$4 torch score!

[deereman75]

I think I did pretty good on this straight torch. Only cost me $4 (yes really!) It's a really old Harris model 76. Some bits look a little rough, but everything seemed to check out alright. The valves all work properly, and nothing seems to leak. Any thing else I should check before lighting it up? I don't trust the tip, it got a bit mangled during removal (I didn't realize it was a screw off, and ended up separating the two pieces) The torch its self was unharmed (close inspection revealed absolutely no damage) But since I don't want to take any chances, I am ordering a tip adapter, and a cutting tip. I am also getting a tip adapter for my airco, and the rosebud for the adapter. Everything seems mechanically perfect, and I can't find anything wrong. But if any of you torch experts have something else I should check, PLEASE tell me!

Now for some pictures.

 

[yomax4]

Everything seats and seems to be good right. The tip does not look like a Harris 6290. I think you will have a hard time getting a tip for it unless GOSS has one. If it is a 6290-whatever. let me know. Good Luck..

 

[deereman75]

Everything seems perfectly fine. It's a 7490 tip (I checked a chart) There is an American torch tip adapter for that one, so that is the route I will go. I figured at $4 even if it ended up being a wall hanger, it was still worth it.

 

[yomax4]

I love the old torches. The Brass is worth 4 bucks.

 

[deereman75]

I think the torch may have got some oil in it..

I have some chlorinated brake cleaner (PERC) would that work? It leaves no residue. I also have a can of trichlorethylene, would that be better? If you think neither is OK, where can I get the proper regulator cleaner?

 

[mfreund]

When I worked at a welding supply, we always used trich. That is what I would vote.

 

[deereman75]

OK, tonight I will tear the torch down, get it real clean with trich and put it back together. I'm ordering tips tonight.

 

[crash325]

Years ago I had a Smith that would back fire & start burning in the handle. Still worked fine until it got so hot you could not hold it. In those days I had asbestos gloves and they only worked for a while.

 

[CliffordK]

The new torches have flashback arrestors. The old ones don't.
However, it hasn't ever seemed to be an issue for me.\

I suppose, like a seat belt, you don't need it, until you really NEED it.

 

[crash325]

The new torches have flashback arrestors. The old ones don't.
However, it hasn't ever seemed to be an issue for me.\

I suppose, like a seat belt, you don't need it, until you really NEED it.

Maybe I am wrong. But the arrestor's attach where the gas enters the handle. They do not prevent burning in the handle. Old Smith's used "O" Rings that did not work very well or last very long.

 

[CliffordK]

You can buy aftermarket flashback arrestors. I think the new torches have them built in somehow. But, you are probably right, they are designed to protect your hoses, regulators, and tanks, not the torch body.

 

[deereman75]

I have flashback arresters on my regs. I just brought home a few more chainsaws that will be taking my attention for a bit, but I hope to get the torch rebuilt before long.