Thank you Cliff. This is what I needed to see to make my decision. I will save up my pennies for the real deal Smith Little torch. I won’t mess around when it comes out I gas.👍🏼😀
Cheers JMMA! I quite like it myself, made my arse fall out a couple of times!😁. But it's still working! Can't quite bring myself to give my total trust though! Thanks for watching, ATB, Cliff
The threads are made for standard 14 oz size, propane, Mapp gas and Oxygen cylinders, that are very common in the States. Plumbers typically use these propane cylinders on their handheld torches for connecting copper pipe. I have the Smith torch and the fittings fit perfectly. The little torch is great for small welding jobs.
This might be the crux of Cliff's problems. I don't think these torches were designed to be used with a welder's outfit. I've used mine only with the small 14 oz. bottles.
Had a friend that bought the same one he found adapters somewhere. Used it twice and the aluminum thread stripped where the tip screws in. He bought the real Smith for $300 euros. Has Kevlar gas lines, very high quality manufacturing, he loves it. We both do commercial refrigeration and standard torch handles are too big. I've found a site online that offers the torch set for $170 euros. I dont want to plug there name but it starts with "Weld".
Looks like you had fun there Cliff, for a big guy you moved pretty fast when you got the leak . And that's a dainty Teacup for a mancave. I used to turn out on two quid mind you that was in 1977.
I bought a little torch (type or style at least per sey) Got mine through Harbor freight. At the time I didn't know much about the smith little torch or the counterfeits of them. I did a lot of internet searching and checking reviews before I gave mine a test. No issues or malfuntions in mine. I did brazing and silver soldering and quite a lot of steel welding/ oxy acetylene welding (using steel alloy type filler weld rods). I tested other filler weld rod substitutes (various wire , even mig wire ERS-70, mig stainless) all worked but the standard filler rods for oxy acetylene steel welding worked nicest.. -These rods were made for larger work, yet I was welding on soup cans and very light sheet steel, so they were a bit too large diameter. The little torch had a hard time melting off the large rods. But I had succes and like the options given from the small torch. I hope to try using flux core wire made for gasless-wire feed welders next time I have time test out my torch. Anybody tried steel filler rod substitutes worth mentioning?
Tiffanny Stipe.. I would suggest you go for it ... If you can find a seller of one (harbor frieght stores near me no longer have them and tell me the item is discontinued from there inventory). The generic versions that resemble Harbor frieght's are sold all over the internet but I would prefer to buy one from a source that gives you an option to exchange or get full refund if the torch is defective.. The ease of returning and shipping cost are vital to me. Also search for factory reconditioned.. I have heard of bigger brand names offering factory reconditioned items at a lower cost and they are often known to be a better version than the typical units sold by same brand.. Perhaps torches also?
The gas and oxygen knobs are reversed on the counterfeit, so if you're used to the little torch, you might find it frustrating. I bought one for the hoses (replacement hoses are $60).
I bought 2 (counterfeit) of these for 20 Dollars. I own an actual Smith Little torch. And they dont ship any tips smaller than a number 3. And number three is a saphire tip. I have an unboxing video of one of the counterfeit torches, dang near catastrophic and a bit of foul language was used. Please notice that the pressure fittings on the counterfeit torch tips are copper on copper tubing. On an actual Smith little torch, they're brass fittings on copper tubing. I can go on and on about these little pieces of garbage, but most people should understand that you absolutely get what you pay for. I have a few pics of a fellows hand that was burnt to the third degree, when his sleeve oxy saturated from a leaking tip. Beware people...not for me, but for yourselves and loved ones. Well done Cliff, Cheers.
I live in Taiwan. The nut do NOT fit at all, it was smaller than the standard regulator connector (Japanese style). But the standard nut from the spare hose connector did fit. However when I tried to put the metal hoop back on it didn't go back on so I just ended up attaching it with a zip tie instead. I tried using those hose clamps but they were too large. I don't know the difference between Smith's version but so far it allows me to weld thinner materials because even the smallest standard torch tip is too big.
Just an FYI: Smith (Miller Welding) doesn't make a #1 tip for these torches. They have #2 thru #7 curved tips. The #2 and #3 tips are the only ones that use synthetic sapphires for the orifices. The sapphires are laser drilled at .006" (.1524 mm) and .011" (.2794 mm) respectively. Also note that the #2 tip can ONLY be used with Acetylene or Hydrogen for the fuel. It cannot be used with Propane, MAPP-gas or other fuels. You also need to adjust your regulator pressures according the tip size being used.
@@bluesgirl1980yes it can but you have to rig a tank and a hose barb to fit the hose. You could even use vaporized gasoline as a fuel gas with oxygen if you had a vaporizer. Natural gas works as well if have it at the correct pressure or a Natural gas pressurizing system
I could be wrong but you may be using too much pressure for that tiny torch. It's hard to tell but it looks like on your oxygen side your trying to flow 15 to 20 psi thru that thing when it should be closer to 10. Your gas side should be no more than 4 or 5 psi as well.
