How to Choose An Oxy-Fuel Outfit (kit)

$ Get the most for your bucks! $

by: J. Jones 

            An oxy-fuel outfit is much more than brass, copper, stainless steel and elastomers in a pretty box or clear rapping.  It is the essential tool for working with metal.  There is no other equipment for under $1,000. that can do as much and be as portable!

            When selecting an oxy-fuel outfit, the most obvious criterion is application.  What are you going to do with it?  Another important factor is the type of fuel gas to be used with the equipment.  Oxy-fuel equipment is used for heating, soldering, brazing, welding and cutting however acetylene is the only fuel gas recommended for welding.  There are a variety of oxy-fuel manufactures that offer a variety of equipment and that can be confusing.  A torch that cuts 12” will be an astoundingly poor choice for wire art.  You may need an outfit that includes hose, striker, eye protection and many attachments to serve all your tasks.  To complicate matters further there are outfits that require the use of specific fuel gases and safety equipment is optional.

            Quality equipment matters a great deal when dealing with fuel gases mixed with oxygen.  The equipment you choose should be designed with the intent for daily use, you’ll be wise to spend extra dollars for the quality and built-in-safety of a leading manufacturer.  Cut corners elsewhere!  Well-made oxy-fuel equipment will serve generations, but cheapo product can literally come apart.  Compare features in construction, the amount of brass in the body of the regulators, diaphragm materials and relief valves. The method used to assemble the torch handle, cutting attachment, and welding nozzles should be considered as well.  For example, a valve that is part of the forged-body or a valve that is brazed into the forging is more difficult to repair than a valve that is threaded into the forged torch body.

            Not all out-fits offer safety equipment.  Safety devices used with oxy-fuel regulators and torches are reverse flow check valves and flashback arrestors.  A reverse flow check valve is designed to prevent the gases from flowing back to the gas source.  A flashback arrestor is a device that will stop a flame.  And only “T” grade hose is acceptable with all fuel gases.  Keep these things in mind when price-comparing outfits, not all outfits include these safety devices.

            Choose something that feels good in the hand and designed to do the job.  Any tool that doesn’t fit the operator or the task well will cause dissatisfaction, fatigue and possibly an accident.    

            No matter how perfect your new oxy-fuel outfit, always follow proper procedures and use the proper safety equipment.  You’re more likely to avoid personal injury and enjoy many years of optimum performance from your equipment and yourself.                           

  J. Jones is Training Specialist,  Equipment Company

www.victorequip.com