I’ve struggled with the limitations of the Little Torch and is not
happy with the Smith Company these days. It seems like I have to
replace certain things on my torch handle and I can’t buy or order
those parts, and have to buy a whole new handle and hose. I’m onto my
third Little Torch right now. I may just get a Gentec torch by next
year out of spite. However, the larger tips such as the #5, #6, #7
deform very easily, and I’m constantly having to re-round the
orifice, and use the tiny round files to true up the hole. I wish
Smith Company would consider making the tips in titanum or high-temp
tolerated steel, instead of the soft copper. It’s a pain to keep
replacing them, esp. when I’ve only used the #7 tip a few times and
it’s deformed already. I have filed and re-round the orifice and it
is possible to do that on a #4 tip just for a short time till you
can get a new tip.
I do have two oxygen/acetylene welding torches that are from the
40’s and 50’s, and still work excellent. All original tips and
handles but I had to get new hoses for them. Great for gas welding,
melting metal or when you need a big torch. I enjoy using a piece of
history when I use my old torches.