Replacement Oxy/Ac hoses

[sophijo]

Got a HF Oxy/Ac torch and hoses. I read that the hardware was Victor and OK. The hoses have "checkered" after a couple years....when I bend them there are cracks up and down the outer hose material. I'm assuming that's bad and want to replace them and need your recommendation for good hoses.
Regards
Dave

 

[7HC]

Got a HF Oxy/Ac torch and hoses. I read that the hardware was Victor and OK. The hoses have "checkered" after a couple years....when I bend them there are cracks up and down the outer hose material. I'm assuming that's bad and want to replace them and need your recommendation for good hoses.
Regards
Dave

Victor are a good quality brand, I'd be surprised if HF hardware was genuine Victor.

As for your hoses, I'd suggest going to your local welding supply specialist.
Take your old stuff with you and have him evaluate it.


M

 

[v7guy]

welding supply will probably set you up with a real good pair of hoses, you might be able to get the name brand stuff at one of the big box stores and there's always harbor freight. I do believe they sell replacement hoses.

 

[GlenF]

I got a O/A set of Victor type torches from discount store 25 years ago. The hoses cracked after the second year. Got quality replacements from a welding supply store that have lasted over twenty years now. I would avoid getting replacements from HF, they are just going to crack again. It's worth a few extra bucks to get the quality, especially considering you're dealing with highly flammable gasses.

 

[jjs4x4]

I had a set of HF torches for 5 years or so. Never had an issue just with the hoses like you. If I remember correctly I had to replace them in the first six months. I just went over to air gas, I think and bought a set of the house brand hoses. They were surprisingly cheap! I was using them just about everyday since I bought them and they worked perfectly!! I gave them to a friend of mine when I came across a smokin' deal on a brand new set of Victors!

 

[FrankW]

I agree with GlenF, get a good set of hoses. I worked for Victor Equipment 50+ years ago in Denton, TX. I purchased a Journeyman set and a "J" series torch back then and they are still in great shape today. Nothing like good equipment, if you plan to keep it forever.

Frank

 

[macrnr]

You might want to consider purchasing " Flash Back Arrestors " while you are at it. These devices screw on to the end of the torch head where the hoses attach and prevent the flame from going back into the hose. These are required in commercial applications these days.

 

[7HC]

You might want to consider purchasing " Flash Back Arrestors " while you are at it. These devices screw on to the end of the torch head where the hoses attach and prevent the flame from going back into the hose. These are required in commercial applications these days.

x2 if you don't already have them.


M

 

[paulweldit]

You might want to consider purchasing " Flash Back Arrestors " while you are at it. These devices screw on to the end of the torch head where the hoses attach and prevent the flame from going back into the hose. These are required in commercial applications these days.

I agree with installing these, However you need to drain the lines and back the regulator T-handles "off" every time you close the bottle valves. If you open the bottle valves with the regulators set, it will often times trip the "Flash Back Arrestors". That is a good safety precaution anyway since when the bottle valve is opened with a preset regultor it can blow the regulator diaphram, pop off valve or even the case. You should also stand to the side of the regulator instead of directly in front when turn on the bottles. That is also true on Argon, 75/25 and CO2 bottles a on. MIG and TIG welders.

Another point I would like to mention especially to a new user, Is the Gas is "ALWAYS FIRST !!". Meaning the Gas is turned "ON" First for lighting and Turned "OFF" First when shutting down. This allows fresh Oxygen push the remaining gas from the mixture chamber there by reducing flash back explosion.

Paul N.

 

[Ray C]

Totally agree about the flashback valves. BTW: GlobalIndustrial.com has them for around 7 bucks each instead of the 20-30 from welding supply stores. I have them directly on all my OA torches and not back at the regulator. Also have them on the argon and helium tanks to prevent contaminating the contents.

Ray

You might want to consider purchasing " Flash Back Arrestors " while you are at it. These devices screw on to the end of the torch head where the hoses attach and prevent the flame from going back into the hose. These are required in commercial applications these days.