Cost effective way of occasionally using a portapack?

[brewdexta]

I've been given bagging, torch, regulators etc. by my dad who no longer uses his portapack, he sent the bottles back years ago. I only need to use this very occasionally, ideal for heating up stubborn nuts and a bit of brazing and who knows what.

What's the most cost effective way of getting oxy/acetylene to the kit in the photo or do I need to flog it an buy something else? Propane?

Cheers
Andy

 

[armalites]

Get a rent free Oxygen 9L, Adams Gas etc.
Then use propane or get a an Albee rent free Acetylene.

I've never used propane but I know some find it fine for warming stuff up or cutting.

 

[brewdexta]

Thanks

Albee sell both oxy and acetlylene and there is a supplier nearby in Rawtenstall so maybe the way to go. I'll get some pricing first though.....

 

[eil]

If you need it to just heat nuts and bolts up and a bit of brazing, then you could look in to rent free oxy and Mapp gas, thats what I have been using for years.

 

[TechnicAl]

I think there are "best before" dates on the regs etc and especially the bagging.If its old it may be no good

 

[awemawson]

Can someone explain the term 'bagging' in this context please. I've had oxy-acetylene sets for decades but not come across the term.

 

[brewdexta]

I think there are "best before" dates on the regs etc and especially the bagging.If its old it may be no good

You may have a point there Al, although it looks in good nick.

Just checked the box, the original receipt is in there 9th Feb 1984 so its coming up for nearly 30 yrs old.

I guess this may mean its past its sell by date

As a matter of interest it cost £213.21 from Affiliated Factors in Doncaster including 4 nozzles and goggles.

Cheers
Andy

 

[brewdexta]

Can someone explain the term 'bagging' in this context please. I've had oxy-acetylene sets for decades but not come across the term.

Bagging is a term for the gas hoses I believe.

 

[octo0072000]

Bagging is a term for the gas hoses I believe.

correct

 

[madkayaker]

those hoses and regulators are well past there use by date then. the recommended replace date is 5 years on regulators and i think its the same on hoses.

 

[brewdexta]

I guess This may be more cost effective for my limited hobby use if my dad's old kit is so old its now junk. If I find I'm going through the disposable then I could then move up to the Albee/Adams no deposit bottle route.

EDIT - or just buy some new bagging and go the Albee route as that includes regulators. Probably need to buy flashback arrestors? Could I use my dads old torch with Albee or is that too old as well? Does standard bagging fit Albee?

I'll get quotes before making a final decision.

 

[TechnicAl]

You may have a point there Al, although it looks in good nick.

Just checked the box, the original receipt is in there 9th Feb 1984 so its coming up for nearly 30 yrs old.

I guess this may mean its past its sell by date

As a matter of interest it cost £213.21 from Affiliated Factors in Doncaster including 4 nozzles and goggles.

Cheers
Andy

I bet a replacement would be cheaper

 

[pedrobedro]

Nothing wrong with that torch, I'm using one just like it (probably older as well) with no problems.

 

[KemppiFrog]

Gotta chuckle. My O/A kit I got from my Father's old co. Must be 60+ yrs old. The 'bagging' (first time I have heard it too) is crumbly and so well past it's sell by... But doesn't leak. I very rarely use it, and the hoses are due for replacement.....
One comment.... Old kit was generally better built. So the 'rules' on changing regs etc. are more important on new stuff than old? I know it sounds odd, but... seems to work for me. Had to change a recent MIG regulator that leaking, the one before is fine, just under the change of pressures.
This thread has bumpted me to get the hoses changed. The torch is a Saphire so that stays.
KF

 

[brewdexta]

As I was curious I thought I would look into the frequency of proactive maintenance and replacement of regulators etc. no intention to question Madkayaker's 5 years but just to understand the context and other rules etc.

The HSE guide page 35 section 98 implies that the frequency of maintenance should be related to the frequency and condition of use but in section 99 it defers to the British Compressed Gases Association BCGA codes of practise no. 7 for more guidance which is 50 quid so I left it at that

So the HSE is saying that you have to maintain your equipment properly and the guide to this maintenance is the BCGA code of practise. Without being able to read the code of practise, is the 5 years purely a guide or does it form any compulsory regulation?

EDIT - found this - regular maintenance is compulsory but seems the 5years replacment is a guide.

Cheers
Andy

 

[TechnicAl]

As I was curious I thought I would look into the frequency of proactive maintenance and replacement of regulators etc. no intention to question Madkayaker's 5 years but just to understand the context and other rules etc.

The HSE guide page 35 section 98 implies that the frequency of maintenance should be related to the frequency and condition of use but in section 99 it defers to the British Compressed Gases Association BCGA codes of practise no. 7 for more guidance which is 50 quid so I left it at that

So the HSE is saying that you have to maintain your equipment properly and the guide to this maintenance is the BCGA code of practise. Without being able to read the code of practise, is the 5 years purely a guide or does it form any compulsory regulation?

Cheers
Andy

As far as I know it isnt compulsory but its used by Insurance companies to avoid paying out should the worse happen.

 

[brewdexta]

As far as I know it isnt compulsory but its used by Insurance companies to avoid paying out should the worse happen.

Cheers Al, confirms what I think I found.

 

[madkayaker]

as with most regulations it only applies to places of work however there is reasons behind most of it so tend to follow the regs any way. its also worth checking with your insurance company if your going to start storing O&A

 

[Dev]

I guess This may be more cost effective for my limited hobby use

how long would something like last, roughly? Seems awfully expensive if it's only going to do an hours work.

 

[kelsham]

I have a kit that uses Mapps gas, with an oxygen bottle from Adams gas. I use it for brazing and heating.

Not much use trying to weld with it, the flame seems to spread and heats too wide an area.

But it lasts for a reasonable time on the ocassions I need it. recently brazed up an exhaust for my 1931 BSA Trike.

Regards Kels.