Anyone know there way around O/A torch brands?

[Mcgyver]

My torch is driving my crazy, well not sure if its the torch or the regulators. You'll get the flame set and then it keeps changing, constantly needs adjustment which is hard/impossible to do when you're concentrating on the braze. Just messed a silver solder job and I've it with this POS.

It was bought probably 45 years ago as a kit, and probably because it was cheap cause I was poor, er, poorer. My thought is that's the problem, cheap crap. It's Uniweld so I go looking online looking for something better ..... wait a sec, Uniweld doesn't look like cheap crap! It's kind of expensive.

The branding is slightly weird .... did Uniweld once have a cheap crap entry line? Embarrassed at how dirty they, the regs are clearly Uniweld.

On the torch though these is sticker that says uniweld

No Uniweld logo but there is this cast in shark logo. I internet doesn't think Uniweld ever used a shark logo

If it was the full Uniweld brand, why a sticker, why a shark, why not Uniweld logo? Someone on a welding forum mention Uniweld was a knock of Victor, so do I have a the cheap crappy knock off of a cheap crappy knock off?

Bottom line, is the quality of my torch and regulator the problem and if so what should be looking for?

thanks

 

[johnnielsen]

I had that exact problem, having to reset my acet-oxy balance constantly. The culprit: I was running out of acetylene.

 

[phaxtris]

The valves on the torch handle also need adjustment/tightening over time, when they are loose just grazing the valve with your wrist can cause changes in the flow rate

 

[Tecnico]

After 45 years it may not be a question of quality it might be that all you need is a tuneup!

I’m no expert on OE gear but if it has lasted 45 years then it must be pretty good, good enough to invest a little in. You might be surprised at the result.

I sent my Liquid Air/Purox torch in to the local torch & regulator shop and it came back working like new and nicely glass beaded to boot. I don’t recall the price but what I do remember is that it wasn’t much and it was well worth it.

Instead of popping for a new rig you might find you have better gear than you can buy new today with all the race to the bottom “improvements”.

D

 

[johnnielsen]

I also had problems with the aduster valve floating like the stem on a wristwatch. That required a rebuild.

 

[Mcgyver]

It's lasted 45 years but I don't think it was ever a great one, that's 45 years in my garage with low duty cycle. I'm going to ask our Messer Rep tomorrow if knows the story behind that version of uniweld (with a shark and stick on name badge) and if its worth doing anything with.

 

[Chicken lights]

I run oxy-propane for the most part. I have a smaller oxy-acet rig I inherited which is nice for finer work. As others have mentioned the torch handles can get loose after using them awhile and it's annoying when you bump them. I want to say mine are Harris but I'd have to look.

 

[KeeponDragon]

It's quite likely there is a "premium" and "not so premium" line of kits from Uniweld...lots of companies do it.
At 45 yrs of home-gamer use though...I'd say you've done alright, really.
I have an older Smith torch, got it from an estate sale years ago.
Turns out, at some point, Miller bought them up. Perhaps to add a value line to their offerings?
I learned this, while researching and shopping for the needed tip to run it on propane.
Bit of a head scratcher to deduce, the guy @ my local Praxair was like "I don't think I've seen one of these for a while now, with those lead seals" Not confidence inspiring lol. But we were able to order the right one in.
Sadly, this unit seems to be a tickle out dated. I can't find a reasonably priced rosebud or even a brazing tip for it.
Again, those lead seals might be the culprit to availability...