Suppliers to the Jewellery Trade

Technical Information Sheet
Smith Little Torch
Instructions and Operations Manual

Section 1 - Introduction and General Information

Introduction
This manual contains safety and operational information that is important for you to know and understand. This information relates to your safety and preventing equipment problems.

Before operating any oxy-fuel equipment, read and follow the information provided on this page. Failure to do so can result in property damage, severe personal injury, or death.
 

Torch
"The Little Torch" is designed to meet the requirements of industry for a small, light-weight torch to fusion weld, braze, heat, and solder materials ranging from 3/16" metal to ultra-fine wires. The seven tips available provide a wide range of flame sizes allowing the versatility to perform many different tasks. Light weight construction and highly flexible hose provide pinpoint welding with maximum control.

Gases
"The Little Torch" can be used with most commonly available pressurized fuel gases: acetylene, hydrogen, propanes, propylenes, natural gas, or MAPP with oxygen. The two smallest tips, sizes 1 and 2, can only be used satisfactorily with acetylene and hydrogen fuel gases.
 

Repairs and Replacement of Hose
"The Little Torch" hose is of a special material designed to be compatible with the various fuel gases. The maximum length of hose used should not exceed 12 feet.

For your protection, use only genuine Smith "Little Torch" hose and replacement parts. See Instructions for Replacing Little Torch Hoses.

Eye Protection
Oxy-fuel flames produce hazardous rays of light (infrared/ultraviolet). An approved filter lens is required for eye protection when operating oxy-fuel equipment. Approved safety glasses are required in conjunction with a filtered eye protection device.

Proper Clothing
Hazardous rays of light, molten metal, or sparks can cause severe burns to unprotected parts of the body. Appropriate protective clothing are required when using oxy-fuel equipment (such as gloves, aprons, safety shoes, etc.).
 

• The work place must have a fireproof floor.
• Work benches must have fireproof tops.
• Nearby walls and unprotected flooring should be protected from sparks and hot metal by the use of heat resistant shields or other approved material.
• An approved fire extinguisher must be kept and maintained (check regularly) in the work area.
• The work site should be cleared of combustible materials. If such materials cannot be removed, they must be protected with fireproof covers and a fire watch should be established.

Oxygen, Fuel, and Kindling Point (the Fire Triangle) are all necessary for combustion to occur. All of these components may be present when oxygen is recompressed into a regulator quickly.

Oxygen
Oxygen is provided by the cylinder in very pure form. High purity oxygen affects combustion differently than does atmospheric air. High purity oxygen accelerates the rate of combustion, increases heat output, and lowers the combustible point at which various materials will burn. Important: Never use oxygen as a substitute for air.

Fuel
The fuel for combustion may be the regulator itself if enough heat is produced to reach the kindling temperature of the regulator's components.

Kindling Temperatures
Enough heat may be generated by the friction created when recompressing high pressure oxygen to ignite the regulator components. This heat is known as the Heat of Recompression.
 

Compressed Gas Cylinders
Use only compressed gas cylinders that are approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) with this equipment. The "Little Torch" will operate on the throw-away disposable cylinders that are found in most hardware, retail, or welding outlets.

When using disposable cylinders, the following instructions will apply.
 

• Cylinders should only by used when securely fastened and in an upright position.
• Do not completely empty disposable cylinders. When the flame indicates a loss of pressure, immediately shut down the system and replace the cylinder.
• Locate cylinders away from excessive heat and flames.
• Use oxy-fuel equipment in well ventilated areas.
• When cylinders are empty, remove regulators and dispose of them properly.
• Never use compressed gas cylinders without an approved pressure reducing regulator attached to the outlet of the cylinder.
• Keep disposable cylinders away from the torch flame.

• Prior to attaching the regulators to the disposable cylinders, be sure that the regulators and torch valves are in the "off" position.
• Attach the oxygen preset regulator (identified by the word "OXYGEN" stamped on side of regulator) to the oxygen cylinder. NOTICE: The disposable oxygen cylinder and the oxygen preset regulator BOTH have LEFT HAND THREADS. By hand, turn COUNTER-CLOCKWISE and tighten securely.
• Attach the fuel gas preset regulator to the disposable fuel gas cylinder. The threads on
• the regulator and the cylinder are RIGHT HAND. By hand, turn CLOCKWISE and tighten securely.
• Check the regulator-cylinder connection for leaks.

Activate the System
THE OUTLET PRESSURE FOR THE OXYGEN AND FUEL GAS REGULATORS IS PRESET. THE REGULATOR VALVES SHOULD BE OPENED COMPLETELY BY TURNING COUNTER-CLOCKWISE. NOTICE THE ARROW ON TOP OF THE VALVE.

Purging the System
 

Test the Equipment for Leaks
1.  Check the equipment for leaks using an approved oil-free leak detection fluid. This fluid may be found at your local welding supply dealer.
2.  With the system pressurized and the torch body valves closed, test all fittings for leaks.
3.  DO NOT equipment if a leak is detected.

If the torch is not going to be in use for more than one half hour, it is recommended that the preset regulator valves be turned to the "off" position.

Select and Install a Torch Tip
1.  The preset oxygen and fuel gas regulators should be in the open position (turned all the way open, counter-clockwise).
2.  It is recommended that tips #1 and #2 are NOT used for gases other than acetylene or hydrogen. Tips #1 and #2 require the use of open flame for ignition.
3.  Select the desired tip (refer to the tip chart). Install and tighten using a 5/16" wrench (do not over-tighten).
4.  Tip sizes are represented by a number (1-7) stamped on the copper section.

