Welding Tips and Tricks

Backfire- I have a Smith NE-180A soldering torch. First thing I disassembled it and blew it out with air, nothing looked damaged or out of place. The only tip it had was the installed largest offered #4. When I lite the torch it immediately had a 2-3 second sustained backfire that self extinguished. Immediately after I checked the manufacturer's recommended acetylene pressure setting and it was 12-14, sounded high to me, I had it set about 6-8. I changed it to 12 and it seemed to get worse. After that I figured it best to get some advise. I do believe I had the fuel line fully purged. Torch pics below

Torch ID- I was wondering if anyone would be willing to help me with some info on this torch kit. When I got it the torch body was missing and I'd like to replace it, if this kit even warrants it (opinions welcome on that). I've exhausted my resources short of calling Sweden and still haven't had any luck. I found that GasIQ has some similar ELGA torches, the N76 looks to be closest, but seems different in that blowtubes don't seem to have an o-ring like this kit. It looks like they also offer some as "injector torches" which I'm not familiar with at all and not sure if this is one. Pics below

Fittings- I have an extra set Western Enterprises male quick connects that I'd like to put on an extra torch, however the threaded side is B size male (I think sold for connecting 2 hoses). Being these are 20 bucks plus a piece, I figured I'd just get a some couplers that are B size 9/16-18 LHF X B size 9/16-18 LHF... After scouring catalogs and the net I haven't seen a single one. Are these not made? If not is there a reason? So then I thought well I'll get some two fittings and silver solder them back to back (like the A to B size adapters are). Well, I couldn't find a single fitting that was made to be silver soldered only the barb type. Are these not made either?

Thanks to anyone willing to help.

A lot to read and decipher...

But, first of all verify the recommended pressure is in CFM or that you are using a Liter Per Hour Regulator. Being a European product, I’d expect it to be Liters. Quite a bit different volume than Cubic feet.

Replace the o rings. There old and not sealing well.

That's a good idea on o-rings, I shouldn't just assume they are good by looks and not sure what else it could be. I will do that. thank you.

Here is the sheet that shows pressures. Let me know if I'm reading it wrong. Thanks guys.

I guess the ELGA torch is a weird one...

It’s a standard b tank acetylene air torch.

Poland308 wrote:It’s a standard b tank acetylene air torch.

Right. the missing Elga torch is the one I said is weird cause no one has knows what it is

Well installed new o-rings and still no luck. Flame immediately backfires and burns for a few seconds at base of tube where the holes that introduce air are. I guess I'll call Smith on Monday.

Can anyone help me with the fitting question?

Thanks again.

For anyone having the same issue in the future, the problem was the orifice still had a bunch of soot/junk in it after I tried blowing it out. A backfire is from lack of fuel and without pulling orifice out it couldn't be cleaned good enough to provide adequate flow. Thanks to those that tried helping.

Steve, thanks for the follow up