WTB Torch tips for Purox 200 series O/A outfit Michigan

[JustBill]

Some how I have lost all the welding tips to my O/A outfit. I have a Purox W-201 handle and I am in need of welding tips. I have a cutting set up but some how lost a box that had all my welding/brazing tips in it. Of course, you know as soon as I replace the missing tips I will find them!! Please let me know if you have any that you might be willing to sell or maybe a place on the interwebs that I may purchase some tips. I have some projects piling up that are in need of some O/A work.
Thanks, Bill

[DaveO]

The only information I could find is this user manual, dated from the mid-1950's
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...48705608,d.aWM

...but I did find a tech support phone number:
1-800-372-2123 Support Phone Hours: Customer Service: M-F 8am-7pm ET
They should be able to tell you the model numbers that fit that torch.

[JustBill]

The only information I could find is this user manual, dated from the mid-1950's
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...48705608,d.aWM

...but I did find a tech support phone number:
1-800-372-2123 Support Phone Hours: Customer Service: M-F 8am-7pm ET
They should be able to tell you the model numbers that fit that torch.

Most excellent user manual Dave! Thanks a bunch. I got a call back from my local welding shop and for a size 6 (the same as a 0 in Victor torch land) they wanted $60 plus shipping. I think I will give the CS number you listed a call tomorrow and see if I can get some model numbers and try fleabay. Either that or maybe just bite the bullet and buy a newer torch handle that I can easily get parts for. I'm kind of sad as I really like to use my old Purox set up. It has a nice feel and has always done what is asked of it. Again, thanks for the provided info.
Bill

[JustBill]

Forgot to mention, Dave. That manual has the CW-202 cutting torch covered in it. That is the exact cutting attachment that I have on my "Blowpipe"!

[DaveO]

No worries, I'm hoping they'll have a "replaced by" model number for you so you can get tips. I saw a couple w-200 tips for about $50 each on the web, and couldn't believe the price.

Now, I'm all for using older equipment, and I'm not being critical when I ask, have you had it checked out recently? O-rings, seats, whatever can go bad.

[JustBill]

No worries, I'm hoping they'll have a "replaced by" model number for you so you can get tips. I saw a couple w-200 tips for about $50 each on the web, and couldn't believe the price.

Now, I'm all for using older equipment, and I'm not being critical when I ask, have you had it checked out recently? O-rings, seats, whatever can go bad.

What? Are you trying to say that the gear I bought used in the 70's and have been using off and on for all these years might need some looking after? Truth is, I have never had a problem and it has never been serviced. Probably a mistake on my part for sure.

Now you have me thinking and looking at maybe replacing rather than trying to keep up with these items made in the 50's or 60's.
I replaced my low pressure acetylene gauge this spring as it was getting tough for my old eyes to read. The kid at the local welding shop was in awe. The needle on the old gauge was the style of a hand on a pocket watch made in the 1800's. I'll try and get a picture and post of it. The old yellowed face on the gauge with the old style needle just screams Steampunk or Jules Verne! Really pretty cool looking.

Well, off to let all of this ferment upstairs for a while. Might be better off replacing the whole thing. Other than the gauge I replaced this spring everything but the tanks are at least 50 years old.
Take care, Bill

[DaveO]

A technician might test it out and say "Nope, no trouble there". The difficult part is finding that technician. There may be an apparatus repair shop in your town, in which case it's easier, but it's a crapshoot because he'll charge something to look at it- if it's unrepairable or costs too much to repair you're out that money even before you shell out to buy the replacement. Or you could have the approval to use the gear for another 50 years.

You could also do some troubleshooting yourself: paint some soapy water on with a paint brush and look for bubbles is the easy way to start.

Purox (and Oxweld) was originally made by Union Carbide's Linde Division, which was welding products. (You have heard of some of their brands: Eveready batteries, Prestone antifreeze, and Glad bags, for instance.) Esab bought the Linde Division lock stock and barrel, which is how Esab supports claims such as "ESAB is as dedicated to submerged arc welding today as it was when we first introduced the process in 1936", but they seem to be doing a good job of looking after the products and brands. Hopefully you'll get to chat with a helpful person in Florence SC about your torch.

I'd love to see the photo of that guage!

[JustBill]

Didn't get much done today with the heat here. Did get a couple of pics. I'll see if I can figure out how to insert them. Let me know if they don't show. All brass and all glass! Dockson!!

[DaveO]

Very cool. And still working, right? You said you replaced it for one that's easier to read. I'd never heard of Dockson before, but I found them on the web at http://www.dockson.net/

Great memento, I'd keep it on my desk.

[JustBill]

Yup, still working. It was the low side of my acetylene valve. More of a high pressure reading gauge though. The new dial uses much of the dial to get to 15 pounds then goes to red. Much easier to fine tune.

I have another of this type on the high pressure side of my acetylene. I works just fine and is more suited to it's task. I will be replacing that one more to use the Dockson gauge for other projects. I have found myself drawn to Steampunk type creations the last few years. I'm looking forward to maybe working these old Dockson gauges in with maybe a Edison style light bulb or two. If you like that kind of thing and are ever near Madison Wisconsin drop in at Dr. Evermor's park. (http://worldofdrevermor.com/) This guy has some amazing projects in his park. In his day he was a hell of a welder! Probably forgot more than I will ever know.

I plan on hitting both gauges with my homemade soda blaster to get them shining again. I think the older brass has color that is much cooler than the newer stuff. It just looks thicker, if you know what I mean.

[JustBill]

All set here. Picked up a Victor set and forgot to update this thread. Thanks, Bill