Very good video and outstanding choice of Smith (now owned by Miller) equipment. If someone lucks out and scores a concentrator with the pump for refilling medical oxygen cylinders they can do that too and have a very portable setup for demos or whatever. The Handi-Heet is also an excellent torch for joining copper pipe so you can repair and modify your plumbing for very little money if you're so inclined. Jewelry work is the most precise torch work. Compared to that ordinary torch soldering, brazing and gas welding are easy to learn.
Thanks for the comment! While the handi heat (smith silversmith) is a good torch, it doesn't get hot enough for many jewlery applications, the compressed oxygen plus propane is more suitable.
Thanks so much. I got hooked up with slightly different pieces but my concentrator alarm keeps going off. I have the same one as you it's the "!" Alarm. Have you had that happen?
eppa2277 The alarm is a warning that you have to open the valve on your torch to let the oxygen escapes! when the machine is on you should never have the green valve closed while the compressor is running!
@@LeslieKailVillarreal I get this alarm too, this after having the unit serviced (new filters and sieve cannisters), and the handle knob for oxy open all the way. I suspect some other obstruction, but not sure how to begin troubleshooting it. Any ideas you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
I had an epiphany the other day because I wanted oxy for a torch set up but didn’t want tanks and Lo and behold you have a WHOLE VIDEO ON EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED! Thank you!! Oxygen concentrator setup is brilliant, and you simplified it for everyone.
Thank you so much for this video. I just got home with an oxygen concentrator that I purchased on Craigslist with less than 700 hours on it. I didn't know if there would be anything on UA-cam about using an oxygen concentrator and your video was everything I needed. Really excellent instruction!
Oh Leslie, I’ve been looking for you and your knowledge! I’ve taken gold and silver smithing classes, but I hesitated setting up torches at home. These videos are perfect! I’m glad I kept looking at UA-cam so that I found you!
Such a great video and great information. Thanks so much for the detailed posting. For those of you that don't have an Airgas dealer near you, I ordered the following parts from Amazon and they worked great for hooking up my Smith Little Torch to the concentrator: Fomey 60332 Hose Coupler Set & Forney 60326 Hose Repair Kit. Between those 2 - you'll have everything you need. Hope this helps someone else.
My torch arrived yesterday and I ran out and gathered all of the supplies from AirGas and hardware store (hose, connectors, propane, etc.) Everything was easy to find. I am going to work with it one more day before ordering the Paige Tools tips to make sure I know what I need. My torch came with tips #3-7 and I found 7 to be plenty powerful for the bigger piece I was working on. I couldn't be happier! Thank you again. When running the torch with my concentrator, the liters per minute read at about 2.5, even when turned way up at the concentrator. But this worked just fine. Thank you again for such a detailed tutorial. I know I'm going to be very happy with this set up.
Thank you so much! I have a Smith Little and have used it for many years with oxy acetylene. Recently inherited a brand new large oxygen concentrator from my brother who passed away and didn't know how to incorporate the Smith with it - thank you thank you for the lesson - changed everything for me.
I just discovered your videos and in the nick of time! I watched this video yesterday and looked on Craigslist, found an Oxygen concentrator for $195 and bought it today! Next step is to purchase the Smith Little Torch, propane tank and all the other needed items. Thank you for your video and I am a new subscriber!
MADRE MÍA! DESPUES DE MUCHAS SEMANAS BUSCANDO INFORMACIÓN, AL FINAL ENCONTRÉ JUSTAMENTE LO QUE BUSCABA!! Muchas gracias Leslie, me has ayudado a despejar mis dudas en todo lo que has descrito. Te has ganado mi like y un suscriptor mas. Sé que lleva 7 años este vídeo, pero sigue teniendo un valor incalculable. gracias!! muchísimas gracias por estar ahí.
Hi Leslie, I just found 4 of those Everflo units by a dumpster today at a Medical oxygen supply company. They cut the power cords off. My plan is to put a power cord on one and see what happens. I've already opened it up and plan to fix it if it needs repair. I have a welding shop here in my garage and had no idea about these oxygen generators. How cool! I love your video by the way!
I started using an oxygen concentrator for welding and was wondering why more people were not doing it. ”It never occurred to me ” was the answer I got most often. Once the units have run through their useful life as medical equipment I think this is a great use for what would otherwise end up in the landfills. The alarm was meant for alerting people that their hose had a kink or for some reason was restricting the flow. So the alarm will start beeping if you adjust the flow to a low flow, but you have to have a flame that might be too big for your work with the flow that keeps the alarm from going off. What to do? Install a T junction with a needle valve where the needle valve releases the extra oxygen into the room. It can then let the concentrator operate at a higher flow rate (which is actually easier on the equipment and will prolong it's lifespan as well as stopping the alarm) while using a smaller amount at the torch tip, allowing some of the smallest torch tips to be steady. Nice job on the explanation! Finally found someone else who is going tankless.
Fantastic video! Thanks so much for putting in the time to teach us all your knowledge. I know just how time consuming it can be editing videos like this so I really appreciate it!!
You always use two wrenches when tightening fittings; one to do the tightening, the other placed on the stationary fitting as a "hold-back" . Otherwise you are going to loosen or strip adjacent connections --- and get a flashback arrestor on the propane and acetylene. I've heard the concentrator does not need an arrestor, but the oxygen tank need one too.
Just ordered an oxygen concentrator from Etsy. I’m going through tanks too fast and it’s 104$ a pop to fill em. The place I’m getting oxygen actually is an air gas, name and all, so I’m going to try and go there with the information you provided and hopefully I can get what I need. Then come home, set it up and be ready to go. The option of only paying for propane will be such a relief. Edit the concentrator I got is actually the same one you have. Now I just have to wait for it to get here, should be a few days. I can’t wait man, I won’t be afraid to go down and use my torch, feeling pressured to make what I need. It’s a pain to get that oxygen tank out to the car from where it is in my house. I know that it doesn’t burn as pure as an oxygen tank but idc it will work. I’m running it on a bobcat GTT one stage torch, and I mainly make marbles and pendants. Thank you so much for the video and information on how to do this
@@jewelsmythe3111 I subscribed to your channel as well. I have a question would you be able to just connect the green hose to the concentrator? Or do you really need a flashback arrestor, I can go get the bits you said I need but I can also just cut the green hose and put it on the nipple
Thank you so much for this info! I have a glass torch on a 5 lpm oxygen concentrator and it's hooked up like something from Mr. Wizard's lab 'cause I couldn't get the right fittings...now I know what to ask for!!! Love your videos and can't wait to take one of your online classes!
Thank you so much for posting this. Extremely helpful, best and most straightforward and detailed information I've found and I've been looking for awhile
Thank you! The timing for finding this video was perfect as I just bought a used O2 concentrator for $100 and a disposable propane tank. Because my new studio is adjacent to my living area I wanted to get rid of the tanks. I've been using a creme brule torch but that's a pain! I've been hesitant to set up the new system but now I'm confident that it's simple and I can do it safely. Goodby BBQ fuel tank and O2 tank. I'm so grateful for you and all the knowledge you share!!
still love your videos 😍I have used many torches, hoke, orca i use a smith little torch from time to time. my favorite is the smith silver smith. i have 5 tips for that one i use a #2 or #3 for melting an ounce or two in the crucible. but normally i use a #0 or #00 primarily. great video as always, seems most people only know smith little torch.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. My concentrator has about 37500 hours on it. I replaced the filter, got all the parts you outlined and I can't get a flame. I get a tiny one that winks out. The minute I add a small bit of propane, it can't hold the flame. Used all different pressure settings, tried with and without regulator and it seems like there is enough air pressure, but not a pure enough oxygen output. Gonna try with a new or newer one since it costs almost as much to get it fixed as it does to buy new. No less than $400 with a short warranty when repaired, versus $600 and a 3-year warranty if new. I'd love for someone to show me an alternative :) Glad you got a good one, Leslie. I might just have caught some bad luck
3700 hours is a lot and I’d say it’s probably done I can’t imagine one being that old and still working but it’s a possibility if you want to test it you might consider getting a different tip if you have the Smith little OXY torch by the Smith Miller Rosebud for propane Auto fry sells it. It has a long skinny neck and a rosebud tip with six holes I believe. The tips that come with the smith little torch are so tiny they’re really good for bench repair work, but not really for good soldering on larger items and they’re very hard to light because the portals are so tiny. Anyway, if you have a different torch I really don’t know what to tell you other than to try different concentrator Rio Grande sells them also. Another tip I would give you is to make sure you’re not using more than four or 5 feet of the clear rubber hose that connects the concentrator to your torch. I would also recommend you check the filter and make sure it’s clean and if it needs to be replaced you can do so. Are you getting at least 4 L per minute? When you turn it on and let it run for say five minutes before you try to light it there should be a little floating ball what level is it on?
