All MetalShaping

Go Back   All MetalShaping > General Metal Shaping Discussion > Welding Sheet Metal
  Today's Posts Posts for Last 7 Days Posts for Last 14 Days  

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-09-2018, 03:21 AM
Jim Tomczyk Jim Tomczyk is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: England,UK
Posts: 75
Default Model “O” Gas torch & Aluminium welding

In the UK the Meco Midget torch that seems on this forum to be the standard for “mini” torches is super expensive - I’ve been quoted GB£500 + for torch/nozzles/fittings - but we do have available what’s commonly referred too as the “Model O” at a much more affordable cost for me at around £100- £150. The torches are generally marketed as lead burning torches but the blurb on these says can be used for other sheet metal up to 1.5mm with oxy/acetylene.- see links

https://www.boconline.co.uk/shop/en/...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.wellyweld.com/products/m...kit-44857.aspx

https://www.thewelderswarehouse.com/...ing-Torch.html

Question is has anyone had any experience of using this type of torch on aluminium - up to 1.5mm/ .063” sheet for car body panels?

Thanks
__________________
Jim

"I have not Failed - I've just found 10,000 ways that have not worked" - Thomas Edison
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-09-2018, 10:56 AM
Mike Rouse Mike Rouse is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Baton Rouge
Posts: 418
Default

Have you tried looking on “AliExpress” for an oxy acet torch? I bought three different ones from them just to see if they would work. They seemed to work just fine for sheet metal work.
Mike.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-09-2018, 11:54 AM
sky's Avatar
sky sky is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 57
Default

Messer Griesheim Minitherm or Greggersen Micromax torches work well. Videos can be found on youtube.

Cheers
Sky
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-09-2018, 01:17 PM
metal manny metal manny is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 509
Default

I bought the Meco Midget torch and love its lightweight feel, but found that it gets too hot in the handle after protracted welding, which makes me think it's working near its maximum limit? Admittedly, had I had unlimited funds, and bought the extended neck piece as suggested, this problem would have probably not occurred...

As shown in the pic, I chanced upon a small Harris torch on special in my welding supplier (+$ 118.00 in my currency) and after fitting a set of lightweight gas lines, us it as my torch of preference. Welding with the extra "weight" in hand (as compared to the Meco) presents no real fatigue challenges that makes me wish it were lighter, or that I should perhaps get that extended neck for the Meco. I also got a rose bud heating nozzle which I use often to anneal work hardened metal etc etc.

torch 1.jpg

torch box 1.jpg

I guess, though, that it's all subjective and open to differing personal opinions, but IMO, don't think that owning a micro torch will really be a better option to one that's a tad larger. Lightweight hoses, however, are absolutely necessary and lessen the tendency to "fight the torch" when working as regular gas lines weigh a ton!
__________________
Manny

Remember that the best of men, are only men at best.

Last edited by Steve Hamilton; 10-10-2018 at 09:22 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-09-2018, 02:41 PM
Gareth Davies Gareth Davies is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Staffordshire, England
Posts: 665
Default

Jim, I found the Meco Midget on this site for £318.00 including VAT

https://www.hswalsh.com/product/meco-midget-torch-tb42
__________________
Gareth Davies
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-10-2018, 07:16 AM
fciron fciron is offline
MetalShaper of the Month May 2022'
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 126
Default

I have both a small aircraft torch and a large Harris torch and don't find much difference when welding between the two when I have a small tip in the big torch.

I've made a habit of draping the hose over my elbow or shoulder to move the weight away from my hand. This helps on large work as well as fine.
__________________
Lewis Meyer
Falls City Ironworks
Louisville, KY
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:00 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.