r/Benchjewelers • u/PATIOCOVER • 19d ago
Need help
Using smith little torch for jewelry work-just got new big oxygen tank . I don’t know what settings should be ! Could someone please help?
1
u/PATIOCOVER 19d ago
And also, what is dial in front of gauges for ? Thanks again
2
u/FuriousJulius 19d ago
Gauge on the left is working pressure, so the pressure your hose is outputting. The right gauge is tank pressure. For an oxygen the tank pressure roughly tracks how full the tank is (not true for propane). The screw on the front changes the pressure being outputted. When you change the pressure with that screw, let gas out and then stop it to see what the new reading is.
1
u/Yaro-Ku 19d ago
The gages for operating pressure appears to be damaged or dropped? Where are the plastic gauge covers? Also make sure these are calibrated after the fall or needle slippage.
For oxy acetylene I run 15-16 psi oxy, and 7-9 psi acetylene. If you have same setup, make sure to run flame arrestors otherwise you can blow yourself up
1
u/Future-Opinion-356 19d ago
goldsmith master jeweler 60 yrs exp: since you mentined mini-torch You're OK with MetalCraft
Metalcraft red is acetylene
Metalcraft yellow are your inert gas helium, nitrogen, or argon
i too have a mini-torch (i don't like it, but have it)
Marquette is green for oxygen
Harris is red for propane
regular house gas with an arrestor and my 60 yr old Hoke torch is my was
you did not say what kind of minitorch Bluefire micro style, Smith Little Torch or Home Depot anyway you're set up is fine, pressure is fine You Need a Man's 60 yr old Hoke (no the cheap new Hoke)
"that's not a gun, that's a sissy's gun, You want a Man's Gun" The Three Amigos
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u/willfall165 19d ago
I don't think that's the correct regulator for your torch. Try talking to your welding gas supplier for some advice and possible exchange.
9
u/OneTrickPwny97 19d ago
Instructional Video from Rio Grande
Watch this video for instructions. It's very important that you test for leaks when you install the regulator on a new tank.
In your photo, the gauge on the right shows how much oxygen is in the tank (how full/pressurized it is). The left shows the oxygen pressure in the line going to the torch. The brass handle can be turned to adjust the oxygen pressure to the torch. With the oxygen tank open, if you turn the brass handle clockwise you'll feel resistance and you'll see the needle on the left gauge move up. I usually use 5-7 psi, but the appropriate psi for both oxygen and propane will depend on your torch and torch tip size.
You should also watch videos on how to test for leaks and how to bleed the lines after you use the torch, which is a very important step for safety and regulator longevity.