Thanks for the info! I was wondering if it was possible to use one of these for the little torch. Just ordered one of these mini torch kits to use for a whole host of things ranging from hobbies to AC/refrigeration brazing and personal car repair tasks like heating around a stuck bolt which takes forever with a conventional propane only torch. I wouldn't want to use the concentrator in the shop area with all the dust dirt and humidity, but for the work table in a climate controlled area this appears to be the best option!
I just lucked into two oxygen concentrators. I bought a smiths little torch and didn’t know how to set it up, so this video is great. One of the concentrators is exactly like the one in the video. They are both 5 ml. I’ll probably use the blue one because it’s a little less noisy.
Thanks for the helpful walkthrough of the Oxy concentrator . I’ve just ordered a refurbished one. My smiths torch constantly leaks ( it’s tricky getting spares in the uk) and it’ll save the constant trips to get the tanks refilled. Cheers , Andrew
Stumbled upon your channel here and although I know these concentrators in and out (Been rebuilding them for ages), I've only heard about this kind of set up used by an old band friend of mine who made glass pot smoking paraphernalia. Gonna check out your uses with this heat for sure!
Hello Leslie.. I produced hydrogen and oxygen in a ratio of 2:1 by electrolysis.. It had a lot of power.. But this will be a better way as you mention Leslie.. I will also buy a Philips oxygen concentrator like you have.. I understood everything and there will be no problem put it together like this.. In the end, I still need to make ozone olive oil, I will also need a Philips oxygen concentrator there.. Thank you and greetings to the USA. Vašek CZ Europe..
very interesting, I'm an oxygen user for medical reasons and have brought up this type of use with the concentrators in support groups. The oxygen companies have the patients so afraid of fire and explosion the patients won't even use Vaseline because it's petroleum based. Thank you for sharing your knowledge (now I'm getting ideas of a new hobby, I have the exact concentrator lol)
Leslie, Do I need to adjust the lpm per each size tip? Number 7 tip - use 5lpm and the smaller number 2 tip - use a lower lpm??? THANKS! Great video! Finally got my concentrator and all set up.
Thank you so much for this demo! I had my husband run to the welding store to pick up the fittings, and they don’t have the radnor brand here, so the guy ended up giving him a nut that doesn’t look right (even though I sent him a picture) -I asked my husband to pick up some hose, and the guy gave him a set that for acetylene and oxygen-so now I’ve got a bunch of stuff to return. Ended up paying the upcharge to order online -so now I’ve got to wait some more. Live and learn!
Thank you ,a lot of good info Leslie.I might use 2 wrenches to tighten your connection over holding one in your hand ,unless there is a "T"for leverage
What about using mapp gas as it burns hotter or is that not desirable ? Nice video for me as I've been soldering and welding a long time and I never seen stuff like you're showing, it's just great !
Leslie, you mentioned several times the regulator on your propane was disposable. I have no idea what these cost, but if you are throwing them away, I would be interested in buying plus shipping., The tank is designed to be disposable. Yet fitting are sold to refill them from 20 pound tanks. Most will not be comfortable and if tried, should always be done outside. I am retired auto tech and have the full sized tank & torch set. I always run out of oxygen in the middle of a project and always on the weekend. This is why I came back to watch again to see if I could use my wife’s exact same oxygen concentrator. She had heart surgery over a year ago and doing ok. It runs in her family. Just wanted to point out the propane screw on valve, it works like a needle valve to slowly control the output of propane to the hose. Even though it has a knob w/o a gauge (For Cost) Technically anything that controls the flow of a pressurized gas, could be called a regulator, but an actual regulator will automatically control the flow at the set/adjusted rate, would adjust regardless of the tanks internal pressure. Thanks very much for the video and your information. I am sorry that I am not familiar with your jewelry or other decorations, but I can tell that you are creative and enjoy what you do. Plus, you know your equipment so you are experienced and good at it. Oxygen concentrators are portable type, station but low pressure & wheels, then hospitals, certain drug stores and critical care facilities have a concentrator the includes a high pressure internal pumps that can actually fill these tanks. Air Gas, Lindweld and others, use stainless steel tanks that are cleaned, but the oxygen used is filtered at a very high rate. Then samples of each tank are tested for particles and oxygen percentage of 95% +/_ 1%. The oxygen concentrators take oxygen out of the air and are normally rated at 92% +/_ 3% on many machines, better on machines like yours. Thank you again. Auto ASE Master tech since 1978 - retired.
Great video Leslie, thank you. So do you keep the concentrator on all day while you work? And do you leave the propane tank valve open all day until you close your studio for the day? Thanks so much!
@@LeslieKailVillarreal Great! Just purchased the same set up and getting over the fear of not pooping, (lol!) I've learned so much from your classes and videos! Thanks so much!
You can also find all those fittings on Ebay cheap. I just found a crimping tool for the brass sleeve that goes around your hose and fitting. The crimping tool looks like a vice grip but has 2 different size holes for regular diameter welding hose and the smaller size.
Awesome video! I had no clue you could do this with an oxygen concentrator. Thanks for taking the time to explain the set ups. Curious, can you run a concentrator with an acetylene tank? Seems like it might just work? Looking at possibility of using a regular sized torch and cutting 1/4 inch steel. Possible?
The Mecco torches are the preferred torches used by most jewelers in the industry. i also have a Smith Mini and the two are probably interchangeable as far as efficiency. I also use a propane and small oxygen tank but the generator seems like a great idea.
This is super helpful, Leslie, as I have started looking into oxygen concentrators, but haven’t really known what to look for - or how to use it. Will this setup generate enough heat and pressure for long enough to do sand casting? I just have a setup to do rings and other similarly sized objects, so nothing really big, but I was taught to use a rosebud tip, which obviously produces a really big flame.
Good video. I have been thinking about working with precious metals since I graduated from college, and decided to make a living melting gold for different uses, as the recession caused by the pandemic made things difficult for many of us.
@@LeslieKailVillarreal Oh wow, that is great to hear. I just bought one in almost new condition (thank you Covid!) and after 20+ years at the bench I'm making the switch. Thanks for the great video, all the best.
Leslie, thanks so much for this great video! You've de-mystified so much for me. I've been using a kitchen torch and have been wanting to step up as it is limited. You've offered some concrete information to help guide my decision making. And Cyberweld is awesome! Thanks again
Hi Leslie Few months ago I bought a non-disposable propane gas tank (large bottle), and two regulators ( for oxy and gas), with two arestors. To refill the bottle with the oxygene is really expensive , I learned that after I spent all the money for this equipment. Now, after watching your video , I found an oxygene generator . But I would like to keep using my non-disposable propane bottle . Could you please inform me whether this combination is no problem? Should I keep the regulator w/arestor on the propane tank, and use the oxygene from generator as you showed In this video ( plus maybe arestors)? Thank you for your help- in advance :))) Beata
This is a great video and helped me with my decisions on purchasing a new torch. There are so many options out there it's difficult to choose one! I'm currently waiting on the torch and disposable regulator. I have a concentrator for my glasswork. I'll be ordering the tips also. The man I spoke to at Paige Tools was so helpful. Just wondering if there is any new info since you've been using this for awhile? Do you ever need your acetylene torch?
Helpful video on hookups for the Smiths torch, especially how you connect to an oxygen generator. I also considered an oxy generator for my torch, but since 20 CF oxygen bottles are available here for a fraction of the generator's cost--and cheap to refill, I'm doing that instead.
