I’m still working on getting my OXY Concentrator/Disposable propane/Little Smith torch working! To say it’s been a journey is no joke. Everythings’ hooked up, I’ve replaced the propane cylinder (14 oz) and the disposable regulator. The only two things that could be causing the propane to not move through the torch is my old flashback arrester from when I had a 5 Lb Popane tank, and the Little torch hose itself. There does not seem to be a flashback arrestor made for the disposable, so I’m guessing a regular propane tank arrestor works instead. Am I incorrect? If I’m wrong, can any one suggest a good arrestor for this setup?
I put a combination check valve / flashback arrestor from a 20 lb. propane tank on a disposable 1 lb. propane tank with the Smith regulator and it works fine.
I do the same as Neil. The only difference is that I run two torches in parallel, a Meco and a Little Torch. The only thing that I can suggest, and I don’t even know if it is possible, is to make sure that the flashback/check valve isn’t installed backwards. Attached are pictures of my setup…Rob
I have the exact same arrester (Western Enterprises). Have either of you heard of a flashback arrestor locking? I’m wondering if I have to replace that part next. When i blow through it, it won’t flow.
That my setup! Two torches off the one tank. It was late at night and I was too tired to take a photo and post it. Thanks for shooting it for me, Rob. How did you get in?
My set up doesn’t include an oxygen concentrator like yours but I have some info for your consideration. I found so much conflicting infomation on using flashback arrestors with the Smith Little oxy/ propane torch with 14 oz disposable canisters.
I got my Smith Little disposable oxy propane the torch from Rio so I called them to clarify. The explanation from their tech was that there’s not enough pressure in the 14 oz canisters I use to allow the torch to work properly with FB arrestees. The torch has check valves. Check valves won’t stop a flashback and therefor don’t provide the same kind of safety. It’s a trade off it seems.
My set up doesn’t include an oxygen concentrator as does yours. However, since you are using a 14oz canister of propane in combo with the O2 concentrator I thought my experience could be useful to you.
Thank you for your note. Here’s where I am now. No flashback or check valve on my oxygen generator (it wouldn’t work with them). I do have one on my propane disposible. But I have a new problem. I can make an annealing flame, but can’t get a neutral flame. The oxygen doesn’t seem to have enough force or too much force. I’m handling very gingerly, but as soon as I move, the flame goes out (too much). There’s no air conditioning in the room. I’m thinking the problem is with the oxygen generator (bummer spent $299 to get a refurbished one). I can’t run propane in good conscience without an arrestor (I’m a renter). I’ve seen several online setups with the arrestor on the same propane as I have, so I’m thinking it can work. Any further thoughts or anyone elses - I’m still trying to sort this all out. Thank you! Celia
Ah - and a couple of updates with that last one. I’ve replaced the arrestors for new Little Smith arrestors. New bottle of propane too. No leaks on tubing or propane. OK.
Can you go back to no flashbacks or check valves, just O2 concentrator and propane from a fresh or new cylinder. If it doesn’t work, your O2 concentrator or your torch are the problem. Does the concentrator have a light that indicates that it is generating O2, does it have a flow meter that indicates how much O2 (liters/minute) are being produced? It should be around 3 - 5 liters/minute. Make sure that your torch tips are clean. I usually clean mine in an ultrasonic cleaner. To test the torch, if you have a regulator and O2 cylinder, substitute them for the O2 concentrator. If that works, then the concentrator is the problem. If the torch doesn’t work with the O2 cyclinder, then the torch, tips and/or regulator are the problem. This is very frustrating, but you have to take your time to work through it. Good luck…Rob
Here’s the update. It’s the concentrator. The seller told me that often low hours of refurbished, can indicate a problem with the unit - he’s sending me another. Thanks everyone for your help! Hopefully I have all the right stuff now to make some wonderful jewelry!
I initially looked into the disposable set, and I opted not to get it because it didn’t seem like flashback arrestors were part of the system, so I’m glad to see some clarification on what the deal is with the disposable system. Thank you!