Yep, standard US fitting. I got 2 adaptors,they go straight onto the bagging fittings for the UK imperial stuff so you're looking for a 3/8 bsp to 9/16 (18 tpi) male. Correct chamfers and everything. Don't think they're readily available in the UK,I bought mine in the US. Postage might be expensive,check it out first before you buy one my best guess.
I have not long ago bought the very same thing i think? Ebay £20 I have never welded in my life, and thought that maybe Mapp Gas could be used on it? Just taken an interest in poodling about with it, see if i can solder or alloy weld with it? thanks for the Sit-Rep on this item Cliff,all the best.
I should add that I was lucky with my Harbor Freight (little torch) because the hose end fittings matched my regulator's threads perfectly. I have 9/16 inch left and right handed for gas and oxy. I discovered as I was doing online shopping that torch sets are provided or sent from factory with thread sizes that correspond to the region or country being sold in. USA gets the 9/16 inch... other sizes for other places...
I'm not sure wether you did it off camera but I think I would have done a soap suds test on the gas valves open and closed before I lit the torch O2 as well as theAcetylene, just as a safety precaution, and I would have done it outside with the torch WELL away from the bottles too!
How did you make the but work? Did you grind it deeper. I having the same problem. Want to learn how to correct it. I think it will easier than shipping it back. Thanks
Good review Cliff. Funny how oxy torches always make people jump ;) The connectors are a problem for sure. The tip unions might benefit from a bit of a touch with kero and wet and dry/or brasso. Cheers Rob
xynudu ,true Rob, I can't not react to that pop! Especially when I'm wary of what's in my hand, not sure if it's going to turn the shed into Kim Jongs nuclear test bunker!!!! :-) ATB Cliff
Nice one Cliff, just what I wanted to see... honestly I was tempted having seen them being flogged on Ebay for next to nothing but after your review... it's a hassle not worth the time mate. I'll have to bite the bullet and go for the real deal. On a different note..Having been brought up in eastend of London...this was the good old fashioned way... a dying way of life now... listening to you took me back in time... look after yourself fella...God bless.
The threads are made for standard 14 oz size, propane, Mapp gas and Oxygen cylinders, that are very common in the States. Plumbers typically use these propane cylinders on their handheld torches for connecting copper pipe.
flashback arrestors? You could also get quick connect couplers with a barb on the hose side and proper fitting on the tank side. They do make them in that configuration. And specifically for O2 and propane/MAPP/acetylene uses. I plan on picking up some for myself. Just a couple quick thoughts on how you could remedy the issues and still be invested far less than the name brand
My counterfeit Smiths Tiny Torch came with bad oxygen fitting nut but good acetylene / propane fitting nut. Refitted new oxygen nut and all is well with mine now.
Before you buy one of these check out the h160 and h180 . I didn't know cheap hho generator existed but they do. I wish would of known about them before i bought torch bottles
I thing for someone who is melting gold or silver once in a while its fine enough.I bought the counterfeight for 20 € and the melting tip for 10€. The original torch would cost 270€ and the melting tip 50€.The only thing i must replace are the nuts and connectors.But i spare 270€
I use a "Microflame Scorpion" torch, of similar size to the one being shown, but all the Scorpion nozzles have neoprene seals in the nozzle connections. There is a VAST price difference between two torches, so I wouldn't expect the Chinese knock off to be of the same quality and probably doesn't have any seals fitted.
Good video mate. But the word "counterfeit" can be a whole can of worms as it relates to Chinese products. I've been dealing directly with China for over 20 years, even longer if you include the time I spent living in Hong Kong back in the 70s. Many, many things have changed in that time, and much has stayed the same. It can be a real grey area. While there are an insane number of blatant rip-offs, they are fewer and further between these days. And the fact is, most companies make their highly regarded brand name products in the very same factories that are producing the supposedly low-quality knock offs. It gets even murkier when you consider that many brand names are actually licensed (OEM) versions of originally Chinese equipment. I don't have a Smith torch, or a cheap copy, so I can't speak from experience. But it is entirely possible that the Smith company found a Chinese manufacturer with a nice little torch they liked, and got them to manufacture it, stamping their own name on the box, marketing it, running their own quality control and support - and charging like wounded bulls when they are paying cents in the dollar for the torch itself. This happens as a matter of course in the business world. In many cases, a hypothetical "Patriot Toaster Company" TST5000 model, is just a rebadged Flung Sum Dung YX5000 with a different casing and a prettier box. And a manual not written in Chingrish. With the Smith (and copy) torches, my understanding is that regulators, FBAs and NRVs do not come as standard. They have to be bought as part of a kit, or after market. And I believe the regulators need to be specific for the torch. I could be wrong. Might explain the thread. Another possibility is that they are set up for the mini disposable canisters of gas. It is also conceivable that the Chinese knock off comes from the same factory, same production run, but is surplus to the contract between the manufacturer and Smith. If Smith order 5000 units a month, and the manufacturer keep the tooling and make 20,000 a month, if there is no provision in the contract for the manufacturer to not sell on their surplus, it's fair game. This can either be a negotiated part of the deal, or an illegal use of patented tools, dies and designs. Or it could be a copy of a copy made from inferior materials and blatantly repackaged by a backyard knock-off shop in Fuk Yu province. As long as the local commissar makes his cut and the Party don't find out, nobody will be reported. The point I'm making is that Chinese "copies" are often exactly the same as the high priced big branded jobs, although you often need to do your reseacrh, and can still get caught out. There are good companies in China, and they are as much at the mercy of backyard rip-offs as anyone else. The situation is better since the GFC weeded out most of the fly by night operators, and the Chinese govt are taking things a little more seriously now. But it's a huge country, with huge profits to be made, and plenty of cut corners still. Try buying something from Russia if you think China is bad...