Oxygen concentrators work using a molecular sieve - so the flow rate regulator also adjusts how pure your oxygen is. If your machine is rated at "5lpm", it usually means that your oxygen will be 55-70% pure at 5lpm, and all the way up to 90-98% pure at 1lpm. So you *should* limit the flow if you're doing smaller work. Makes for a hotter flame.
Your machine needs servicing. A properly working machine will maintain 95% at 5lpm. I have two machines, one 21000 hours and one 44000 hours (compressor and valve pack rebuilt) and both put out 95% at 5lpm. Both have the original sieve canisters.
@@glasslinger I don't have one(yet), but what I meant in this comment is that most concentrators are medical, and their ratings are often overstated for marketing purposes. In my experience shopping for them, almost every single unit has a number stated higher than the concentration specified in the datasheet in finer print. Most 5lpm models I've seen are only rated at around 70% @ 5lpm, and the concentration goes up the lower the flow rate is set(90% @ 3lpm, 98% @ 1lpm, and so on). The only exception to this I've seen so far is units from Philips Respironics(I believe they're popular in the US) and Bitmos. Their units seem to genuinely output the highest stated concentration at any flow rate.
@@glasslinger You're totally right about that. With new sieve beds, these concentrators should still put out > 90% oxygen at the highest flow rate. What I DON'T like about this model (I have the same one), is that if you do want a lower flow rate (say 1 LPM instead of 5 LPM), it still produces a bit over 5 LPM and it just bleeds out the rest of the pure oxygen from a valve inside the machine. There are other O2 concentrators that actually adjust down the compressor speed so it takes less power and your sieve beds last much longer.
Hi Leslie. Because of you, I have now a Oxygen concetrator + propane setup at my freshly baked studio. Thank you so much for a great video and all the insights! As I am new to propane, I am not very comfortable playing with the torch yet as dunno much how to use the flame properly. I read that blue flame = complete combustion, but any more tips from anymore using a propane torch on different types of propane flames and their purpose? hottest tip? when to use more gas? when to use more oxygen? THANKS A MILLION!
Ana-Maria Atonoaie Congratulations! If you have a smith little torch I suggest your contact Richard at Paigetools.com and get his multi port tips. They will transform your torch into a work horse. You’ll be able to get a big bushy 🔥 flame. Basically there are 3types of flames achieved by changing the amount of oxygen you allow to enter the flame. 1.Annealing flame less oxygen more yellow at the end of tip not hissing. 2 reducing flame, bushy and hot great for fusing and melting casting grain, again not too much oxy-And 3 sharp hot tip with more of blue cone and more oxygen, it will hiss more as u allow more oxygen .
Hi Leslie thanks for the video. Tell me please how have you got on with the smith torch and oxycon? I've got to move on from the setup that I currently have as it's so limiting. I have a Sievert propane only torch that I use with a needle point nozzle (because I want and I want a concentrated heat pattern) I want to use the glass beads that I make and a bigger nozzle will damage the beads. I don't know if I should go for a Smith torch and use my 4LPM oxycon with that or get one of the brazing kits that are made for the refrigeration industry. As an example I want to solder a 50mm long 4mm X 3mm piece of sterling to a 150mm long X 50mm wide sheet of 1mm thick silver along with two lengths of 2.5mm wire each about 80mm long to make a cuff but the wires will have beads in then so I can't get it all hot at once. Kind Regards . . Andy
Hello Andy, yes I’ve been using the set up and Todd thousands of students to use it as well. It’s the only set up I have in my studio and I love it Bree oxygen you can’t beat right? You can really do a lot with this torch you can use the tiny little Smith tips, that will give you a pencil tight pinpoint flame or you can use the large rosebud tips for raising or alloying or fusing. It’s wonderful you won’t regret it.
thanks! great video and oxygen generator system. I didn't want oxygen/propane tanks and was looking a hydro torch system but those are limiting in terms of heat.. Now I'm leaning towards an oxygen generator system..
Fab video Leslie. As always. Just got oxycon and smiths. Quick question. You show the on off procedure for each session. When you are working with the set up I presume you turn green valve on first then red on the torch. If you're turning off for a few mins then do you turn of red then green on torch but not at the tanks. Is that okay or do you need to turn everything off even for just a few mins. Does that make sense?
Sue Coppock hi yes that’s correct..green valve is always open, except for whet u are lighting the torch. Then u turn it off while u are lighting propane. Always turn off propane when it’s flame is off. Run off the propane to put ou the flame an leave green on
Abra abra cadabra :-) I think I was 9 years old when the Steve Miller Band was big. Very inspiring set-up with the Smith Little torch, I'll look into that!
Is it possible to melt large amounts of metal with the oxygen device? Probably not with the small flame or can you also connect a large burner? So is it applicable for casting or only for soldering work?
The Ability to melt larger quantities of metal would depend on the torch you have .the oxygen would be the same coming from a tank or from the concentrator would make no difference
THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT VIDEO MY QUESTION IS THE ADAPTOR ON YOU TORCH HOSE LOOKS BIGGER THEN THE ONE ON MY LITTLE TORCH. DID YOU CHANGE THEM AND WERE CAN I FIND THE CONNECTORS I NEED FOR THE PROPANE BOTTLES THANKS AGAIN
Thank you for the very clear instructions on setting up an oxygen concentrator. I'm seriously considering getting one. I was wondering though... what is the largest torch tip that you have been able to use with this setup?
Just a recommendation. Stand to the side of the regulator when opening the big valve on the top of a pressurized tank. It very rarely happens, but if the regulator fails it will launch the cap and the screw you use to set the pressure straight forward and hurt what ever is in it's path.
B.S. On the farm we had a commercial Harris brand torch. As an ASE Master Tech since 1978, most every shop has a full sized torch. #1 Many are mounted on rolling carts. Either cart or wall, both tanks should be chained so the can’t fall. #2 If you know torches or read the instructions, turning on the oxygen should be done slowly. High end regulators have a two stage regulator setup. First is simply a bourdon-tube gauge, showing you how much pressure is in the tank. The first regulator on many, have no adjustment, only dropping the 2,000 PSI tank pressure down to 500 PSI, the second regulator is adjustable, to set hose/torch pressure so depending on the use, higher for a “Rose-Bud” or 5 psi for a #3 brazing tip. If your regulator has been rebuilt and has no sticker on it, don’t use it. If you drop the regulator on concrete, but a new one. Most gas supply stores don’t fix these but send them in to a certified shop. These are tested 7 ways to Sunday and have a sticker, serial number, date code and order number plus the technicians name or code number. If yours is made of plastic and is a no-brand type, then yes. Chances are it will come apart with 2,000 PSI behind it from a full tank. Was your high school shop teacher drinking?
Not sure why you whent on a long rant here bud. I'm clearly aware of every thing you just said. If you have ever been professionally taught how to use a torch they tell you to stand to the side incase it ever blows the front cap off. Yes they are certified, but after many years of use deterioration and/or unseen damages can cause failure. Yes you should open the tank slowly, but sometimes that doesn't happen due to lack of experience, not paying attention, sticking valve. I know a guy that had a regulator blow appart on him. He was standing out of the way so it was nothing more than a scare for him. Knowing this you might as well practice proper safety and stand to the side so that you are safe in the very rare occasion that a failure happens.
Nope you didn’t miss it. I didn’t cover any set up with the acetylene torch. I actually said in the video that I was getting rid of my acetylene torch and tanks and moving on to a oxygen concentrator, and a disposable propane tank. I got rid of my Smith handy heat torch because it uses only acetylene, it does not work with compressed oxygen.
I have just brought the Paige tool tip absolutely awesome one question I have seen a concentrator what does 5ltrs per min but only at 40% is this too low ?
Very kool! I ran my torch with medical oxygen bottles from the junkyard (they had a few for some reason) but im considering a concentrator cause i need a prescription to gettem filled :/ I love your jewlery btw, very nice!
Hi! Thanks for such an informative video. I'm quite new to all this so it's been awesome to be able to find resources like this. I have a couple questions...on the website Paige Tools says you can use all the tips with an oxygen concentrator and a disposable propane tank, even the MX. Have you used the MX with your concentrator/disposable propane tank before? The melting tip you can buy from Smith says it's not compatible with an oxygen concentrator or a disposable propane tank, which is why i'm wanting to double check. Thanks so much!
