Frit-Happens !

Technical Forum => Studio/workspace/setup/equipment => Oxycon/Oxygen/Propane => Topic started by: Margram on January 18, 2018, 01:14:04 PM

Title: Smiths little torch
Post by: Margram on January 18, 2018, 01:14:04 PM
Santa brought me a Smiths little torch for Christmas, yippee!  :D

Since then I've been struggling with how to fit it to my existing oxycon/Minor setup >:(.

The Minor torch has 6mm hoses, and as the Sievert 6mm quick release seems no longer available, I wonder if someone knowleable could advise on this splitter? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6mm-BRASS-T-COMPRESSION-SPLITTER-JOIN-LPG-MICROBORE-GAS-FUEL-PIPE-FITTING-OLIVES/161404100551?hash=item25946f1fc7:g:hJEAAOxyfpJSYAOB The little torch has British fittings by the way.

If it is suitable/safe, I presume gas would be supplied to the soldering torch even if I'm just making beads...would that matter? :-\

Title: Re: Smiths little torch
Post by: Steampunkglass on January 18, 2018, 04:10:39 PM
Not sure if that would work or not, I used the splitter valve Martin sells for the propane line, http://www.tuffnellglass.com/contents/en-uk/p971.html (http://www.tuffnellglass.com/contents/en-uk/p971.html) which has the advantage that I can turn it totally off if I'm not going to use it. One side goes to the smith torch, the other to my normal torch and that way one gas cylinder (with regulator and flashback arrestor) is all I need to run both torches. The oxygen I have a 'y' splitter off of one of my smaller oxycons, although the pressure is a bit higher that the smiths torch likes if I am running the other torch at the same time it doesn't seem to be a problem.
Title: Re: Smiths little torch
Post by: Margram on January 18, 2018, 04:26:19 PM
Thanks for reply. That might work apart from the Minor being on a 6mm hose. I suppose there would be a 6mm to 8mm converter widget if I look hard enough!
Title: Re: Smiths little torch
Post by: Steampunkglass on January 18, 2018, 10:13:18 PM
The ends of the valve are standard propane threads, so should fit??? Otherwise I'd say give Martin a call as doubtless he'll know what widget will sort you out  :)
Title: Re: Smiths little torch
Post by: Margram on January 24, 2018, 09:26:18 AM
Update! I decided the easiest way to solve this was to get another propane tank, regulator, flashback arrestor and 6mm gas hose from Martin. Pricey, but I'd read a couple of stories on here of splitters giving way , leaving gas hose flailing about the studio. Didn't fancy that! Only setback is that my usual gas tank supplier has stopped selling it ::).
Title: Re: Smiths little torch
Post by: Margram on January 30, 2018, 04:17:20 PM
Update on update. I managed to set it all up but have no clue how to set the regulator. I emailed Martin but got no response so I fiddled around until the flame looked right and melted some scrap silver into blobs - so satisfying! Does anyone know how to reliably set the regulator, please?  It's this one http://www.tuffnellglass.com/contents/en-uk/p112.html
Title: Re: Smiths little torch
Post by: flame n fuse on February 03, 2018, 02:33:03 PM
Hi. Looking at this http://www.smithequipment.com/files/pdf/spec_sheets/Little_Torch.pdf it looks as if the setting on the gas varies according to the tip you're using. But probably you've worked it out by 'fiddling'.
Title: Re: Smiths little torch
Post by: Steampunkglass on February 05, 2018, 10:14:31 AM
If you are going to use it with glass a lot you might want to take a look as the 'Hornet' tip. Its not made by smiths but is made to fit the torch, its a little fiercer flame and doesn't blow out as easily, plus its made of stainless steel rather than copper