I have a new Little Torch that won’t seem to function at all. I am
using it with O2 and propane using Gentech preset regulators. I turn
the fuel on 1/8-1/4 turn, then try to light it. A flint lighter won’t
light it. If I use a butane torch to try to light it, I will get a
flame as long as the butane flame is in the fuel stream, but when I
move the butane torch away the Little Torch won’t stay lit. Even if I
add O2 slowly, I still can’t keep it lit. What could the problem be ?
I don’t see anything wrong with the way I’m using it, it just won’t
stay lit. I’m using the #4 tip, BTW. Any suggestions ?
Brian Corll
Brian Corll, Inc.
1002 East Simpson Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Tel.: (717) 691-0286
The Gentech torch is a Chinese made knock off of the Smith Little
Torch with all the attendant quality issues of most cheap Chinese
goods. It sounds like the orifice in the tip may be a little too
small for propane. While acetylene will burn in the smallest tips
propane needs a slight larger tip to work. My Smith brand works with
the #4 tip and propane but will not work reliably with the #3 tip so
try a larger tip.
Jim
James Binnion @James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts
Sounds like you have too much gas flowing through the hand piece,
and that it needs to be turned down. I open up the oxy very slightly
to where I get the slightest flow, and then open the propane just
slightly more than that. It lights with a flame that looks about like
a flame on a deposable lighter. Just adjust the flame to where you
want it after that. Maybe try a 5 or 6 tip to get a feel how the
torch works. These tips would be easier to light.
Sounds like you have it cranked up to high. Don’t add O2 untill your
propane (red) is lit and about 3/4 to an inch long. Try varing the
adjustment while you have a lighter on the end of it.
Generally this means your O2 pressure is to high relative to the
gas. There are scientific formulas that express the boundaries of
combustion and gas ratios under pressure. This imbalance could be
from the settings you are using, or a problem with one of your
regulators. Even a new reg. could be suspect, particularly the
propane (the cheap ones are really unreliable). In our shop we only
buy industrial supplies, maybe you could stop at the nearest welding
supply. They won’t have one in stock but could order you a good reg.
Expect to pay close to $300.00 for a good one. Ask them to be sure
that it modulates down to near zero flow rate, because with a little
torch you will be using very little propane.
I do have the Smith Little Torch, just the Gentech regulators. I got
my problem solved though. Thinking “preset” I assumed the regulator
was giving me the proper amount of gas. Nada. I had to turn it wayyy
down to light the tip. It works fine now.
I am using it with O2 and propane using Gentech preset regulators.
I turn the fuel on 1/8-1/4 turn, then try to light it.
I’m not familiar with Gentech regulators but the explanation you use
would make it seem as if they are for disposable tanks. If this is
the case, and they operate like the Smith regulators, then they must
be completely opened. It also sounds as if you may have to much fuel
when trying to ignite the tip, as a matter of fact I find for first
time users this is the most common mistake. The Little Torch handle
adjustment knobs are very sensitive and require a fine touch. Also,
make sure the O2 is off till you get the fuel adjusted to the
desired size, then slowly add oxygen.
Hope this helps,
Thackeray Taylor
Rio Grande Technical Sales and Support
800-545-6566 ex 13903
When buying tools, you should always, always buy the absolute best
you can. Two reasons–
Your quality of work will be better. Learning something new is
frustrating enough without the tools being part of the equation.
Also, good tools are a pleasure to work with and it will show in your
work.
Safety. Especially with a blow torches and big wrenches (I’m a
car nut also) You have flamable gases and an open source of flame. If
a hose pops, you’re in trouble. Same way with a cheap wrench. When
you are putting 150 lbs of force on a long wrench and it snaps in
half where do you think your knuckles are going?
Yep, I’m using disposable tanks, and I got it straightened out. I was
just amazed at how little fuel I needed to allow to flow to light the
torch. Any more and I had a real Little Flamethrower in my hands !
Brian Corll
Brian Corll, Inc.
1002 East Simpson Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055