Old Victor Torch

downsizingnow48 · Mar 21, 2020

I've got my Dad's old Victor o/a torch and regulator setup (cutting and welding). It is on an oxygen and an acetylene bottle that are also very old but still have gas. I just dragged it out of a back room, it has not been used in decades. I want to see if it still works. I don't have a clue if it is safe though. Can it catch on fire if the seals are bad?

coxhaus · Mar 21, 2020

I have 30 or 40 year old Victor o/a torch setup. It has worked for many years. I have had the regulators rebuilt at my local LWS. They do it inhouse. When my regulators went bad they just started leaking all my gas out. Just don't use any oil or grease around the torch or regulators. I am no pro but I have used Victor for a long time.

The 3 or 4 times a regulator went out they always went out before I lit the torch. They seem to go out when I open the valve and you can hear the regulator leaking plus the gas gauge is going down.

coxhaus · Mar 21, 2020

You do need to be safe with a o/a setup. Don't be scared of using your o/a setup. In both of my welding classes we had to use o/a for cutting steel. The instructor does explain how to use o/a. If you are real worried sign up for a basic welding class. They will get you over the hump.

If your tanks are out of date they will need to be tested or exchanged. If you are real worried you can haul all of it to your local LWS and get them to test it. I had to do this with my first MIG I bought used. I could not get the wire to run right. My LWS checked it out told me someone had mixed parts on the MIG gun that was causing problems. They replaced some MIG parts and my MIG has been great for 10 years.

jaxs · Mar 22, 2020

If you must ask (and you did) ,don't use the rig until someone teach's you the proper way. Providing one know's proper use of o/a torch,you are not at any more risk while lighting it after being out of use than subsequent light ups. As someone stated above,seals,hose,regulators and valves should be checked EVERYTIME rig is used.

downsizingnow48 · Mar 22, 2020

Thanks for the advice. I used a torch for welding and flame cutting for several years in my Dad's shop before I went into the service. If this torch had been in continuous use I would have no problem, but setting for decades introduces some unknowns. Probably best to have the setup checked out by the LWS folks. Will call around tomorrow to see what the possibilities are.

I see that new setups are not really too costly, but I would prefer to use his old equipment if I can.

coxhaus · Mar 22, 2020

What brand is it? The American made torches are easy to find parts for. Do you have a picture?

My dad could weld pretty good with a torch. I can't run a puddle like he could. I mainly cut and braze with it.

Peter 315 · Mar 22, 2020

From the post I'm guessing Victor ....

coxhaus · Mar 22, 2020

Isn't some of the newer Victor being made outside the US?

Peter 315 · Mar 22, 2020

What isn't they are just like every other company some stuff made here some over there...

yomax4 · Mar 22, 2020

Check O-rings before lighting. Only You can prevent wild fires.

Big Barn · Mar 22, 2020

I wouldn’t buy a new set, Pat. I think you would be farther ahead even spending the same amount of money to refurbish the old Victor you have.

I have had two torches rebuilt professionally and in addition to being deemed safe they look like new after they bead blast them.

This is a 30 year old one refurbished about five years ago. It’s branded Air Liquide but I think it is probably made by Concoa Phillips.

You may as well buy a new set of hoses now too. They are very inexpensive.

Big Barn · Mar 22, 2020

This little book was recommended to me perhaps by someone here.

I am happy to pass along the recommendation. It should be available on eBay or amazon.

Big Barn · Mar 22, 2020

Someone on Welding Web posted this pic today. It’s a fixture for holding a Victor regulator when dismantling.

It is mounted on a piece of angle iron so that it can be held in a vise.

jaxs · Mar 23, 2020

downsizingnow48 said:
Thanks for the advice. I used a torch for welding and flame cutting for several years in my Dad's shop before I went into the service. If this torch had been in continuous use I would have no problem, but setting for decades introduces some unknowns. Probably best to have the setup checked out by the LWS folks. Will call around tomorrow to see what the possibilities are.

I see that new setups are not really too costly, but I would prefer to use his old equipment if I can.

New Victor sets are inferior to the old victor and new off brands are inferior to new Victor. Don't be fooled when seller's ad says"Victor compatiable". That only mean's Victor tips fit their torch. What they fail to tell you is Victor nor any other brand rebuild kits will fit their torch and regulators. Have the old Victor checked and repaired if needed.

downsizingnow48 · Mar 23, 2020

Big Barn said:
This little book was recommended to me perhaps by someone here.

View attachment 646809

I am happy to pass along the recommendation. It should be available on eBay or amazon.

Yes ordered it thx for the lead. I've never read a word about using a torch, just going with what my Dad taught me.

downsizingnow48 · Mar 23, 2020

jaxs said:
New Victor sets are inferior to the old victor and new off brands are inferior to new Victor. Don't be fooled when seller's ad says"Victor compatiable". That only mean's Victor tips fit their torch. What they fail to tell you is Victor nor any other brand rebuild kits will fit their torch and regulators. Have the old Victor checked and repaired if needed.

Yep. Over the weekend I spent some time checking out Victor, Harris and Smith. Cannot even really tell who makes them, let alone where. It seems that maybe some of the Miller torch sets are made in the US but that is not clear on their website. Usually when a company makes stuff in the US they are eager to let you know.

downsizingnow48 · Mar 23, 2020

Big Barn said:
Someone on Welding Web posted this pic today. It’s a fixture for holding a Victor regulator when dismantling. View attachment 646810
It is mounted on a piece of angle iron so that it can be held in a vise.

Maybe I need to get back on WW, I got tired of it. That is a nice gizmo. I am sifting through utube stuff now to see what is involved in refurbishing a torch.