I bought one of these because I didnt have the wad of money that the Smith demands. The knobs wont shut off now so I have to turn off my bottles after every solder joint which is a good practice anyway but not production practical so I will be buying the Smith soon. Probably after this one sets the house on fire. The small tips only need minimal pressure and should be considered if you buy the Smith so you dont damage them. You do get what you pay for and hopefully a trip to the Emergency Room for skin graphs isnt one of them.
So, 3 years after you put this video up I bought one of these. I'm going to make a video on the matter. But I uhh.... yeah, I'm going to buy the torch this thing is just scary.
I got one of these Amazon Chinese mini torch knock offs for Christmas myself. It didn't fit my Victor regulator connections either. I haven't remembered to swing by the welding supply hut up town to see if different connectors nipples are made of not. Thought they might laugh at me. Watching that flashback has me a bit concerned though. Wonder what I should try next?
I think it works as he Genuino just a sale problem on connection but there a remedy. The problem is you dont fit the nozz n right position. When your working you dont need to replace the nozzle from time to time.
My old hoses looked a little peaked, so I bought this rig off Ebay for $22 and have had trouble with it....mostly blowing out with a pop. Tinkered around with the gas settings...but still some trouble. I will check the fittings on the bottles; just in case that is the problem. If it doesn't work well...I will exchange hoses and go back to the original Smith connections, torch etc. Thanks
Just ordered one that looks to be build under the same Chines Roof. $16.00 delivered. Hope it's as good as this unit. Just going to use the small Oxy and Map Gas bottles. Not even going to use a proper regulator. Probably be adjusting it every few seconds. LOL
Just a comment on the hose's, when I needed a couple of them to finish a job years ago 'went to a local aquarium to see what they had & the hose's they had we're hospital grade what they use on those drips. Which are durable chemical resistant quality stuff an they worked out real well 'if anyone is stuck for hose's!
I have one of these, I don't know if its an original or not but I suspect its a copy. I use it with MAPP gas and oxygen and its fine never had any leaks etc but the hose seems very stiff and is annoying in that it wont hang, its always spiraled. Mine too had rather unusual fittings but I was able to get some blowback suppressors with the right fittings and its been fine. I would like to know how to identify an original Smiths little torch if anybody knows how. Im told the original have better taps but with nothing to compare that doesn't mean much to me
I bought a cheapie torch kit just for the hoses. Half the price of a set of Smith replacement hoses. I have the genuine Smith Little Torch in need of hoses.
Thanks for doing this review. It was extremely helpful. If anyone could answer this question I'd really appreciate it - I just bought one of these torches, I'm a self taught silversmith with little experience and I'm establishing my tool collection. The question is should I bother setting this up and using it as my torch or would you suggest paying the extra $400 Australian dollars and buying the original Little Smith torch? Or - other than a handheld butane torch is their another torch I should invest in, our Aussie dollar is low at the moment which makes this an expensive investment for a beginner (especially since I'm broke 😥) Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Melissa in 🇦🇺
Hello Melissa in Oz! to be honest I have been using this torch and if you can connect it up to oxygen and act?propane it actually works ok, I will admit I am a bit wary of it, but its doing everything I ask of it. If you can get your one set up without to much trouble I would give it a go! Hope this helps, thanks for watching, Cliff
@@CliffsShed Thank you Cliff! That actually helps a lot. I'm going to take it to my local gas place and get what I need to set it up. At worst I can still use the regulators and flash back arrestors with something else. Cheers my friend and thanks again.
Zig says, hi mellisa you really should not be using this type of torch for silver, you will have much better results with a smith single stage torch with acetylene or propane. The oxy oxg is really only good for gold spot soldering, silver heats and solders much differently than gold. Good luck!
