View Full Version : 3/16 hose - Who makes the best?
GeorgeG
04-02-2008, 06:13 PM
I know this has come up before. Many guys think 3/16 is more flexible than 1/4.
OK, who makes the most flexible best quality 3/16 hose? I know TM Technologies -
http://tinmantech.chainreactionweb.com/html/hose_regs.php
talks about an ultralight twin hose, but there is no reference to the manufacturer. One can buy it from them for a pretty penny.
Anyone have any thoughts?
I would just go to my LWS and see what they have in stock.
whateg0
04-02-2008, 08:12 PM
Don't mind me. I'm just posting to follow this.
Dave
hankj
04-03-2008, 11:40 AM
If you are going to weld something that requires super flexibility, the equipment wouldn't use hose as big as 3/16", I would think.
I use 1/4" hose minimum on everything. Flexibility has never been an issue. And, I've bought "T" grade hose from many manufacturer's over time and I don't notice any difference.
I'm with Allan. Go down to the LWS and buy what you need.
Hank
GeorgeG
04-03-2008, 12:38 PM
If you are going to weld something that requires super flexibility, the equipment wouldn't use hose as big as 3/16", I would think.
Hank
Hank, is there anything usable that's narrower than 3/16?
hankj
04-03-2008, 12:47 PM
What's the application?
A Meco Midget comes with a connecting block for the hoses to the tanks, and has mini hose from the block to the torch. We're talkin' jewelry here....
Hank
Aerometalworker
04-03-2008, 04:33 PM
George,
Im assuming your using an "aircraft" type torch if your looking at 3/16 hose. I have found most of the commercial "junkyard" type welding hose thats commonly used to be about the same from brand to brand, and heavy! Lighter hose like TM sells was common for the "aircraft" style torches from the 30's and 40's and if you look at many of the vintage photos of welders using the torches, you will see these spagetti like hoses on them. A word of warning though, all these light hoses have almost zero burnthrough protection, so you cant be careless and stupid with them, again why you dont see them at the junkyard. Buts thats another reason to run as little regulator pressure as you can. Smith also makes light hoses for their quickbraze setup that are similiar to the TM hose, and a little more durable, but they are single line not twinlead. If your doing delicate work, get a delicate hose, it makes life much easier.
-Aaron
If you are going to weld something that requires super flexibility, the equipment wouldn't use hose as big as 3/16", I would think.
I use 1/4" hose minimum on everything. Flexibility has never been an issue. And, I've bought "T" grade hose from many manufacturer's over time and I don't notice any difference.
I'm with Allan. Go down to the LWS and buy what you need.
Hank
Hank, when I was doing a bit of O/A welding, I found a 10-12' 3/16" "whip" pretty handy. It is certainly not an issue when cutting. I don't do much gas welding, and when I do, I use my little Purox refrigeration torch which already has 3/16" hose.
GeorgeG
04-03-2008, 09:11 PM
George,
Im assuming your using an "aircraft" type torch if your looking at 3/16 hose. I have found most of the commercial "junkyard" type welding hose thats commonly used to be about the same from brand to brand, and heavy! Lighter hose like TM sells was common for the "aircraft" style torches from the 30's and 40's and if you look at many of the vintage photos of welders using the torches, you will see these spagetti like hoses on them. A word of warning though, all these light hoses have almost zero burnthrough protection, so you cant be careless and stupid with them, again why you dont see them at the junkyard. Buts thats another reason to run as little regulator pressure as you can. Smith also makes light hoses for their quickbraze setup that are similiar to the TM hose, and a little more durable, but they are single line not twinlead. If your doing delicate work, get a delicate hose, it makes life much easier.
-Aaron
That's what I figured. I could probably get by with a short extension of the flexible stuff. Maybe some of these jewelry supply houses have something to offer.
Thanks.
That's what I figured. I could probably get by with a short extension of the flexible stuff. Maybe some of these jewelry supply houses have something to offer.
Thanks.
George, the small jewelry type torches may have a smaller fitting. You bets bet would be to find the type hose you want and have a 6-10' piece made up at the LWS.