for just such work. I found a local guy with one for sale, relatively cheap, but it is a little beat up. Does this damage affect the performance of the torch? Will my welding flame be all wonky? He said the torch seals just fine on both ends.

<a href="http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/toddmcdong/?action=view&current=victortorch.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/toddmcdong/victortorch.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Comments?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[2oolhound]

It shouldn't matter. The gas is still traveling separately inside the handle at the damaged area. Since it is gas in a gaseous state it would equalize itself and be just fine even if the tubes inside were dented. As long as the mixing valves are not cracked or mis-shaped it should be ok. If it looks like the valves where the knobs are, have ever been banged around I'd steer clear of it though. New ones are cheap enough so I wouldn't pay too much for that set.

 

[toddmcdong]

That's what I thought. They do sell these small torches new, but what I read is that this older model is better in some way? You're right that the price has to be right.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[trbomax]

You can easily obtain parts and tips for the victor as opposed to the chinese stuff,unless the chink copy is an exact knockoff. Ive got one that looks just like that,it was my dads so it has to be 60 yrs old.Still works fine.

edit) if you do buy it, put some check valves on it before you start useing it.

 

[toddmcdong]

what kind of check valves are you talking about? is that with compressed air? Thanks for the advice, I'm trying to build a tool collection with tools I only need to buy once.

 

[e-tek]

You can get the check valves at the welding supply store. Doesn't let the gas burn backwards (like mine does!)

The only issue I'd have with that beat up one is why is it so beat up? If it lead that tough a life, I'd guess the valves, seals and inners are beat up too!


Read this!! http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toolboxtopics.com%2FGen%2520Industry%2FPreventing%2520Welding%2520Flashback.htm&ei=YveTTZD1Cca_gQfImvG9CA&usg=AFQjCNElnLsXT0MTqLO7EchTw8Glw7w4Nw&sig2=FPfgcFDQHwdYNV6olhP3Xw

 

[toddmcdong]

Good point e-tek, I'll go through it carefully if I get it. I'll make sure to get the check valves as well. Thanks for the link.