Try using some gasoline pipe thread tape to stop the leaking it’s a yellow pipe thread tape made specifically for gasses, propane’s, butane, naptha, kerosene, benzene and natural gas.
Thanks for the heads up, you pays your money and takes your chance…maybe the nuts are the nearest they could find in Metric…as apposed to the USA/UK imperial thread. Makes you think, how they manage to make them so cheaply compared to the genuine Smith product..maybe it’s the genuine jewelled tips that are expensive to produce.
I bought mine on e bay but sent a message that ,I need the connection for Australian standard .They refunded me and I bought another they fit and were the real deal . The first seller was not !
Well the one I just had delivered from Amazon, it will be the same maker as yours, doesn't have the nuts sorted out so I have to try and sort it out to fit like yours. I dont have the benefit of a lathe, or decent workshop, I will just do what you did and tap it out.
If Smiths little torch wasn’t so greedy ripping people off, there wouldn’t be a market for counterfeiters. Just charge a fair price for a product. Mmmmm, maybe be you’d sell a lot more and still be rich. 🧐🧐
Check this out from the manufacturer's web site: www.smithequipment.com/files/pdf/spec_sheets/Little_Torch.pdf There seem to be several different types of hose connectors, depending on where you live.
I paid half that recently. It was easier knowing what I'll be getting, thanks. Change out the connectors immediately. I was good with it functioning with only one tiny flame tip for what I need it for. They just need braking-in. They work. Maybe differently w/ other gases...? Good value in my mind.
When I buy from Ebay under Categories I always pick US only as I live in the U.S and if I dispute something and ebay gets me a refund they pay the return shipping. If it is out side the US that will not. I am also looking to buy a Little Smith torch, I always look under Item specifics, if it a true Little Smith where it says "Brand" if it is a true little smith it will say Smith . If when you get it and it is not a Smith and if in the specifics it say "Smith" then Ebay will get you your money back as the item is not what it says it is, but out side of your country they will not (most of the time) pay for shipping out side the country where it is bough.
I doubt that its counterfeit, the box packaging, and instructions are to nice a quality, I have a real knock off and it just came in a white box. it was probably just pieces that might not have passed QA or a contract fell through between the companies after the products were made and packaged. Those are US thread pitch fittings, sorry they didnt come with your wonky fitting sizes...
The treads are USA gas threads. the torch is dangerous throw it in the dust bin and buy the real Smith little torch. i purchased the one you have and i have the real Smith little torch as well, compareing the two the fake one is of very inferior quality.
You did not mention the model number your orderd by. So leads me to think you ordered the NPT type, which is an American connector. You should have ordered the model with the BPT connectors. You made a mistake, that is why the seller did not return your requests. Hmmmm, foolish.
Face it, TT he torch is ok, get your stuff right and stop as slagging people off who expose your faults and all Will be well, send me something I can use and I'll review it , honestly, promise!
Cedartree: That is incorrect. NPT (National Pipe Thread) is a TAPERED thread. Welding gas fittings use a STRAIGHT thread. USA uses a 9/16" - 18 thread for the Little Torch.
Thank you Cliff. This is what I needed to see to make my decision. I will save up my pennies for the real deal Smith Little torch. I won’t mess around when it comes out I gas.👍🏼😀
Thanks for that, it does seem to work "ok ish" but I would rather have the real one!
this is one of my favorite videos... i am mesmerized and entertained so much but i dont know why haha
Cheers JMMA!
I quite like it myself, made my arse fall out a couple of times!😁. But it's still working! Can't quite bring myself to give my total trust though!
Thanks for watching,
ATB,
Cliff
The threads are made for standard 14 oz size, propane, Mapp gas and Oxygen cylinders, that are very common in the States. Plumbers typically use these propane cylinders on their handheld torches for connecting copper pipe. I have the Smith torch and the fittings fit perfectly. The little torch is great for small welding jobs.
This might be the crux of Cliff's problems. I don't think these torches were designed to be used with a welder's outfit. I've used mine only with the small 14 oz. bottles.
Had a friend that bought the same one he found adapters somewhere. Used it twice and the aluminum thread stripped where the tip screws in. He bought the real Smith for $300 euros. Has Kevlar gas lines, very high quality manufacturing, he loves it. We both do commercial refrigeration and standard torch handles are too big. I've found a site online that offers the torch set for $170 euros. I dont want to plug there name but it starts with "Weld".
Looks like you had fun there Cliff, for a big guy you moved pretty fast when you got the leak . And that's a dainty Teacup for a mancave. I used to turn out on two quid mind you that was in 1977.
Good video, appreciate it.