Lighting Procedures When Using Disposable Cylinders
1.  Open the fuel gas torch valve approximately 1/8 to 1/4 turn (counter-clockwise).
2.  Using an approved friction lighter or holding the tip over an approved Bunsen burner or candle, ignite the fuel gas.
3.  Slowly open the oxygen torch valve (counter-clockwise) until the flame is neutralized. This is accomplished by adding oxygen until the bright cone off the end of the tip just reaches its shortest length.
4.  Increase the fuel gas another 1/8 turn.
5.  Again, increase the oxygen until the flame is neutralized. If necessary, continue this procedure until the maximum volume of fuel and oxygen are being used and the desired flame is achieved.

Extinguishing the Torch Flame
1.  Turn the fuel gas torch valve to the closed position (clockwise).
2.  Turn the oxygen torch valve to the closed position (clockwise).

Shutting Down The System
1.  Turn the oxygen preset regulator valve to the closed position (clockwise). Notice arrow on knob.
2.  Turn the fuel gas preset regulator valve to the closed position (clockwise). Notice arrow on knob.

Bleeding The System
I.  Remove the tip being used.
2.  Open the oxygen torch valve 1/2 turn until all pressure has been released from the hose and regulator, then close the oxygen torch valve.
3.  Open the fuel gas torch valve 1/2 turn until all pressure has been released from the hose and regulator, then close the fuel gas torch valve.
4.  Secure and store unused equipment away from possible damage.

When using high pressure industrial cylinders, the following instructions will apply:
 

Check local fire protection codes for safe storage of oxygen and fuel gas cylinders.
 

Attaching Regulators
1.  Regulators must be used only with the gases and pressure for which they are designed.
2.  Oxygen regulator is identified by green and has right hand thread for cylinder connection.
3.  Fuel gas regulator is identified by red and has left hand thread for cylinder connection.
4.  Securely fasten cylinders to prevent them from tipping or falling. (Refer to ANSI/ASC 249.1-88).
 

Activate the Regulators
 

Test the Equipment for Leaks
1.  Check the equipment for leaks using an approved oil free leak detection fluid. This fluid may be found at your local welding supply dealer.
2.  With the system pressurized and the torch body valves closed, test all fittings for leaks.
3.  Be sure to test all cylinder valves for leaks in the open and closed positions.
4.  Do not use equipment if a leak is detected.

NOTE:  If the torch is not going to be in use for more than one half hour, it is recommended that the system be completely shut down. Please refer to the subsequent section "Shut Down the System" for proper instructions.

Select and Install Torch Tip
1.  It is recommended that tips #1 and #2 are NOT used for gas other than acetylene or hydrogen. Tips #1 and #2 require the use of an open flame for ignition.
2.  Refer to the tip chart and select desired tip.
3.  Install tip and snug using a 5/16" wrench. (DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.)
4.  Tip sizes are represented by a number (1-7) stamped on the copper section.

Lighting and Adjusting the "Little Torch" with Acetylene or Hydrogen as the Fuel Gas
 

1.  Having followed the instructions contained in these instructions pertaining to set up, leak testing, and purging, you are now ready to light the "Little Torch."
 

2.  When using hydrogen, tip sizes #1 and #2 will be difficult to see. Lighting and flame adjustment should be made in a dark area or in front of a dark background. Use of a cobalt goggle lens may increase flame visibility.
3.  Open the fuel gas valve approximately 1/4 turn, using an approved friction lighter or holding tip over an approved Bunsen burner to ignite the gas.
4.  Continue opening the fuel gas valve until the flame is about to leave the end of the tip.
5.  Slowly, open the oxygen torch valve. Continue to open until the flame is in its neutral condition or the desired flame is achieved.

Lighting and Adjusting the "Little Torch" When using Oxygen and Alternate Fuel Gases (MAPP, Propane, Propylene, Natural Gas)
1.  It is NOT recommended that tips #1 and #2 be used for alternate fuel gases.
2.  Open the fuel gas valve approximately 1/4 turn. Using an approved friction lighter or holding tip over an approved Bunsen burner, ignite the fuel gas.
3.  Adjust until the flame is about to leave the end of tip.
4.  Slowly, open the oxygen torch valve until a neutral flame is obtained.
5.  Further open the torch fuel valve 1/8 to 1/4 turn.
6.  Again, open the oxygen torch valve until the flame is neutral.
7.  If needed, continue this procedure until the maximum volume of fuel and oxygen are being used and desired flame is achieved.

NOTE: Tip #3 may be difficult to light when using natural gas as the fuel.
 

Shutting Down the System
1.  Turn the oxygen cylinder valve to the closed position (clockwise).
2.  Turn the fuel gas cylinder valve to the closed position (clockwise).

Bleeding the System of Gases
1.  Remove tip from torch body.
2.  Open oxygen torch valve 1/2 turn.
3.  Observe oxygen regulator. When low pressure gauge indicates "0", close the oxygen torch valve.
4.  Turn the oxygen regulator pressure adjusting screw to the left (COUNTER-CLOCKWISE) until there is an absence of spring pressure felt on the adjusting screw.
5.  Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for the fuel gas.
6.  Securely store equipment in a safe place until needed.