This video changed my apartment dwelling; silversmithing life!! Scored my Everflow today I am collecting other materials for set up. Do I need flashback arrestor in addition to regulator on my disposable propane tank? Thanks Leslie
Awesome video, thank you so much! I plan on watching all your videos! I just got my oxygen concentrator and I'm ready to start. I have a couple questions. What states do you leave your oxygen concentrator and your propane tank in in-between soldering? For example, I've just finished soldering something, do I shut off propane then oxygen on the smith little torch in that order, and do I leave the propane regulator and the oxygen concentrator on if I are going to be soldering more throughout the day? Also, for the end of day shutdown you showed that you turned off the propane on the torch and you turned off the regulator on the propane can, O2 is still flowing through the torch, turn off O2 concentrator, wait a bit for O2 to bleed out, turn off the O2 on the torch. Then you turned on the propane on the torch to bleed out but you didn't light it, does it matter if you light it for bleeding out the gas? Sorry for the novice questions, but I'm trying to teach myself and you're all I have. So thank you in advance!!! I'm so glad I found your videos!
I would suggest you watch the whole video, more than once if necessary, because Leslie answered that question *very* clearly and specifically towards the end.
Those are the questions I have. I am still not sure after watching the video twice. I am in the habit of turning my torch off to reposition something and then re lighting it. With this set up I think I would turn off propane at the torch and leave the oxygen on. When relighting I would turn off the O, turn on the P, light it, and then turn the O back on at the torch. Is this correct?
Hi Leslie, thank you for another great video. I do have a couple of questions though. The first is, do you need to have a flash back arrestor for the oxygen concentrator and second, would one of those portable oxygen concentrators also work? The kind I'm thinking about are the ones that have a strap and can be worn over the shoulder. They are about the size of a medium sized purse. Thank you in advance for your answers.
Leslie Kail Villarreal are you still using the Smith Little, O2 concentrator and propane? Do you still like it? I am looking to do a home set up and loved your video.
Hi Leslie, Thanks for responding to my ignition issues in a FB group. I came back to rewatch this excellent video to see what I might be doing wrong. I have disposable propane & an oxy-con now (graduating from a chef’s torch finally). I can’t seem to get a flame. I am lighting exactly the way you show. My oxy-con instructions said to turn the torch oxy knob off (after priming), then turn on the propane at the tank & torch, but I kept setting off the concentrator’s alarm (I guess I took too long). So, I tried your way - turn on the propane tank regulator ‘before’ turning off the oxy torch valve. I now have control of the alarm, but still no flame (the igniter IS sparking). How fully do you open your disposable propane canister (roughly how many turns)? When propane is turned on at both the tank & torch, should I be able to hear or feel anything coming out like I do with oxygen (I’m not sensing any flow - brand new propane canister)? And finally, is it safe to skip the oxygen and try lighting propane by itself a few times just to get the hang of it? Thanks sooo much!
I think you’re having trouble because you’re using those tiny Smith little tips -ditch those tips and get yourself a multi port tip from ottofrei.com do you want to IMPGEN tips they come in a kit :ox3 and 4 with a neck that will give you an easier way to light your torch and make your torch much better if you insist on using the Smith little tips that came with your torch then I would use the number seven tip which is the biggest hole -let your concentrator run for about three minutes with both valves open then briefly turn off the green valve while you light the propane then turn down the propane only flame and slowly add the oxygen
@@LeslieKailVillarreal That was quick! Thank you! I bought Paige Tips for it and currently have the M3 mounted, I think. I’ll look into the appropriate tip (I bought the whole set) and will keep plugging away. Hopefully it will become second nature before I know it.
Hello Leslie. You’ve inspired me to look for a used O2 concentrator. Are they different than a CPAP machine. More specifically, can a CPAP machine be adapted for this purpose?
This was 3 years ago I’m wondering if you decided that you like this set up better than the icy/acet tanks when it comes to the actual way it works for your soldering? I’m trying to decide what I should buy as a newby.. what is going to be the best and most efficient but also not break the bank lol
Thank you so much! Ran out of oxygen and my local AirGas just closed...I was begging my son to help me with his truck until I did some you tube surfing and found this. So informative and helpful! Great video!
Hi Leslie, where can I buy the regulator for the Bernzomatic tank. Thank you for your teachings, I am an admirer and follower of yours. I love your designs !!!
I have the same exact concentrator I just picked up at a local sale. Every time I try to add the oxygen to the propane after it’s lit, the flame goes out. What should I be doing differently? I’m following instructions as in the video. I have a size 3 tip on. Any insight is appreciated-this thing scares me hahaha might have to go back to mini butane torches 🤦🏻♀️
Try using the largest tip, be sure to let the concentrated run at least 3 min it needs to build up oxygen. If it still won’t light, and have more than 10,000 hrs on it it needs to be re furbished. If u have flash back arrestees try removing them and try again to light it
I really like the oxygen concentrator, a very good idea. The disposable propane bottle is a plus also. May I ask where the disposable propane regulator is available? (Airgas??)
Very good video and outstanding choice of Smith (now owned by Miller) equipment.
If someone lucks out and scores a concentrator with the pump for refilling medical oxygen cylinders they can do that too and have a very portable setup for demos or whatever.
The Handi-Heet is also an excellent torch for joining copper pipe so you can repair and modify your plumbing for very little money if you're so inclined. Jewelry work is the most precise torch work. Compared to that ordinary torch soldering, brazing and gas welding are easy to learn.
Thanks for the comment! While the handi heat (smith silversmith) is a good torch, it doesn't get hot enough for many jewlery applications, the compressed oxygen plus propane is more suitable.
Thanks so much. I got hooked up with slightly different pieces but my concentrator alarm keeps going off. I have the same one as you it's the "!" Alarm. Have you had that happen?
koolkitty8989 no one is refilling air tanks here
eppa2277 The alarm is a warning that you have to open the valve on your torch to let the oxygen escapes! when the machine is on you should never have the green valve closed while the compressor is running!
@@LeslieKailVillarreal I get this alarm too, this after having the unit serviced (new filters and sieve cannisters), and the handle knob for oxy open all the way. I suspect some other obstruction, but not sure how to begin troubleshooting it. Any ideas you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
I had an epiphany the other day because I wanted oxy for a torch set up but didn’t want tanks and Lo and behold you have a WHOLE VIDEO ON EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED! Thank you!! Oxygen concentrator setup is brilliant, and you simplified it for everyone.
Thank you so much for this video. I just got home with an oxygen concentrator that I purchased on Craigslist with less than 700 hours on it. I didn't know if there would be anything on UA-cam about using an oxygen concentrator and your video was everything I needed. Really excellent instruction!
Oh Leslie, I’ve been looking for you and your knowledge! I’ve taken gold and silver smithing classes, but I hesitated setting up torches at home. These videos are perfect! I’m glad I kept looking at UA-cam so that I found you!
Such a great video and great information. Thanks so much for the detailed posting. For those of you that don't have an Airgas dealer near you, I ordered the following parts from Amazon and they worked great for hooking up my Smith Little Torch to the concentrator: Fomey 60332 Hose Coupler Set & Forney 60326 Hose Repair Kit. Between those 2 - you'll have everything you need. Hope this helps someone else.
LA Osborne thank you for sharing that!
FORNEY FOR BOTH!
Thank you! I was able to find these on Amazon five years later and just ordered them. Thanks so much!
thanks mrs Leslie. a lot easier to handle the concentrator rather than the oxigen cylinder.
My torch arrived yesterday and I ran out and gathered all of the supplies from AirGas and hardware store (hose, connectors, propane, etc.) Everything was easy to find. I am going to work with it one more day before ordering the Paige Tools tips to make sure I know what I need. My torch came with tips #3-7 and I found 7 to be plenty powerful for the bigger piece I was working on. I couldn't be happier! Thank you again. When running the torch with my concentrator, the liters per minute read at about 2.5, even when turned way up at the concentrator. But this worked just fine. Thank you again for such a detailed tutorial. I know I'm going to be very happy with this set up.
that is awesome !!!