I bought a little torch (type or style at least per sey) Got mine through Harbor freight. At the time I didn't know much about the smith little torch or the counterfeits of them. I did a lot of internet searching and checking reviews before I gave mine a test. No issues or malfuntions in mine. I did brazing and silver soldering and quite a lot of steel welding/ oxy acetylene welding (using steel alloy type filler weld rods). I tested other filler weld rod substitutes (various wire , even mig wire ERS-70, mig stainless) all worked but the standard filler rods for oxy acetylene steel welding worked nicest.. -These rods were made for larger work, yet I was welding on soup cans and very light sheet steel, so they were a bit too large diameter. The little torch had a hard time melting off the large rods. But I had succes and like the options given from the small torch.
I hope to try using flux core wire made for gasless-wire feed welders next time I have time test out my torch. Anybody tried steel filler rod substitutes worth mentioning?
So you did just fine with the one from harbor freight? I'm just getting into jewelry making and need a micro torch but I can't afford the smith one.
Tiffanny Stipe.. I would suggest you go for it ... If you can find a seller of one (harbor frieght stores near me no longer have them and tell me the item is discontinued from there inventory). The generic versions that resemble Harbor frieght's are sold all over the internet but I would prefer to buy one from a source that gives you an option to exchange or get full refund if the torch is defective.. The ease of returning and shipping cost are vital to me.
Also search for factory reconditioned.. I have heard of bigger brand names offering factory reconditioned items at a lower cost and they are often known to be a better version than the typical units sold by same brand.. Perhaps torches also?
@@craftsmanbyheart thank you! I will definitely look into it!
The gas and oxygen knobs are reversed on the counterfeit, so if you're used to the little torch, you might find it frustrating. I bought one for the hoses (replacement hoses are $60).
I bought 2 (counterfeit) of these for 20 Dollars. I own an actual Smith Little torch. And they dont ship any tips smaller than a number 3. And number three is a saphire tip. I have an unboxing video of one of the counterfeit torches, dang near catastrophic and a bit of foul language was used. Please notice that the pressure fittings on the counterfeit torch tips are copper on copper tubing. On an actual Smith little torch, they're brass fittings on copper tubing. I can go on and on about these little pieces of garbage, but most people should understand that you absolutely get what you pay for. I have a few pics of a fellows hand that was burnt to the third degree, when his sleeve oxy saturated from a leaking tip. Beware people...not for me, but for yourselves and loved ones. Well done Cliff, Cheers.
I live in Taiwan. The nut do NOT fit at all, it was smaller than the standard regulator connector (Japanese style). But the standard nut from the spare hose connector did fit. However when I tried to put the metal hoop back on it didn't go back on so I just ended up attaching it with a zip tie instead. I tried using those hose clamps but they were too large. I don't know the difference between Smith's version but so far it allows me to weld thinner materials because even the smallest standard torch tip is too big.
The thread might be a 17mm fine thread, common in Chinese machines. Was one on my tig welder. It’s same minor thread diameter as 3/8 bsp. Great review
Machining Basics very possibly, I hand chased it to 3/8 bsp no problem and it's been ok!
Cheers,
Cliff.
Just an FYI:
Smith (Miller Welding) doesn't make a #1 tip for these torches. They have #2 thru #7 curved tips. The #2 and #3 tips are the only ones that use synthetic sapphires for the orifices. The sapphires are laser drilled at .006" (.1524 mm) and .011" (.2794 mm) respectively. Also note that the #2 tip can ONLY be used with Acetylene or Hydrogen for the fuel. It cannot be used with Propane, MAPP-gas or other fuels. You also need to adjust your regulator pressures according the tip size being used.
Can the Smith torch be used with butane?
@@bluesgirl1980 no
@@bluesgirl1980yes it can but you have to rig a tank and a hose barb to fit the hose. You could even use vaporized gasoline as a fuel gas with oxygen if you had a vaporizer. Natural gas works as well if have it at the correct pressure or a Natural gas pressurizing system
@@rileygabkcuf8798yes the smith little torch can be used with butane , mapp, natural gas and even vaporized gasoline if you have a proper vaporizer
Found my favourite Smith 👍🏼😀
I could be wrong but you may be using too much pressure for that tiny torch. It's hard to tell but it looks like on your oxygen side your trying to flow 15 to 20 psi thru that thing when it should be closer to 10. Your gas side should be no more than 4 or 5 psi as well.
Yep, standard US fitting. I got 2 adaptors,they go straight onto the bagging fittings for the UK imperial stuff so you're looking for a 3/8 bsp to 9/16 (18 tpi) male. Correct chamfers and everything. Don't think they're readily available in the UK,I bought mine in the US. Postage might be expensive,check it out first before you buy one my best guess.
I have not long ago bought the very same thing i think? Ebay £20 I have never welded in my life, and thought that maybe Mapp Gas could be used on it? Just taken an interest in poodling about with it, see if i can solder or alloy weld with it? thanks for the Sit-Rep on this item Cliff,all the best.
Good video
I should add that I was lucky with my Harbor Freight (little torch) because the hose end fittings matched my regulator's threads perfectly. I have 9/16 inch left and right handed for gas and oxy. I discovered as I was doing online shopping that torch sets are provided or sent from factory with thread sizes that correspond to the region or country being sold in. USA gets the 9/16 inch... other sizes for other places...
