Old torch setup

[kicker30]

So this has been sitting in the corner of one of my granddads buildings as long as I can remember. It appears to be a victor and has not been used in at least 25-30 years. The dates on the tanks are 73 for the acetylene and 75 for the oxygen I believe. I've never used a torch and really have no idea of anything about them. First what would be a good resource for learning about one and how to use it? Second would this be considered safe use or should I steer clear due to its age and the fact that it has been just allowed to sit and deteriorate? If it could possibly used what should I look at when inspecting it to make sure it is safe?

Thanks for helping.

 

[kicker30]

Another pic.

 

[cybrfire]

I think if it were me, i'd have it all checked over by the local welding supplier. They have people trained for servicing this kind of thing.

There is every chance that the torch itself will be fine.

 

[Deuling]

Yah I would go to a welding supply company. They will tell you if they can be tested (doesn't cost much) and if they can be filled.

If they test them then your all good

 

[Deuling]

The accetylene looks like a b-tank.

We use them at work for brazing refridgerent lines.

http://m.hdsupplysolutions.com/shop/product-acetylene_b_tank_refill-235005


Usually paired with this setup alone

http://m.hdsupplysolutions.com/shop/product-air_acetylene_torch_for_b_tank_x3b-135031

 

[dyeager535]

Crack the valves and see what the regulators show for pressure.

You aren't going to have any issues just checking the pressure in them. If they both show pressure, then check into setting the torch up and seeing how it works. It's pretty simple stuff (oxy/acetylene welding has been around for what, 100+ years?) age is pretty meaningless to every component except the hoses, and even those seem to be pretty robust.

No idea how old my setup is, but it sat for quite a few years before I got my hands on it. Fired up, burned through the tanks, exchanged them, and still going.

You might as well get use out of the tanks if they have stuff in them, you exchange tanks (normally) you don't get the old ones back. If they are out of the test date, you will pay a small fee (around here $15) and then whatever the fill runs, and you get a different tank back. The ones you get in exchange are always within test date.

Just had my b-tank filled (swapped), cost me $50 for the gas. Which is why I recommend getting as much use out of it as you can.

All sorts of results on google to get you started https://www.google.com/#hl=en&tbo=d&sclient=psy-ab&q=acetylene+welding+guide&oq=acetylene+welding+guide&gs_l=hp.3..0l4.37.5238.0.5520.28.17.3.0.0.0.1384.7825.2-1j2j0j4j1j3.11.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.2.hp.kurPdO23uPU&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42080656,d.cGE&fp=8b3ccabeaf5ce617&biw=1440&bih=736

Unless I'm mistaken those cylinders are mis-matched, you will eventually want/need a larger oxygen tank, as they run out faster. They are normally what, twice the capacity of the acetylene tank?

 

[eagle mark]

I wouldn't even think of using that witout new hoses! Tanks probably won't ever get filled again, but the rest of the stuff usually lasts forever...

 

[dyeager535]

Why not? If you keep the torch valves closed, the lines should hold pressure, if they don't, they are bad. Obviously need to verify all the fittings are tight first.

 

[eagle mark]

25 year old rubber hoses?

Have you ever seen the burned hands pictures at the welding supply store from Oxygen leaks?

So what if they hold pressure, as soon as you bend a hose it cracks. If it's not already full of cracks... they are way beyond there safe usable lifspan.

Hoses are cheap! Burned hands or fires suck...

 

[dyeager535]

I have not seen those. You are correct, hoses are cheap, even Harbor Freight carries name brand hoses, think they are Goodyears.

 

[sponsoredbydad]

The torches them selves will be fine. Your OXY regulator is missing the adjuster (T Handle thing) The regulators can be rebuilt at the welding shop if need be (Sometimes the rubber diaphragms inside dry out and wont hold pressure). Tanks for sure won't get refilled but like stated you can just use up whats in them then exchange them. looks like it has some flash back arrestors on the torches(Green and Red things)so that is good. Just PLEASE BE CAREFULL while learning to use this setup. It is quite basic but very dangerous at the same time. You could probably go to U-Tube to get some useful info on how to get started. Just remember fire is fun but it hurts like hell if sheeiet goes wrong.