I noticed that too, my #7 tip reduces the lpm to around 2. Works fine.
Thank you so much! I have a Smith Little and have used it for many years with oxy acetylene. Recently inherited a brand new large oxygen concentrator from my brother who passed away and didn't know how to incorporate the Smith with it - thank you thank you for the lesson - changed everything for me.
you are so welcome darlin!
I just discovered your videos and in the nick of time! I watched this video yesterday and looked on Craigslist, found an Oxygen concentrator for $195 and bought it today! Next step is to purchase the Smith Little Torch, propane tank and all the other needed items. Thank you for your video and I am a new subscriber!
MADRE MÍA! DESPUES DE MUCHAS SEMANAS BUSCANDO INFORMACIÓN, AL FINAL ENCONTRÉ JUSTAMENTE LO QUE BUSCABA!!
Muchas gracias Leslie, me has ayudado a despejar mis dudas en todo lo que has descrito. Te has ganado mi like y un suscriptor mas.
Sé que lleva 7 años este vídeo, pero sigue teniendo un valor incalculable. gracias!! muchísimas gracias por estar ahí.
Interesting video Leslie. Lots of very handy information. Thanks Leslie. All the best.
Thank you!
Hi Leslie, I just found 4 of those Everflo units by a dumpster today at a Medical oxygen supply company. They cut the power cords off. My plan is to put a power cord on one and see what happens. I've already opened it up and plan to fix it if it needs repair. I have a welding shop here in my garage and had no idea about these oxygen generators. How cool! I love your video by the way!
I just got one of these concentrators and your video is absolutely fantastic! Thank you!!
Thank you hun!
Your the best, just seting up for small repairs and hobby. The plumbing part was great. Along with all else...Thanks so much.
I started using an oxygen concentrator for welding and was wondering why more people were not doing it. ”It never occurred to me ” was the answer I got most often. Once the units have run through their useful life as medical equipment I think this is a great use for what would otherwise end up in the landfills.
The alarm was meant for alerting people that their hose had a kink or for some reason was restricting the flow. So the alarm will start beeping if you adjust the flow to a low flow, but you have to have a flame that might be too big for your work with the flow that keeps the alarm from going off. What to do? Install a T junction with a needle valve where the needle valve releases the extra oxygen into the room. It can then let the concentrator operate at a higher flow rate (which is actually easier on the equipment and will prolong it's lifespan as well as stopping the alarm) while using a smaller amount at the torch tip, allowing some of the smallest torch tips to be steady.
Nice job on the explanation! Finally found someone else who is going tankless.
Hi there @brainisfullofnonsense8183 Can you help me figure out how to install a T junction with a needle valve? I would love the beeping to stop!
Great setup, and much safer, and much much cheaper in the long run. Cheers Leslie.
Fantastic video! Thanks so much for putting in the time to teach us all your knowledge. I know just how time consuming it can be editing videos like this so I really appreciate it!!
You always use two wrenches when tightening fittings; one to do the tightening, the other placed on the stationary fitting as a "hold-back" . Otherwise you are going to loosen or strip adjacent connections --- and get a flashback arrestor on the propane and acetylene. I've heard the concentrator does not need an arrestor, but the oxygen tank need one too.
Just slip a steel tube inside the oxy line. Fire can and will burn up the line.
Just ordered an oxygen concentrator from Etsy. I’m going through tanks too fast and it’s 104$ a pop to fill em. The place I’m getting oxygen actually is an air gas, name and all, so I’m going to try and go there with the information you provided and hopefully I can get what I need. Then come home, set it up and be ready to go. The option of only paying for propane will be such a relief.
Edit the concentrator I got is actually the same one you have. Now I just have to wait for it to get here, should be a few days. I can’t wait man, I won’t be afraid to go down and use my torch, feeling pressured to make what I need. It’s a pain to get that oxygen tank out to the car from where it is in my house. I know that it doesn’t burn as pure as an oxygen tank but idc it will work. I’m running it on a bobcat GTT one stage torch, and I mainly make marbles and pendants. Thank you so much for the video and information on how to do this
awesome! you will never look back!
@@jewelsmythe3111 I subscribed to your channel as well. I have a question would you be able to just connect the green hose to the concentrator? Or do you really need a flashback arrestor, I can go get the bits you said I need but I can also just cut the green hose and put it on the nipple
Thank you so much for this info! I have a glass torch on a 5 lpm oxygen concentrator and it's hooked up like something from Mr. Wizard's lab 'cause I couldn't get the right fittings...now I know what to ask for!!! Love your videos and can't wait to take one of your online classes!
Unbelievable, she gives clear instructions , all the detail and people still ask "what size was that fitting "...
no kidding!
Thanks Leslie. Great on concentrator. Just bought one from Rio and now I know how to set it up!!!!
Thanks for doing this video. I just set up my oxy concentrator and propane. This video was really helpful!
Thank you so much for posting this. Extremely helpful, best and most straightforward and detailed information I've found and I've been looking for awhile
Sonia Blade you're welcome! Thanks for the nice compliment😘
Thank you! The timing for finding this video was perfect as I just bought a used O2 concentrator for $100 and a disposable propane tank. Because my new studio is adjacent to my living area I wanted to get rid of the tanks. I've been using a creme brule torch but that's a pain! I've been hesitant to set up the new system but now I'm confident that it's simple and I can do it safely. Goodby BBQ fuel tank and O2 tank. I'm so grateful for you and all the knowledge you share!!
still love your videos 😍I have used many torches, hoke, orca i use a smith little torch from time to time. my favorite is the smith silver smith. i have 5 tips for that one i use a #2 or #3 for melting an ounce or two in the crucible. but normally i use a #0 or #00 primarily. great video as always, seems most people only know smith little torch.
I also use a blow pipe torch
@@LeslieKailVillarreal you got me on that one beautiful 😍. I am not familiar with a blow pipe torch. you should do a video on that one 😁
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. My concentrator has about 37500 hours on it. I replaced the filter, got all the parts you outlined and I can't get a flame. I get a tiny one that winks out. The minute I add a small bit of propane, it can't hold the flame. Used all different pressure settings, tried with and without regulator and it seems like there is enough air pressure, but not a pure enough oxygen output. Gonna try with a new or newer one since it costs almost as much to get it fixed as it does to buy new. No less than $400 with a short warranty when repaired, versus $600 and a 3-year warranty if new. I'd love for someone to show me an alternative :) Glad you got a good one, Leslie. I might just have caught some bad luck
3700 hours is a lot and I’d say it’s probably done I can’t imagine one being that old and still working but it’s a possibility if you want to test it you might consider getting a different tip if you have the Smith little OXY torch by the Smith Miller Rosebud for propane Auto fry sells it. It has a long skinny neck and a rosebud tip with six holes I believe. The tips that come with the smith little torch are so tiny they’re really good for bench repair work, but not really for good soldering on larger items and they’re very hard to light because the portals are so tiny. Anyway, if you have a different torch I really don’t know what to tell you other than to try different concentrator Rio Grande sells them also. Another tip I would give you is to make sure you’re not using more than four or 5 feet of the clear rubber hose that connects the concentrator to your torch. I would also recommend you check the filter and make sure it’s clean and if it needs to be replaced you can do so. Are you getting at least 4 L per minute? When you turn it on and let it run for say five minutes before you try to light it there should be a little floating ball what level is it on?
Sorry meant 37k
Thank you so much for this video, this is exactly what I was looking for. The way you explain it and the tips you gave us were great!👍👍.
Thanks hope u can take a class with me!
@@LeslieKailVillarreal Yes, will be wonderful 😁👍.
Great information, Leslie! I'm a beginner and appreciate this video very much! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the info! I was wondering if it was possible to use one of these for the little torch. Just ordered one of these mini torch kits to use for a whole host of things ranging from hobbies to AC/refrigeration brazing and personal car repair tasks like heating around a stuck bolt which takes forever with a conventional propane only torch.
I wouldn't want to use the concentrator in the shop area with all the dust dirt and humidity, but for the work table in a climate controlled area this appears to be the best option!