I'm not sure wether you did it off camera but I think I would have done a soap suds test on the gas valves open and closed before I lit the torch O2 as well as theAcetylene, just as a safety precaution, and I would have done it outside with the torch WELL away from the bottles too!
How did you make the but work? Did you grind it deeper. I having the same problem. Want to learn how to correct it. I think it will easier than shipping it back. Thanks
Good review Cliff. Funny how oxy torches always make people jump ;) The connectors are a problem for sure. The tip unions might benefit from a bit of a touch with kero and wet and dry/or brasso.
Cheers Rob
xynudu ,true Rob, I can't not react to that pop! Especially when I'm wary of what's in my hand, not sure if it's going to turn the shed into Kim Jongs nuclear test bunker!!!!
:-)
ATB
Cliff
He He. You are not alone.
Nice one Cliff, just what I wanted to see... honestly I was tempted having seen them being flogged on Ebay for next to nothing but after your review... it's a hassle not worth the time mate. I'll have to bite the bullet and go for the real deal. On a different note..Having been brought up in eastend of London...this was the good old fashioned way... a dying way of life now... listening to you took me back in time... look after yourself fella...God bless.
Thanks, a bit of a PITA to start with, but seems OK when its sorted out, I don't use it a lot but it does work,
Cheers,
Cliff
The threads are made for standard 14 oz size, propane, Mapp gas and Oxygen cylinders, that are very common in the States. Plumbers typically use these propane cylinders on their handheld torches for connecting copper pipe.
Nice vid!
I bought one on ebay last year...complete junk. Tossed it out...wasn't putting gas through this cheep crap! Lesson learned!
flashback arrestors? You could also get quick connect couplers with a barb on the hose side and proper fitting on the tank side. They do make them in that configuration. And specifically for O2 and propane/MAPP/acetylene uses. I plan on picking up some for myself. Just a couple quick thoughts on how you could remedy the issues and still be invested far less than the name brand
Thanks for watching, I'd be interested to see what you get and where from,
All the best,
Cliff
My counterfeit Smiths Tiny Torch came with bad oxygen fitting nut but good acetylene / propane fitting nut. Refitted new oxygen nut and all is well with mine now.
Before you buy one of these check out the h160 and h180 . I didn't know cheap hho generator existed but they do. I wish would of known about them before i bought torch bottles
I thing for someone who is melting gold or silver once in a while its fine enough.I bought the counterfeight for 20 € and the melting tip for 10€. The original torch would cost 270€ and the melting tip 50€.The only thing i must replace are the nuts and connectors.But i spare 270€
This was really helpful mate. Are you still filming videos/ tutorials?
I use a "Microflame Scorpion" torch, of similar size to the one being shown, but all the Scorpion nozzles have neoprene seals in the nozzle connections. There is a VAST price difference between two torches, so I wouldn't expect the Chinese knock off to be of the same quality and probably doesn't have any seals fitted.
Good video mate. But the word "counterfeit" can be a whole can of worms as it relates to Chinese products.
I've been dealing directly with China for over 20 years, even longer if you include the time I spent living in Hong Kong back in the 70s. Many, many things have changed in that time, and much has stayed the same.
It can be a real grey area. While there are an insane number of blatant rip-offs, they are fewer and further between these days. And the fact is, most companies make their highly regarded brand name products in the very same factories that are producing the supposedly low-quality knock offs.
It gets even murkier when you consider that many brand names are actually licensed (OEM) versions of originally Chinese equipment.
I don't have a Smith torch, or a cheap copy, so I can't speak from experience. But it is entirely possible that the Smith company found a Chinese manufacturer with a nice little torch they liked, and got them to manufacture it, stamping their own name on the box, marketing it, running their own quality control and support - and charging like wounded bulls when they are paying cents in the dollar for the torch itself. This happens as a matter of course in the business world.
In many cases, a hypothetical "Patriot Toaster Company" TST5000 model, is just a rebadged Flung Sum Dung YX5000 with a different casing and a prettier box. And a manual not written in Chingrish.
With the Smith (and copy) torches, my understanding is that regulators, FBAs and NRVs do not come as standard. They have to be bought as part of a kit, or after market. And I believe the regulators need to be specific for the torch. I could be wrong. Might explain the thread.
Another possibility is that they are set up for the mini disposable canisters of gas.
It is also conceivable that the Chinese knock off comes from the same factory, same production run, but is surplus to the contract between the manufacturer and Smith. If Smith order 5000 units a month, and the manufacturer keep the tooling and make 20,000 a month, if there is no provision in the contract for the manufacturer to not sell on their surplus, it's fair game.
This can either be a negotiated part of the deal, or an illegal use of patented tools, dies and designs.
