Little Torch Hoses

Jewelry Discussion
1

I’ve been using my Smith Little Torch with my oxy-propane setup and
now the gas hose is shot. I remember a thread about how the propane
eats up acetylene hoses, but did anyone come up with a replacement
hose? Smith lists the replacement hoses at $69.95 and the best price
my supplier will do is about $55. There must be a cheaper way to go
that’s still safe, right?

Diane & Charles
www.DianesBeadsontheBeach.com

2

Check you local hardware store. I’ve replaced mine b-4 that way and
no problems!

3

Mister Chas

try TM Technologies
530-292-3506

this site may have what you need.

bill taylor

4

Right, but what kind of plastic was it? I don’t want something
that’ll suddenly break down. I’d hate to fill the studio with
propanethe first time I forget to turn it off.

Diane &amp. Charles Hofmeister
www.DianesBeadsontheBeach.com

5

try TM Technologies
530-292-3506
tinmantech.com

Unless they have changed their hoses they are for acetylene only.
Propane will eat them. The Smith replacement hoses are the only ones
I know of for the little torch that are rated for popane.

Jim

James Binnion
@James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

360-756-6550

6

I use aquarium hose - the green translucent stuff. You can buy a roll
of it in a pet or aquarium store. If the flame-proof covering has
worn out, I go to a store selling the tubing used to cover wires in
heating equipment, stoves, etc, and buy several feet. I think it
probably costs less than $10 for the hose and covering, and I can
make the hose the length I want! I use binding wire to tighten the
hose over the fittings.

Works fine for me!

7 
Unless they [TM Technologies] have changed their hoses they are
for acetylene only. Propane will eat them.

This is true, but the company claims a somewhat lesser lifespan when
used with propane rather than acetylene, but the hoses still work. I
have used a set with propane and a Meco Midget torch for several
years and they are simply the best hoses I have used. They are light
and flexible and great to work with. If the tradeoff is a shorter
lifespan, I’ll take it! I do, however, watch for any sign of
deterioration.

Allan Mason

8 
This is true, but the company claims a somewhat lesser lifespan
when used with propane rather than acetylene, but the hoses still
work. I have used a set with propane and a Meco Midget torch for
several years and they are simply the best hoses I have used. They
are light and flexible and great to work with. If the tradeoff is a
shorter lifespan, I'll take it! I do, however, watch for any sign
of deterioration.

The problem Allan, is that the hoses deteriorate from the inside
out, so the only sign unfortunately, is complete failure. Somewhat
risky.

Dan

9

For what it’s worth I started with acytelene and then switched to
propane. Before switching I spoke to Smith and they said it was OK.
The hoses have been in use about eight years and show no signs of
wear.

Richard Langbert

10

Richard,

Switching fuels is no problem for the hose, but if you do switch from
acetylene to propane, because of the weight of propane, the Little
Torch tips, 1-3 do not work well. There is a very tiny lab grown ruby
at the end of the tips and due to the molecular structure of propane,
the weight of the gas makes it difficult for the gas to squeeze out.
Tip size 4-6 work very well. I was having problems with my smaller
tips when I switched and had spoken to my welding supplier diagnosed
the problem.

karen christians
cleverwerx