Setting up smith little torch in Australia

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi,

I recently purchased a Smith Little Torch kit from the US, not
realizing that the regulator connectors are different in Australia.
Has anyone out there found a successful connector to adapt the
regulators to Australian gas & oxy bottles? I tried BOC and a couple
of other places, but was unable to find what I was looking for. Any
advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
A Canadian in Australia,
Danielle

2

Hi Danielle,

I recently purchased a Smith Little Torch kit from the US, not
realizing that the regulator connectors are different in
Australia. Has anyone out there found a successful connector to
adapt the regulators to Australian gas& oxy bottles? I tried BOC
and a couple of other places, but was unable to find what I was
looking for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

A gent in my class bought that model torch from and American site,
he also got adapters and swapped them over.

I don’t remember the exact details (because it wasn’t me), but I am
going to class on Wednesday, and could ask if you like.

Just send me a note off-list, the concussion I had last year means I
forget things, so a prompt is in order :slight_smile:

Regards Charles A.
P.S. Where in Australia? Because I’m in Sydney :slight_smile:

3

Hi Danielle,

I’m in Australia and use a US Little Torch and US regulators. The
propane regulator are an exact match to the Australian propane
tanks. For the oxygen, I bought a new stem from BOC, unscrewed the
stem of the US regulator and replaced it with the new one I bought.
Be careful when you do this not to get any dust or dirt in the
regulator, use thread seal tape around the thread and check for
leaks with soapy water.

I hope that helps.
Eva Martin

4

It looks like you may have to replace your regulators. I was
fortunate enough to buy mine refurbished at a good price. New ones
can be expensive

All the best
Jen

5

Hello again Danielle,

I also need to tell you to use a high grade PTFE tape (thread seal
tape) for the new stem, one that is free from grease and safe for use
with oxygen.

If you’re not confident about doing this, it would be best to use a
professional. There is a company in Victoria that will convert your
regulator for you:

http://www.nichegas.com

Sorry I didn’t include this in my first post. I did this
years ago and the details are just coming back to me!

Eva Martin

6 
It looks like you may have to replace your regulators. I was
fortunate enough to buy mine refurbished at a good price. New ones
can be expensive

You might be lucky and get one off Ebay (got a rudimentary one for
$15, and there’s nothing wrong with it), however buying a new
regulator you can be assured that it hasn’t been tampered with and
will be relatively safe.

If you buy from a manufacturer it will be cheaper than buying from a
distributor (in most cases), sometimes a distributor gets a bulk
discount, and can pass this saving along. You need to do a little
research in your country.

I can’t make regulators, so I’m happy to buy.
Regards Charles A.

7

Hi Danielle

I am in New Zealand and have bought more than a few Smith Little
Torches fromvarious agents in the USA. Because I bought my original
ones here I just cut thenew connectors off and replaced them with
the old ones. I f retail prices in Australia are anything like here
in NZ you can save a heap of cash my buying from USA. I often fly to
LA and do a big buy up. What I save pays for my whole trip plus
Disneyland.Oh, back to topic. I’ve not seen adapters anywhere. Best
thing is to ask around the jewelleryworkshops and find someone who
has a worn out torch that they’re happy to give you thefittings from
then change them over. If you get really stuck I might be able to
find some hereand send them to you.

Good luck
Phil W