Or it could be a copy of a copy made from inferior materials and blatantly repackaged by a backyard knock-off shop in Fuk Yu province. As long as the local commissar makes his cut and the Party don't find out, nobody will be reported.
The point I'm making is that Chinese "copies" are often exactly the same as the high priced big branded jobs, although you often need to do your reseacrh, and can still get caught out. There are good companies in China, and they are as much at the mercy of backyard rip-offs as anyone else.
The situation is better since the GFC weeded out most of the fly by night operators, and the Chinese govt are taking things a little more seriously now. But it's a huge country, with huge profits to be made, and plenty of cut corners still.
Try buying something from Russia if you think China is bad...
Your hillarious dude
Chingrish. I'm definitely stealing that lol
Have you a heating size nozzle to reden quarter inch steel ?
Scarey video i was nervous for you. Wow, thank you, i will not purchase any knockoffs
They are American connections.
Interesting!
I bought one of these because I didnt have the wad of money that the Smith demands. The knobs wont shut off now so I have to turn off my bottles after every solder joint which is a good practice anyway but not production practical so I will be buying the Smith soon. Probably after this one sets the house on fire. The small tips only need minimal pressure and should be considered if you buy the Smith so you dont damage them. You do get what you pay for and hopefully a trip to the Emergency Room for skin graphs isnt one of them.
So, 3 years after you put this video up I bought one of these. I'm going to make a video on the matter. But I uhh.... yeah, I'm going to buy the torch this thing is just scary.
I got one of these Amazon Chinese mini torch knock offs for Christmas myself. It didn't fit my Victor regulator connections either. I haven't remembered to swing by the welding supply hut up town to see if different connectors nipples are made of not. Thought they might laugh at me. Watching that flashback has me a bit concerned though. Wonder what I should try next?
I think it works as he Genuino just a sale problem on connection but there a remedy. The problem is you dont fit the nozz n right position. When your working you dont need to replace the nozzle from time to time.
My old hoses looked a little peaked, so I bought this rig off Ebay for $22 and have had trouble with it....mostly blowing out with a pop. Tinkered around with the gas settings...but still some trouble. I will check the fittings on the bottles; just in case that is the problem. If it doesn't work well...I will exchange hoses and go back to the original Smith connections, torch etc. Thanks
Just ordered one that looks to be build under the same Chines Roof. $16.00 delivered. Hope it's as good as this unit. Just going to use the small Oxy and Map Gas bottles. Not even going to use a proper regulator. Probably be adjusting it every few seconds. LOL
The threads are 9/16”-18 which is standard in the US! Don't blame that it's because it's a knockoff, just get the correct adapters.
Just a comment on the hose's, when I needed a couple of them to finish a job years ago 'went to a local aquarium to see what they had & the hose's they had we're hospital grade what they use on those drips. Which are durable chemical resistant quality stuff an they worked out real well 'if anyone is stuck for hose's!
I have one of these, I don't know if its an original or not but I suspect its a copy. I use it with MAPP gas and oxygen and its fine never had any leaks etc but the hose seems very stiff and is annoying in that it wont hang, its always spiraled. Mine too had rather unusual fittings but I was able to get some blowback suppressors with the right fittings and its been fine. I would like to know how to identify an original Smiths little torch if anybody knows how. Im told the original have better taps but with nothing to compare that doesn't mean much to me
I got dooped into buying one of these look a like counterfeit torches.
bought my little torch at TEMU gas fittings did fit correctly may be issue corrected.
I bought a cheapie torch kit just for the hoses. Half the price of a set of Smith replacement hoses. I have the genuine Smith Little Torch in need of hoses.
Thanks for doing this review. It was extremely helpful.
If anyone could answer this question I'd really appreciate it - I just bought one of these torches, I'm a self taught silversmith with little experience and I'm establishing my tool collection.
The question is should I bother setting this up and using it as my torch or would you suggest paying the extra $400 Australian dollars and buying the original Little Smith torch? Or - other than a handheld butane torch is their another torch I should invest in, our Aussie dollar is low at the moment which makes this an expensive investment for a beginner (especially since I'm broke 😥)
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks Melissa in 🇦🇺
Hello Melissa in Oz!
to be honest I have been using this torch and if you can connect it up to oxygen and act?propane it actually works ok, I will admit I am a bit wary of it, but its doing everything I ask of it. If you can get your one set up without to much trouble I would give it a go!
Hope this helps,
thanks for watching,
Cliff
@@CliffsShed Thank you Cliff! That actually helps a lot. I'm going to take it to my local gas place and get what I need to set it up. At worst I can still use the regulators and flash back arrestors with something else. Cheers my friend and thanks again.
Zig says, hi mellisa you really should not be using this type of torch for silver, you will have much better results with a smith single stage torch with acetylene or propane. The oxy oxg is really only good for gold spot soldering, silver heats and solders much differently than gold. Good luck!
