Gas savers?

[kenc]

I have one and use it all the time. My only complaint is that when you pick the torch up again, more often than not, the flame has jumped off the tip.

I've learned that a shake or two of the wrist will get the flame back where it needs to be most times, but it is a hassle.

[jlrussell4]

Ulf,

check this: http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ml?id=yooc4egj

I don't know what importing it would cost, but the price here is good.

[Flummo]

Alot more response than I expected, thanks for all replies!

Originally Posted by red baron

This is the first time I've heard of these, what exactly is it, and what does it do? Doesn't help that I'm still pretty green with all of this.

Basically, when you hang the torch on the hook the gas is turned off and the flame goes out. When you take it off the hook gas turns back on and you simply light it on the small pilot flame on your gas saver that has been burning all the time (not all gas savers have pilot lights I think).

The big reasons I want one is that it saves time when you make a weld, turn off the flame, spend some time lining up more pieces or something like that, light the torch, adjust the correct flame, make another small weld, turn off again, and repeat... Alternatively you could leave the flame on all the time, burning expensive gas and being a fire hazard.
With a gas saver you hang the torch on the hook, do whatever other work you need to do, pick up the torch and it is ready to go when you've lit it.

I have a gas saver. I think it's one of the best things I've purchased. I did a lot of on line searching for a decent price when I purchased mine. I don't remember where I got it as I purchase welding supplys on line when I can't get them locally and always search several suppliers as their prices seem to change a lot. Sometimes E Bay has new ones reasonably priced.

note that I also have a set of light weight hoses installed. Much easier to control the torch with these as they are very flexable.

Good to know people like them, means they have to be good. I am planning on putting the hoses I have now between regulators and the gas saver, and get some lighter hose to put between saver and torch. Today I usually twist the hoses one turn around my arm (hanging down from the elbow) any time I'll be holding the torch for long so the weight doesn't pull on the torch, lighter hoses should make a big diffrence.

Materiels. can be scavenged..
foot pedal/switch, Two solenoids, a timer, base, ignition transformer and you can have a instant on instant off. (see under free tools, the propane jet is half of it)

No doubt you could make something yourself, but I think there might be an issue with the insurance if there ever was a fire. Maybe not a big risk, but potentially a very expensive one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/250959815865...#ht_4113wt_754
here is a link to one on Ebay
even with the 25% tax you are under $200 USD

Thankyou. I'll likely buy from Ebay US, unless I find a good seller within the european union - don't have to pay customs and swedish VAT on stuff from within EU.

...are you using 2 stage regulators on your tanks?...

I'm not sure. I've bought them used without any manual so I don't know much more than it says "AGA Jetcontrol 500" on them and they look like this: http://medium.tradera.com/807/137055807_1.jpg
Around here AGA is by far the biggest brand on this kind of things, and they do cost quite alot.

Edit: I take too long to write, got another couple of replies...

Originally Posted by jlrussell4

Ulf,

check this: http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/GS-150.html?id=yooc4egj

I don't know what importing it would cost, but the price here is good.

Very good price. Even with shipping, customs fee and swedish VAT I could get two and have money to spare. With some luck customs misses it so VAT and fees might be avoided, less then a third of the swedish price then.

[AndersK]

Import cost from US to Sweden would be cost + freight + 6% customs fee + 25% VAT
Looks like it would fit a 40 USD flat rate box. Then add another 15 USD for the carrier to clear it thru customs.
If send as a "gift" just add freight.

[Hotrod1932]

I have a gas saver for my rig too but the problem I have found with it is that since I have mine mounted on a bench I always seem to be using the torch somewhere away from the bench. So to use it I'm always tracking back and forth, so I usually just end up shutting off the torch.

Thing like Jim says has a pilot light that stays lit, and the gas/oxy cut off works like the tank float in a toilet or water closet. Set the torch down on the holder it shuts off the gas/oxy flow to the torch, and leaves the pilot light burning. Lift up the torch and you light it back on the pilot without having to reset the oxy and ace valves. Works great it your working close to where you have the gas saver.

It does however require 2 sets of hoses, one set from the tanks to the gas saver, and then a second set from the gas saver to the torch.

[Dawai]

Lemme see...

No doubt you could make something yourself, but I think there might be an issue with the insurance if there ever was a fire. Maybe not a big risk, but potentially a very expensive one.

Yes, using certified WOG (water, oil, gas) rated solenoids would be safe.
Sweden? isn't that the country where the guy strapped jet engines to his boots and flew after jumping out of a balloon? Where's your adventurous self?

But NOTE! anything used for oxygen service must be hospital clean inside, I used to have to swab piping with acetone swabs and seal them off after drying them out with purified air. Any cutting oil, any combustible, oxygen lowers the "combustion" (see correction) temperature where it can spontaneous combust.. that goes for regulators, torches, solenoids, tubing, lines.. OK??? so.. yes.. be careful to copy anything a "hillbilly" does.. unless you have been where the hillbilly has reading and doing.. Just remember that the next time you visit a relative with a oxy bottle getting a breath..

edit for correction:what I meant to say is that oxygen lowers the ignition temperature... this communication error is why I do not attempt to teach.

Mowing the grass, walking down the road, building a machine, modifying a welder can be lethal. If you are too paranoid thou, the tin foil hat draws attention from skeptics..

[no999gr]

Originally Posted by kenc

I have one and use it all the time. My only complaint is that when you pick the torch up again, more often than not, the flame has jumped off the tip.

I've learned that a shake or two of the wrist will get the flame back where it needs to be most times, but it is a hassle.

Bigger tip, less pressure may be what you need.

[Pete's Metalshaping]

Just out of curiosity, what if you were to buy a used one from someone. Do you still have to pay all of the taxes?

[anders nørgaard]

Originally Posted by Pete's Metalshaping

Just out of curiosity, what if you were to buy a used one from someone. Do you still have to pay all of the taxes?

Larry,
That's how it would work in Denmark

Originally Posted by AndersK

Import cost from US to Sweden would be cost + freight + 6% customs fee + 25% VAT
Looks like it would fit a 40 USD flat rate box. Then add another 15 USD for the carrier to clear it thru customs.
If sent as a "gift" just add freight.

That's not the way it works in Denmark! I've had to pay taxes every time Ray sent Viking Helmets/baseball caps. The same thing happened when Timothy gave me a bead roller ... it's called legal hiway robbery

[kfs]

Originally Posted by anders nørgaard

Larry,
That's how it would work in Denmark



That's not the way it works in Denmark! I've had to pay taxes every time Ray sent Viking Helmets/baseball caps. The same thing happened when Timothy gave me a bead roller ... it's called legal hiway robbery

Dont you have a ''VAT fre limit'' in Denmark and Sweden ?

In Norway we hav to pay 25% VAT on goods if over 201nkr in value, we have to pay for al of it if under 200nkr no tax
gift are no tax, but tax ofice are cheking bank akount, so if money have been payed for your ''gift'' they wil get you