[TheForge] WHICH Harris torch for propane? (was: All States propane torch)

[James Binnion]

 Harris F series torch mixers and associated tips are what we are talking about here. Harris sells torches that are modular. A torch body has the valves and gas fittings, a mixer where the oxy and fuel are combined and a tip tube to get the tip out where you want it and finally a tip.
What I got was a 19-6 torch body, a H-16-S mixer, a DC-50-C tip tube and a 1390-B heater tip.

The larger torch body the model 50 has the built in pilot that is on the AllStates torch and may be the same torch body. It also can mount a Type F mixer. They have quite a few combinations of torch and type F mixer in their catalog.

Harris catalog http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/~/media/Files/PDF/Catalogs/GasApparatusCatalog_2005.ashx

The parts are available from a variety of online welding supply companies. As for the regulator what you want is a standard low pressure propane regulator like what would supply a house. They provide propane at about a max of 11-14 inches of water which is about 0.5 psi of  pressure and can be adjusted down if necessary and if sized properly provide more than adequate volume of gas. If you use a standard high pressure regulator on this torch you negate the special way the mixer works. Using a low pressure regulator the torch will pull all the fuel it needs from the regulator assuming the regulator is big enough by creating a vacuum due to the venturi in the mixer. This means once you set the initial fuel flow you only have to adjust the oxygen valve to change the flame size.

 I bought this regulator which is more than adequate for this torch. http://www.propaneproducts.com/catalog/propane-regulators/fisher-r232-two-stage-propane-regulator-710.html


This torch puts out a lot of heat, I lost my focus this afternoon and melted a piece of 3/8 square stainless today very quickly.

Jim



 
On Jul 16, 2013, at 5:57 AM, Bruce . wrote:

> Okay, when you guys have reached a final conclusion, how 'bout cluing
> in the non-torch-literate amongst us (myself included) EXACTLY what
> torch and configuration you mean.

James Binnion
jbin at well.com