This is crazy good! I never thought of doing this until now. It is such a great idea!!!
Rock on!
I just lucked into two oxygen concentrators. I bought a smiths little torch and didn’t know how to set it up, so this video is great. One of the concentrators is exactly like the one in the video. They are both 5 ml. I’ll probably use the blue one because it’s a little less noisy.
Thanks for the helpful walkthrough of the Oxy concentrator . I’ve just ordered a refurbished one. My smiths torch constantly leaks ( it’s tricky getting spares in the uk) and it’ll save the constant trips to get the tanks refilled.
Cheers , Andrew
Make sure you change the hoses on your Smith little if it’s leaking you don’t want any of that going on
@@LeslieKailVillarreal thanks for the advice :)
Stumbled upon your channel here and although I know these concentrators in and out (Been rebuilding them for ages), I've only heard about this kind of set up used by an old band friend of mine who made glass pot smoking paraphernalia. Gonna check out your uses with this heat for sure!
😎
Not what I was looking for at all, but thanks for the effort. I wanted to see how to connect oxygen concentrator to a tank to store oxygen gas.
Thank you for such a thorough and informative video!
Hello Leslie.. I produced hydrogen and oxygen in a ratio of 2:1 by electrolysis.. It had a lot of power.. But this will be a better way as you mention Leslie.. I will also buy a Philips oxygen concentrator like you have.. I understood everything and there will be no problem put it together like this.. In the end, I still need to make ozone olive oil, I will also need a Philips oxygen concentrator there.. Thank you and greetings to the USA. Vašek CZ Europe..
Aweome and thank you for sharing this🤩
You are so awesome! I definitely plan to take classes with you!
very interesting, I'm an oxygen user for medical reasons and have brought up this type of use with the concentrators in support groups. The oxygen companies have the patients so afraid of fire and explosion the patients won't even use Vaseline because it's petroleum based.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge (now I'm getting ideas of a new hobby, I have the exact concentrator lol)
Wow.... I'm smoking a cigar torching stuff as I type this!! :) No explosions yet! lol.
I love using the concentrator too, saves so much money~~!!!!
Leslie, Do I need to adjust the lpm per each size tip? Number 7 tip - use 5lpm and the smaller number 2 tip - use a lower lpm??? THANKS! Great video! Finally got my concentrator and all set up.
Nope!
Thanks! I've been wanting to convert to an oxygen concentrator and this really helps!
Thank you so much for this demo! I had my husband run to the welding store to pick up the fittings, and they don’t have the radnor brand here, so the guy ended up giving him a nut that doesn’t look right (even though I sent him a picture) -I asked my husband to pick up some hose, and the guy gave him a set that for acetylene and oxygen-so now I’ve got a bunch of stuff to return. Ended up paying the upcharge to order online -so now I’ve got to wait some more. Live and learn!
Kathy Bradbury ❤️
Thank you ,a lot of good info Leslie.I might use 2 wrenches to tighten your connection over holding one in your hand ,unless there is a "T"for leverage
What about using mapp gas as it burns hotter or is that not desirable ? Nice video for me as I've been soldering and welding a long time and I never seen stuff like you're showing, it's just great !
Thanks for the post, Mapp gas is not suited well for jewelry .
But why mommy ? ?
Leslie, you mentioned several times the regulator on your propane was disposable. I have no idea what these cost, but if you are throwing them away, I would be interested in buying plus shipping.,
The tank is designed to be disposable. Yet fitting are sold to refill them from 20 pound tanks. Most will not be comfortable and if tried, should always be done outside.
I am retired auto tech and have the full sized tank & torch set. I always run out of oxygen in the middle of a project and always on the weekend. This is why I came back to watch again to see if I could use my wife’s exact same oxygen concentrator. She had heart surgery over a year ago and doing ok. It runs in her family.
Just wanted to point out the propane screw on valve, it works like a needle valve to slowly control the output of propane to the hose. Even though it has a knob w/o a gauge (For Cost) Technically anything that controls the flow of a pressurized gas, could be called a regulator, but an actual regulator will automatically control the flow at the set/adjusted rate, would adjust regardless of the tanks internal pressure. Thanks very much for the video and your information. I am sorry that I am not familiar with your jewelry or other decorations, but I can tell that you are creative and enjoy what you do. Plus, you know your equipment so you are experienced and good at it.
Oxygen concentrators are portable type, station but low pressure & wheels, then hospitals, certain drug stores and critical care facilities have a concentrator the includes a high pressure internal pumps that can actually fill these tanks.
Air Gas, Lindweld and others, use stainless steel tanks that are cleaned, but the oxygen used is filtered at a very high rate. Then samples of each tank are tested for particles and oxygen percentage of 95% +/_ 1%. The oxygen concentrators take oxygen out of the air and are normally rated at 92% +/_ 3% on many machines, better on machines like yours. Thank you again. Auto ASE Master tech since 1978 - retired.
Dean Kay thanks for your comments, the propane tanks I use are about $4.00 each, I would never try to refill one!
I was just going to throw one of them out and came across your video..... Will be nice to have around Thank You
Great video Leslie, thank you. So do you keep the concentrator on all day while you work? And do you leave the propane tank valve open all day until you close your studio for the day? Thanks so much!
Nope! I turn it off after each soldering
@@LeslieKailVillarreal Great! Just purchased the same set up and getting over the fear of not pooping, (lol!) I've learned so much from your classes and videos!
Thanks so much!
You can also find all those fittings on Ebay cheap. I just found a crimping tool for the brass sleeve that goes around your hose and fitting. The crimping tool looks like a vice grip but has 2 different size holes for regular diameter welding hose and the smaller size.
Awesome video! I had no clue you could do this with an oxygen concentrator. Thanks for taking the time to explain the set ups. Curious, can you run a concentrator with an acetylene tank? Seems like it might just work? Looking at possibility of using a regular sized torch and cutting 1/4 inch steel. Possible?
I don’t see any reason that you couldn’t.
I really enjoyed this. Thanks for all the great information.
My pleasure!
The Mecco torches are the preferred torches used by most jewelers in the industry. i also have a Smith Mini and the two are probably interchangeable as far as efficiency. I also use a propane and small oxygen tank but the generator seems like a great idea.
This is super helpful, Leslie, as I have started looking into oxygen concentrators, but haven’t really known what to look for - or how to use it.
Will this setup generate enough heat and pressure for long enough to do sand casting? I just have a setup to do rings and other similarly sized objects, so nothing really big, but I was taught to use a rosebud tip, which obviously produces a really big flame.
Good video. I have been thinking about working with precious metals since I graduated from college, and decided to make a living melting gold for different uses, as the recession caused by the pandemic made things difficult for many of us.
I am intetested to hear how you liked that setup and if you are still using the oxygen concentrator with your Smith little torch? Thanks
Still loving it, still using the same torch in the exact same concentrator I filmed in this video
@@LeslieKailVillarreal Oh wow, that is great to hear. I just bought one in almost new condition (thank you Covid!) and after 20+ years at the bench I'm making the switch. Thanks for the great video, all the best.
Leslie, thanks so much for this great video! You've de-mystified so much for me. I've been using a kitchen torch and have been wanting to step up as it is limited. You've offered some concrete information to help guide my decision making. And Cyberweld is awesome! Thanks again
This is great info presented very well. Thank you so much!
Hi Leslie
Few months ago I bought a non-disposable propane gas tank (large bottle), and two regulators ( for oxy and gas), with two arestors. To refill the bottle with the oxygene is really expensive , I learned that after I spent all the money for this equipment.
Now, after watching your video , I found an oxygene generator . But I would like to keep using my non-disposable propane bottle . Could you please inform me whether this combination is no problem? Should I keep the regulator w/arestor on the propane tank, and use the oxygene from generator as you showed In this video ( plus maybe arestors)?
Thank you for your help- in advance :)))
Beata
This is a great video and helped me with my decisions on purchasing a new torch. There are so many options out there it's difficult to choose one! I'm currently waiting on the torch and disposable regulator. I have a concentrator for my glasswork. I'll be ordering the tips also. The man I spoke to at Paige Tools was so helpful. Just wondering if there is any new info since you've been using this for awhile? Do you ever need your acetylene torch?