Try using some gasoline pipe thread tape to stop the leaking it’s a yellow pipe thread tape made specifically for gasses, propane’s, butane, naptha, kerosene, benzene and natural gas.
Thanks for the heads up, you pays your money and takes your chance…maybe the nuts are the nearest they could find in Metric…as apposed to the USA/UK imperial thread.
Makes you think, how they manage to make them so cheaply compared to the genuine Smith product..maybe it’s the genuine jewelled tips that are expensive to produce.
I think I would buy the adaptor for mapgas and run it on that for what you are doing
And the moral of the story is ...... Don`t by cheap Chinese copies, as we all find out eventually, often too late .
Any counterfeit items can be returned with a full refund via Ebay. But as you said 20 quid for genuine Smith's torch is too good to be true.
I bought mine on e bay but sent a message that ,I need the connection for Australian standard .They refunded me and I bought another they fit and were the real deal . The first seller was not !
The problem is the Chinese don't make Engrish fitings.
Bloory iriots! :-)
Thanks for watching
ATB,
Cliff
Well the one I just had delivered from Amazon, it will be the same maker as yours, doesn't have the nuts sorted out so I have to try and sort it out to fit like yours. I dont have the benefit of a lathe, or decent workshop, I will just do what you did and tap it out.
Good luck Shaun,
Apart from getting it connected, it's not a bad torch, I'm still using mine!
ATB,
Cliff
@@CliffsShed Cheers Cliff.
If Smiths little torch wasn’t so greedy ripping people off, there wouldn’t be a market for counterfeiters. Just charge a fair price for a product. Mmmmm, maybe be you’d sell a lot more and still be rich. 🧐🧐
Very dodgy cliff, don't think I would bye one.
The threads could be National Pipe thread 18tpi as opposed to BSP 19tpi.
Could have been Paul, can't check them on my one now, but with a bit of fettling it seems to be alright,
Thanks for watching,
all the best,
Cliff
Check this out from the manufacturer's web site:
www.smithequipment.com/files/pdf/spec_sheets/Little_Torch.pdf
There seem to be several different types of hose connectors, depending on where you live.
I paid half that recently. It was easier knowing what I'll be getting, thanks. Change out the connectors immediately. I was good with it functioning with only one tiny flame tip for what I need it for. They just need braking-in. They work. Maybe differently w/ other gases...? Good value in my mind.
Zig says the old saying stand true here, u get what u pay for!!
Very true Zig!
When I buy from Ebay under Categories I always pick US only as I live in the U.S and if I dispute something and ebay gets me a refund they pay the return shipping. If it is out side the US that will not. I am also looking to buy a Little Smith torch, I always look under Item specifics, if it a true Little Smith where it says "Brand" if it is a true little smith it will say Smith . If when you get it and it is not a Smith and if in the specifics it say "Smith" then Ebay will get you your money back as the item is not what it says it is, but out side of your country they will not (most of the time) pay for shipping out side the country where it is bough.
Why not just cut the hose and then put other fittings on hose end ....? ?
You should spend the 2 quid on a new battery for your clock :-D
You are very observant John, but actually time stops when I'm in the shed, if only!
Thanks for watching,
All the best,
Cliff
Haha, same as the one in my shop!
I doubt that its counterfeit, the box packaging, and instructions are to nice a quality, I have a real knock off and it just came in a white box. it was probably just pieces that might not have passed QA or a contract fell through between the companies after the products were made and packaged.
Those are US thread pitch fittings, sorry they didnt come with your wonky fitting sizes...
Definitely fake replicas…they do come in identical boxes, but usually the enclosed leaflets are different and less comprehensive…
Bought one of these, first thing i noticed is there are NO CHECK VALVES at all in the torch or lines.. No thanks!
After viewing this video I will NOT be buying this one!!
The treads are USA gas threads. the torch is dangerous throw it in the dust bin and buy the real Smith little torch. i purchased the one you have and i have the real Smith little torch as well, compareing the two the fake one is of very inferior quality.
Hello Joanna,
Absolutely agree, wanted to put this out just so people know,
Thanks for watching,
All the best,
Cliff
gosh the cheap fake are better build that the original... never ever buy the original theyre are scrap whit a nice name.... an joke on us user...
You did not mention the model number your orderd by. So leads me to think you ordered the NPT type, which is an American connector. You should have ordered the model with the BPT connectors. You made a mistake, that is why the seller did not return your requests. Hmmmm, foolish.
Face it, TT he torch is ok, get your stuff right and stop as slagging people off who expose your faults and all Will be well, send me something I can use and I'll review it , honestly, promise!
Cedartree: That is incorrect. NPT (National Pipe Thread) is a TAPERED thread. Welding gas fittings use a STRAIGHT thread. USA uses a 9/16" - 18 thread for the Little Torch.
So do their sella counterfeit one with the USA standards??