Tip positioning and 3/16 hose extension

[MichaelP]

I wonder what your preferences are in terms of welding and cutting tips positioning in relation to the handle valves. Do you position them in one plane so that the valves face the opposite hand when you weld or cut?

Where do you prefer the oxy cutting lever be: on the top or underneath the torch?

Where do you tend to grip the welding and cutting torches in relation to the handle valves: toward the tip of at the hose connectors?

Also, I'm thinking about adding a hose extension. I currently use 25' of 1/4" dual hose. Do you think using 3/16" extension at the torch end will make torch manipulation noticably easier? Do you think 25' extension with the smaller diameter hose will make any difference in terms of gas delivery (I don't think so, but would like to hear your opinion. I have Victor Superrange II medium duty setup).

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience!

[84ZMike]

It all depends on you...face the torch what ever way makes you happy....I personally like the lever to face fwd so I can pull it like a trigger, the adj valves the face my non torch hand (I use my right hand to hold the torch so I face the valves the the left)as for using hose ext...I'm not sure but the smaller hose could hurt you....what do you use your torch for....if cutting 1/2" thick or less then I don't think you will see any difference......now if you are running a rose bud and running "full tilt" then yes the smaller hose and length will hurt you.....the $ isn't much more for 1/4 so I'd just go with that....if you can't maneuver 1/4" hose then maybe you need a smaller torch

[MichaelP]

Thank you, Mike!

Anybody else is willing to share his experience and thoughts?

[gatkeper1]

Do what feels comfortable to you, for me its:
Dedicated cutting torch, cut lever down and back, valves down or to the inside.
Welding torch valves to the inside.

[MichaelP]

Thank you!

[enlpck]

I don't much care where the valves are, but I don;t always have a choice. On a job, they are where they are on a dedicated cutting torch. I like the mdsize victor combo torch with a cutting head for general work, since I can rotate the head to the most convenient position.

I like small hose when it will flow the gas, as it is lighter and drags the torch less, but as you get into heavier cuts, larger hos is needed.

I am also a fan of the quick connects with arrestors in them at the torch. Much easier to change the torch out, and easier to handle the hoses when setting up and cleaning up, as the torch isn't hanging on the hose.

[MichaelP]

but as you get into heavier cuts, larger hose is needed.

At what thickness of the metal would you consider switching the hose from 3/16" to 1/4" on a midsize torch?

[gatkeper1]

Smith shows ok to use 3/16" hose on the medium duty torches. Med duty are rated to cut up to 6". I have 3/16" hoses on my portable set and have used a # 4 tip to cut 3" with no problems.

[MichaelP]

Thank you!

[hankj]

MichealP,

I, too, have the SR-II. I have no problem with the configuration as it came out of the box. Like enlpck, I use quick connects, since I have a dedicated cutting troch also (even though I seldom use it!). This outfit has .250" hose.

My "junior" Victor outfit has .1875 (3/16)" hose on it, and I don't find it any easier to deal with than the .250.

As for gas delivery, Victor recommends .250 hose up to size 5 cutting tips, and .375 (3/8)" for 6 and up. I've used up to a #4 cutting tip on the 3/16 hose with no problems.

For welding, flows are not all that high.

Hank

[MichaelP]

Thank you, Hank!

[metallurgy]

I keep the valves when i'm welding opposite to the torch head direction, so it's balanced. It might not be the best way to go, i'm just used to it. I know where to reach the valves.

I was wondering how you get the lever for the cutting torch on the bottom. A dedicated cutting torch? I think i would like it more on the top because it makes it so the torch doesn't move when you press it. I'm still not great at it, I have gotten better though. I have tried too hard to keep it stable, put my glove too close to the flame, and now it's a little weird fitting.

[MichaelP]

I hope the glove fit is weird not due to the hand enlargement?

P.S. re: the oxy lever position. It's just that those dedicated lever down torches made me wonder how comfortable they might be.

[Rocky D]

I wonder what your preferences are in terms of welding and cutting tips positioning in relation to the handle valves. Do you position them in one plane so that the valves face the opposite hand when you weld or cut?

Yes, I find that VERY important...you want the knobs in the same plane, so you won't have to search for them, if something blows up...very important, indeed!

Where do you prefer the oxy cutting lever be: on the top or underneath the torch?

I prefer it on top, but some torches have them on the bottom. You control the torch with it resting in your fingers, and the thumb is free for the trigger.

Where do you tend to grip the welding and cutting torches in relation to the handle valves: toward the tip of at the hose connectors?

Grip where it balances.

Also, I'm thinking about adding a hose extension. I currently use 25' of 1/4" dual hose. Do you think using 3/16" extension at the torch end will make torch manipulation noticeably easier? Yes, do it. Do you think 25' extension with the smaller diameter hose will make any difference in terms of gas delivery? None that you would notice.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience!

Hope this helps.

[MichaelP]

Thanks, Rocky!