Do you dislike that gigantic oxygen bottle in your studio? Tired of using up disposal oxygen bottles? Want an easier, safer alternative? Then check out this video!
This video talks about using an oxygen concentrator to fuel your torch. I demonstrate how to set it up, what torches work with it, psi vs.LPM, propane and its inherent dangers, safety, what I like and don't like about the concentrator, and a lot more!
One note: if you are running the concentrator for a while and the oxygen on the torch is not open, the oxygen generator/concentrator will start reacting to the build-up of pressure by beeping or something like that. I don't know why you'd leave that thing on if you weren't soldering because it's so noisy. But, if you hear beeping, just turn it off or start using it!
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Please see MF MetslArts' video on the ratio of propane to oxygen usage. A 1# propane canister will require 15 to 30 disposable O2 canisters, according to his testing! https://youtu.be/STXxl0yfM2I
See my webpage: Using an Oxygen Concentrator for Soldering: https://nancylthamilton.com/techniques/soldering/using-an-oxygen-concentrator-for-soldering/
TORCHES MENTIONED
All prices as of 4/20/22
Meco Midget - Rio Grande has the torch and tips for $236.25 (500700) They also sell just the torch, without the tips, for the same price?
Smith Little Torch - Pepe Tools. https://pepetools.com/products/basic-smith-little-torch-all-fuels-system-with-five-tips-us-british-australian?aff=5. You'll need the propane disposable tank regulator. Pepe also carries the Smith Little Torch Stand. https://pepetools.com/products/smith%C2%AE-little-torch%E2%84%A2-stand-with-magnetic-holder?aff=5
Smith Little Torch - Rio Grande, (500090). Little Torch with tips for disposable tanks. $261.45
Gentec - Contenti, (114-473). Gentec Torch for disposable tanks comes only with a #4 tip but, you can purchase more. $164.75.
Don't bother with the no. 2 or no. 3 tips. The no. 2 tip can only be used with acetylene (as per Miller Welds - the maker of the Little Torch). There are also knock-offs available.
See the Smith Little Torch Manual on the Miller-Welds website.
Note: Replace your Smith Little Torch hoses every 4 years or sooner if you see any damage or cracking. Check your hoses often!
Grobet Hoke Torch - (not easy for one-handed operation, so I've heard). Amazon: https://amzn.to/3L4fWg6 $67.25. 4 tips, no disposable tank hookup for propane/Mapp Gas Pro. See Contenti for tips (below).
Also at Contenti. 110-407. $62.00, four tips. For propane/butane and oxygen. They also carry the micro-tips (which makes it a micro torch) 110-410, for $24.50.
PEN TORCH FOR LIGHTING SMALL TORCHES
https://amzn.to/3Mljw5K
OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS/GENERATORS MENTIONED
All prices as of 4/20/22
Generally, the links are to 5 LPM machines. But, places like Bradshaw and Invacare also carry 10s and 15s.
Stuller. This is a great deal! Pretty much everything that you need to get started is in this kit! Ready-Ox Generator, which includes the Smith Little Torch, tips 3 - 7, the regulator for propane, propane bracket, spark lighter and reverse flow check valves. Item #: 54-4581:100000:T. $827.04
Rio Grande (Item #: 500-150) also carries the same kit. They also sell a version without the torch and other things - if you've already got them. The price at Rio is $834.75 for the kit and for just the re-furbished concentrator (500-140) it will run you $446.25. Note: both concentrators at Rio Grande are re-refurbished as is the one from Stuller.
Bradshaw Oxygen Supply has many on hand. Give them a call: 828-380-6287. They are in North Carolina. You will probably have to assemble your own kit.
Invacare has many new and refurbished concentrators too. Here's their phone number: (800) 333-6900. Once again, assemble your own kit.
There are other suppliers out there. You might want to try and find a supplier near you as the shipping will be less or better yet, find a place that offers free shipping.
REVERSE-FLOW SAFETY CHECK VALVES
Use the check valves on the regulator end of your hoses. One each for the propane and the oxygen. Note that the pressure may not be sufficient to use check valves and/or flashback arrestors. Flashback arrestors contain check valves.
Quick video links:
00:25 Video introduction
00:46 Why I chose a concentrator
01:46 A chat about the concentrator
03:56 Smith Little Torch tip usage chart
05:51 The dangers inherent with propane
07:51 Information on torches to use
09:21 Little Smith adaptors
11:47 What I like and don't like about the concentrator
12:18 Setting up the torch
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