Proctologically Violated=A9=AE wrote:
Awl--

Someone ripped my B-tank sweating set-up. Turbo-Torch, Goss
repalcements
are, yikes, $200.
I seem to remember a less fancy ditty for $60-70. Anyone know where
I can
get something like this? HD, Sears just have the bitty propane
stuff.
Plumbing supply houses only carry the $200 stuff.

BUT,
Can I just use my regyoolar O/A , w/ a highly reducing flame (ie, not
a lot
of Ox so's I don't wind up melting the copper)??? I have various
size
welding tips--as well as cutting tips.

Yeah, now I gotta lug two tanks around, but I don't do a lot of
sweating
anyway (this partic. job may req. more heat than propane can give),
so maybe
I can save some bucks?

Does it make sense that low ox pressure would be equivalent to
TurboTorches
venturi-type air, ie, air sucked in or aspirated w/ the acetylene
flow?

Strange, but if memory serves, the TT flame almost looks like an O/A
flame,
but w/ just atmospheric air!! Not like it smokes or anything. Yet
there
has to be a substantial diff. in heat/temp, right?? Just curious
about
that.

Hope you all can help, as this plumbing job--or lack thereof--is
causing
some amount of grief.
And that $200 for a TT ain't exactly burnin holes in my pocket.
----------------------------
Mr. P.V.'d
formerly Droll Troll

Yup, Big Bucks for air/acetylene outfits, you can almost buy a really
good O/A rig for what they get. I've seen the "discount" prices at the
welding supply, yikes!! I've used the turbo-type propane burners for
plumbing copper, you can get some that have swivel heads which kind of
reduces the need for the separate hand torch like the Goss. Usually
runs $30 or less for the bare head and includes its own piezo striker.
These are not daddy's Bernzomatic. Most can use MAPP, if you need more
temperature. I've used mine on 1" supply-line tubing without problems,
but if you're doing copper drains or vents you might need a couple. I
haven't used granddad's Prestolite outfit in a long time, but then I
don't make a living from it, either.

You could solder with O/A but I imagine you'd have to be really quick.

If you're firmly wedded to air/acetylene, check around at the pawn
shops(you might find your own rig, too). Beat-up rigs with tank
usually go for around $90-100 around here, though you can usually beat
the price down.

Alternative: I've seen solderless plumbing joining kits down at
True-Value, looks like some sort of epoxy adhesive. I'd suppose that
its permissibility depends on local plumbing codes, though.

Stan