Helpful video on hookups for the Smiths torch, especially how you connect to an oxygen generator. I also considered an oxy generator for my torch, but since 20 CF oxygen bottles are available here for a fraction of the generator's cost--and cheap to refill, I'm doing that instead.
Thank you for this great tutorial! You ROCK!!!!
Oxygen concentrators work using a molecular sieve - so the flow rate regulator also adjusts how pure your oxygen is. If your machine is rated at "5lpm", it usually means that your oxygen will be 55-70% pure at 5lpm, and all the way up to 90-98% pure at 1lpm.
So you *should* limit the flow if you're doing smaller work. Makes for a hotter flame.
Your machine needs servicing. A properly working machine will maintain 95% at 5lpm. I have two machines, one 21000 hours and one 44000 hours (compressor and valve pack rebuilt) and both put out 95% at 5lpm. Both have the original sieve canisters.
@@glasslinger I don't have one(yet), but what I meant in this comment is that most concentrators are medical, and their ratings are often overstated for marketing purposes. In my experience shopping for them, almost every single unit has a number stated higher than the concentration specified in the datasheet in finer print. Most 5lpm models I've seen are only rated at around 70% @ 5lpm, and the concentration goes up the lower the flow rate is set(90% @ 3lpm, 98% @ 1lpm, and so on).
The only exception to this I've seen so far is units from Philips Respironics(I believe they're popular in the US) and Bitmos. Their units seem to genuinely output the highest stated concentration at any flow rate.
@@glasslinger You're totally right about that. With new sieve beds, these concentrators should still put out > 90% oxygen at the highest flow rate. What I DON'T like about this model (I have the same one), is that if you do want a lower flow rate (say 1 LPM instead of 5 LPM), it still produces a bit over 5 LPM and it just bleeds out the rest of the pure oxygen from a valve inside the machine. There are other O2 concentrators that actually adjust down the compressor speed so it takes less power and your sieve beds last much longer.
Great video, thanks for putting this together and sharing!
Hi Leslie. Because of you, I have now a Oxygen concetrator + propane setup at my freshly baked studio. Thank you so much for a great video and all the insights!
As I am new to propane, I am not very comfortable playing with the torch yet as dunno much how to use the flame properly. I read that blue flame = complete combustion, but any more tips from anymore using a propane torch on different types of propane flames and their purpose? hottest tip? when to use more gas? when to use more oxygen? THANKS A MILLION!
Ana-Maria Atonoaie Congratulations! If you have a smith little torch I suggest your contact Richard at Paigetools.com and get his multi port tips. They will transform your torch into a work horse. You’ll be able to get a big bushy 🔥 flame. Basically there are 3types of flames achieved by changing the amount of oxygen you allow to enter the flame. 1.Annealing flame less oxygen more yellow at the end of tip not hissing. 2 reducing flame, bushy and hot great for fusing and melting casting grain, again not too much oxy-And 3 sharp hot tip with more of blue cone and more oxygen, it will hiss more as u allow more oxygen .
@@LeslieKailVillarreal thank you soooo much!!! have a brilliant 2020! I just ordered the Paige tips. yuhuu! :)
Hi Leslie thanks for the video. Tell me please how have you got on with the smith torch and oxycon?
I've got to move on from the setup that I currently have as it's so limiting. I have a Sievert propane only torch that I use with a needle point nozzle (because I want and I want a concentrated heat pattern) I want to use the glass beads that I make and a bigger nozzle will damage the beads. I don't know if I should go for a Smith torch and use my 4LPM oxycon with that or get one of the brazing kits that are made for the refrigeration industry. As an example I want to solder a 50mm long 4mm X 3mm piece of sterling to a 150mm long X 50mm wide sheet of 1mm thick silver along with two lengths of 2.5mm wire each about 80mm long to make a cuff but the wires will have beads in then so I can't get it all hot at once.
Kind Regards . . Andy
Hello Andy, yes I’ve been using the set up and Todd thousands of students to use it as well. It’s the only set up I have in my studio and I love it Bree oxygen you can’t beat right? You can really do a lot with this torch you can use the tiny little Smith tips, that will give you a pencil tight pinpoint flame or you can use the large rosebud tips for raising or alloying or fusing. It’s wonderful you won’t regret it.
Great detailed tutorial and how to video, thanks! This is very helpful.
My pleasure!
thanks! great video and oxygen generator system. I didn't want oxygen/propane tanks and was looking a hydro torch system but those are limiting in terms of heat.. Now I'm leaning towards an oxygen generator system..
Fab video Leslie. As always. Just got oxycon and smiths. Quick question. You show the on off procedure for each session. When you are working with the set up I presume you turn green valve on first then red on the torch. If you're turning off for a few mins then do you turn of red then green on torch but not at the tanks. Is that okay or do you need to turn everything off even for just a few mins. Does that make sense?
Sue Coppock hi yes that’s correct..green valve is always open, except for whet u are lighting the torch. Then u turn it off while u are lighting propane. Always turn off propane when it’s flame is off. Run off the propane to put ou the flame an leave green on
Abra abra cadabra :-) I think I was 9 years old when the Steve Miller Band was big. Very inspiring set-up with the Smith Little torch, I'll look into that!
Dave Kauffman lol u young one😊
Thank you for making this video. Very helpful. I learned something new.
I'm so glad!
Thanks, really help me understand how to set O2 concentrator set up works.
Love your Steve Miller shirt!
Is it possible to melt large amounts of metal with the oxygen device? Probably not with the small flame or can you also connect a large burner? So is it applicable for casting or only for soldering work?
The Ability to melt larger quantities of metal would depend on the torch you have .the oxygen would be the same coming from a tank or from the concentrator would make no difference
THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT VIDEO MY QUESTION IS THE ADAPTOR ON YOU TORCH HOSE LOOKS BIGGER THEN THE ONE ON MY LITTLE TORCH. DID YOU CHANGE THEM AND WERE CAN I FIND THE CONNECTORS I NEED FOR THE PROPANE BOTTLES THANKS AGAIN
Leslie are you still loving it.Really thinking about getting one.Does it get hot enough for soldering layers of silver?
Darlene R yes I am love being free of the big tanks. The heat is excactly the same no difference than what u get u get from a huge tank. Solder on !!!
Awesome video!!! I’m using an H2O torch system and will consider the investment in one of those now!! Thank you!
Very well explained and good instructional. Thank you
Thank you for the very clear instructions on setting up an oxygen concentrator. I'm seriously considering getting one. I was wondering though... what is the largest torch tip that you have been able to use with this setup?
any jewelers torch that uses oxygen should work, i'v only used it with a smith little
Just a recommendation. Stand to the side of the regulator when opening the big valve on the top of a pressurized tank. It very rarely happens, but if the regulator fails it will launch the cap and the screw you use to set the pressure straight forward and hurt what ever is in it's path.
B.S. On the farm we had a commercial Harris brand torch. As an ASE Master Tech since 1978, most every shop has a full sized torch. #1 Many are mounted on rolling carts. Either cart or wall, both tanks should be chained so the can’t fall.
#2 If you know torches or read the instructions, turning on the oxygen should be done slowly. High end regulators have a two stage regulator setup. First is simply a bourdon-tube gauge, showing you how much pressure is in the tank. The first regulator on many, have no adjustment, only dropping the 2,000 PSI tank pressure down to 500 PSI, the second regulator is adjustable, to set hose/torch pressure so depending on the use, higher for a “Rose-Bud” or 5 psi for a #3 brazing tip.
If your regulator has been rebuilt and has no sticker on it, don’t use it. If you drop the regulator on concrete, but a new one. Most gas supply stores don’t fix these but send them in to a certified shop. These are tested 7 ways to Sunday and have a sticker, serial number, date code and order number plus the technicians name or code number.
If yours is made of plastic and is a no-brand type, then yes. Chances are it will come apart with 2,000 PSI behind it from a full tank. Was your high school shop teacher drinking?
Not sure why you whent on a long rant here bud. I'm clearly aware of every thing you just said. If you have ever been professionally taught how to use a torch they tell you to stand to the side incase it ever blows the front cap off. Yes they are certified, but after many years of use deterioration and/or unseen damages can cause failure. Yes you should open the tank slowly, but sometimes that doesn't happen due to lack of experience, not paying attention, sticking valve.
