Re: Using adapters to connect torch style flashback arrestor to regulator?
Is there any alternative to the TM technologies lightweight hose? My flashback arrestors and my torch have a metric thread M16x1.5. And since the TM technologies hose is pretty expensive, I'd want to get something that realy fits. Perhaps there is a hose without any connectors?
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Using adapters to connect torch style flashback arrestor to regulator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
waterlaz
Is there any alternative to the TM technologies lightweight hose? My flashback arrestors and my torch have a metric thread M16x1.5. And since the TM technologies hose is pretty expensive, I'd want to get something that realy fits. Perhaps there is a hose without any connectors?
You'll find differing perspectives on hoses and torches here. For me, I no longer consider lightweight hoses to be worth their expense or fragility. I use regular hoses as shown in the attached photo; half the cost, twice the length, far more durable than the two sets of Smith lightweight hoses coiled up on the rope I used to keep them off of the floor while brazing; one has a hole from a spark. It's highly unlikely that I'll replace them. I've gotten to like the big hoses.
Attachment 76062
Re: Using adapters to connect torch style flashback arrestor to regulator?
My recommendations for torches and hoses comes from teaching students that have a wide range of abilities how to braze. I see how some students that are not particularly talented have trouble catching on. Their hands struggle to do what they should. Heavier torches and hoses that resist moving exaggerate their somewhat clumsy motions. This creates frustration and they can get discouraged – obstacles to doing extra practice to get over the hump. The less talented are the ones most helped with lighter equipment. Those with lots of coordination will do well with whatever. In any case no matter one’s talents, it is very nice to use an airline torch with light hoses. I love mine. YMMV. The downside is cost and availability convenience.
It is human nature that a person isn’t likely to go to extra effort to get the very best options if an all-in-one okay welding package is available – particularly if it is cheaper. Most people want to focus on building frames instead of locating equipment. Those combo units don’t tend to come with flashback arrestors or check valves however because the manufacturer’s purpose is to sell based on low price and convenience and not safety.
When I was in Ukraine in October, Evgeniy (waterlaz) rode his bike to visit our shop a couple of times. James from Poland (duggyballs) was also able to come and stay for a few days. They were able to try out our J-28 torch with TM hoses. Fortunately both had lots of talent and some experience so they could braze very well without much correction from me. It was fun to have both of them around for a bit as I taught Yuriy how to build transportation frames. I’m guessing Evgeniy might be considering lighter hoses based on his exposure to them in our shop since he already has access to other equipment. I switched from using Smith Kevlar hoses in Ukraine to the light TM hoses because they are more durable even though they aren’t quite as light as Kevlar hoses. They don’t resist motion nearly as much as standard rubber hoses.
Evgeniy, I suspect TM Technologies is using some kind of industrial hose already commercially available for some other purpose. My guess is that they just attach “A” size fittings. I asked once at a general hose supply store if something they had could be used for brazing. They demanded more information than I had so I didn’t explore it any further.
Doug Fattic
Niles, Michigan
Re: Using adapters to connect torch style flashback arrestor to regulator?
wonderful thread as noted many times.
I'm on the fence between a propane/oxy brazing set up and just getting a TIG welder. I have enough welding experience that I know the learning curve will be very steep so I am not too worried about that aspect. The price difference between the two isn't a big concern to me either.
One big concern is that all my other frame building activities take place in my small unfinished basement. I'd be happy to weld down there but don't like the thought of the open flame and flammable gases in my basement. The solution would be to move the brazing operation to my detached garage but I can't store any of the stuff there so that's a lot of back and forth anytime I need to do a little joining.
Thoughts or peoples experience would be appreciated.
Re: Using adapters to connect torch style flashback arrestor to regulator?
Thank you. I guess I'll keep looking for some flexible hoses. It's not realy in my top list of things to get, just something that would be nice to have.
Re: Using adapters to connect torch style flashback arrestor to regulator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LoHiFab
One big concern is that all my other frame building activities take place in my small unfinished basement. I'd be happy to weld down there but don't like the thought of the open flame and flammable gases in my basement. The solution would be to move the brazing operation to my detached garage but I can't store any of the stuff there so that's a lot of back and forth anytime I need to do a little joining.
Thoughts or peoples experience would be appreciated.
I wouldn't worry about propane much. Here in Ukraine there are hundreds of thousands of people who use big(50 litres) propane tanks in their kitchens(indoors) and accidents is something VERY rare.
You should be perfectly safe as long as you are careful.
Re: Using adapters to connect torch style flashback arrestor to regulator?
I'd be more concerned about venting than the flame.