Welding Tips and Tricks

Up to now I have used a victor set, with GPN tips, but it walked away . I had an opportunity to use an injector mixer torch once ( a Harris, but not sure of model ) and thought it was significantly easier to set. So I am thinking of a Harris 62-5AFL with 6290NFF cutting tips and 6290GG gouging tips. On the other hand, I have been burnt on one-off evaluations before. Even though I probably will be OK with any of the major brands, any first hand thoughts/experiences will be welcome.

Thx's, Fred.

Fred,
I've done quite a bit of cutting with a 62 Harris torch, mostly scrap, but I regard them as the best torch money can buy. I've also used quite a few Victor straight head torches as well as 90* head ones and they're fine, just not as nice as the Harris in my book. I currently own a 62 Harris and a small Smith and like them both.

That's just my opinion for what it's worth.

Len

I got a Harris 62-5FL torch and am running it on propane/oxygen. It seems to run fine when connected straight to the hoses, but I have 1 question and 1 problem:

What is the easiest way to adjust for a neutral flame on propane? Acetylene is easy and well defined, propane has always been a bit of an trail and error for me.

and

Are these injector torches compatible with quick connects? When I put quick connects on mine, it does not function ( draw fuel ). I wondering that, it being an injector torch, if the torch can not draw fuel through the pressure loss of the quick connect/check valve? I am using Koike WZO Sentinel Safety-Z couplings. I am currently using my old set, and will try a new set when I can get down to the LWS, but any advice would help.

Thx's, Fred.

Fred,
Propane's flame is always going to be less defined than Acetylene no matter what torch you use, just the nature of the beast. That's the trade off for the cost savings of using propane.

As to your question of quick couplers, I've never used them so I don't have an answer, sorry.

Len

I've used use oxy/propane for about 20 years now.
This guy demonstrates lighting and adjustment about as good as I've seen recently - about minute 6:00

http://youtu.be/f2amO0T3vkQ

The "star pattern" during adjustment is something many people have not heard about.

It's very difficult to see the flame in sunlight.