I know a guy that had a regulator blow appart on him. He was standing out of the way so it was nothing more than a scare for him. Knowing this you might as well practice proper safety and stand to the side so that you are safe in the very rare occasion that a failure happens.
Thank you! I wondered if I missed the acetylene valve set up with the smith handi heet?
Nope you didn’t miss it. I didn’t cover any set up with the acetylene torch. I actually said in the video that I was getting rid of my acetylene torch and tanks and moving on to a oxygen concentrator, and a disposable propane tank. I got rid of my Smith handy heat torch because it uses only acetylene, it does not work with compressed oxygen.
I have just brought the Paige tool tip absolutely awesome one question I have seen a concentrator what does 5ltrs per min but only at 40% is this too low ?
it will drop low when the machine is on. its ok as long as you are still getting enough oxy to get a good flame
Very kool! I ran my torch with medical oxygen bottles from the junkyard (they had a few for some reason) but im considering a concentrator cause i need a prescription to gettem filled :/
I love your jewlery btw, very nice!
Hi! Thanks for such an informative video. I'm quite new to all this so it's been awesome to be able to find resources like this. I have a couple questions...on the website Paige Tools says you can use all the tips with an oxygen concentrator and a disposable propane tank, even the MX. Have you used the MX with your concentrator/disposable propane tank before? The melting tip you can buy from Smith says it's not compatible with an oxygen concentrator or a disposable propane tank, which is why i'm wanting to double check. Thanks so much!
Thank you so very much for this very informative video! 😊
This video changed my apartment dwelling; silversmithing life!! Scored my Everflow today I am collecting other materials for set up. Do I need flashback arrestor in addition to regulator on my disposable propane tank? Thanks Leslie
Orenishi Lewis it’s recommended. But I don’t use one- my flow worked better without it
thank you so much for your time
@@LeslieKailVillarreal
Awesome video, thank you so much! I plan on watching all your videos! I just got my oxygen concentrator and I'm ready to start. I have a couple questions.
What states do you leave your oxygen concentrator and your propane tank in in-between soldering? For example, I've just finished soldering something, do I shut off propane then oxygen on the smith little torch in that order, and do I leave the propane regulator and the oxygen concentrator on if I are going to be soldering more throughout the day?
Also, for the end of day shutdown you showed that you turned off the propane on the torch and you turned off the regulator on the propane can, O2 is still flowing through the torch, turn off O2 concentrator, wait a bit for O2 to bleed out, turn off the O2 on the torch. Then you turned on the propane on the torch to bleed out but you didn't light it, does it matter if you light it for bleeding out the gas?
Sorry for the novice questions, but I'm trying to teach myself and you're all I have. So thank you in advance!!! I'm so glad I found your videos!
I would suggest you watch the whole video, more than once if necessary, because Leslie answered that question *very* clearly and specifically towards the end.
Those are the questions I have. I am still not sure after watching the video twice. I am in the habit of turning my torch off to reposition something and then re lighting it. With this set up I think I would turn off propane at the torch and leave the oxygen on. When relighting I would turn off the O, turn on the P, light it, and then turn the O back on at the torch. Is this correct?
Hi Leslie, thank you for another great video. I do have a couple of questions though. The first is, do you need to have a flash back arrestor for the oxygen concentrator and second, would one of those portable oxygen concentrators also work? The kind I'm thinking about are the ones that have a strap and can be worn over the shoulder. They are about the size of a medium sized purse. Thank you in advance for your answers.
Fantastique Berliotz the really small ones don’t work with a torch, I address the flashback arrestor in the videi
@@LeslieKailVillarreal : Grazi Belle!
Leslie Kail Villarreal are you still using the Smith Little, O2 concentrator and propane? Do you still like it? I am looking to do a home set up and loved your video.
Yep love it
@@LeslieKailVillarreal Thank you for such a speedy reply!!! I love your videos!
Perfect, informative video. Thank you.
Hi Leslie, Thanks for responding to my ignition issues in a FB group. I came back to rewatch this excellent video to see what I might be doing wrong. I have disposable propane & an oxy-con now (graduating from a chef’s torch finally). I can’t seem to get a flame. I am lighting exactly the way you show. My oxy-con instructions said to turn the torch oxy knob off (after priming), then turn on the propane at the tank & torch, but I kept setting off the concentrator’s alarm (I guess I took too long). So, I tried your way - turn on the propane tank regulator ‘before’ turning off the oxy torch valve. I now have control of the alarm, but still no flame (the igniter IS sparking).
How fully do you open your disposable propane canister (roughly how many turns)? When propane is turned on at both the tank & torch, should I be able to hear or feel anything coming out like I do with oxygen (I’m not sensing any flow - brand new propane canister)?
And finally, is it safe to skip the oxygen and try lighting propane by itself a few times just to get the hang of it?
Thanks sooo much!
I think you’re having trouble because you’re using those tiny Smith little tips -ditch those tips and get yourself a multi port tip from ottofrei.com do you want to IMPGEN tips they come in a kit :ox3 and 4 with a neck that will give you an easier way to light your torch and make your torch much better if you insist on using the Smith little tips that came with your torch then I would use the number seven tip which is the biggest hole -let your concentrator run for about three minutes with both valves open then briefly turn off the green valve while you light the propane then turn down the propane only flame and slowly add the oxygen
@@LeslieKailVillarreal That was quick! Thank you! I bought Paige Tips for it and currently have the M3 mounted, I think. I’ll look into the appropriate tip (I bought the whole set) and will keep plugging away. Hopefully it will become second nature before I know it.
Great video! For those of us that don't have a air gas..what size are the fittings?
you can purchase them on line. google radnor fittings and the part numbers i gave you I'm the video
Hello Leslie, great video! Would it be useful for CO2 lasers metal cut machine? Thank you!
Sergio Torres sorry I’m not sure
Hi Leslie just found your channel. Great Video’s and very informative 👌🤓
very excellent video , now all I need is to find a portable oxygen concentrator that puts out 5 liters.
5 to 7 liters works. Good luck
Great presentation!
Hello Leslie. You’ve inspired me to look for a used O2 concentrator. Are they different than a CPAP machine. More specifically, can a CPAP machine be adapted for this purpose?
To put it plainly, oxygen concentrators create purified oxygen, that is not what a Cpap machine does so no it wont work, you need a concentrator :)
This was 3 years ago I’m wondering if you decided that you like this set up better than the icy/acet tanks when it comes to the actual way it works for your soldering? I’m trying to decide what I should buy as a newby.. what is going to be the best and most efficient but also not break the bank lol
yes the concentrator set up with smith little oxy propane is by far the most economical long term. Its great!
Thank you so much for posting this! Super helpful
Thank you so much! Ran out of oxygen and my local AirGas just closed...I was begging my son to help me with his truck until I did some you tube surfing and found this. So informative and helpful! Great video!
I'm in the process of setting up a gold vault fume and particle extractor to go with my torch set up. i'll make a new video for you/
New video for this in only channel now :)
Hi Leslie, where can I buy the regulator for the Bernzomatic tank. Thank you for your teachings, I am an admirer and follower of yours. I love your designs !!!
links in the video or try OTTO FREI or RIO GRANDE @@manuelcamacho1392
I have the same exact concentrator I just picked up at a local sale. Every time I try to add the oxygen to the propane after it’s lit, the flame goes out. What should I be doing differently? I’m following instructions as in the video. I have a size 3 tip on. Any insight is appreciated-this thing scares me hahaha might have to go back to mini butane torches 🤦🏻♀️
Try using the largest tip, be sure to let the concentrated run at least 3 min it needs to build up oxygen. If it still won’t light, and have more than 10,000 hrs on it it needs to be re furbished. If u have flash back arrestees try removing them and try again to light it
I really like the oxygen concentrator, a very good idea.
The disposable propane bottle is a plus also. May I ask where the disposable propane regulator is available? (Airgas??)
cyberweld.com
Doesn’t that regulator come as part of the hose setup for disposable cylinders?