Gas saver recommendation?

[JHCC]

As discussed in another thread, I've got an oxy-propane rig on order to expand my shop capacity for cutting, heating, and brazing (although not welding). A question there that remains unanswered concerns gas savers: specifically, whether I should go with a Smith for about $175:

or a Gentech for about $70-$100 less:

Any thoughts/ideas/recommendations/warnings?

[Steven NY]

Hello, 

I use a Gentec Model 100QF-Y with my Oxygen & Acetylene torch setup. It has worked very well for me for several years. It seems to be well built, and has been reliable for the things I use it for. The only “issue” I have noticed is that in cold weather the shut off hook is slow to rise when the torch is lifted. I usually just bump it up with the torch head before I reignite the torch, not a big deal at all. Just the only odd thing I can think of. I am not sure if the return spring is a little weak or if it is the tightness of the valving but when it is cold the arm moves slower. Maybe that is how they all act; mine is the only one I have ever used. I never store my torch hanging from the hook. I hang my torch from the cart. It has been very useful when setting rivets or bending at the vise. I can tell you I would never run a torch setup again without a gas saver. If I needed another gas saver I would by another Gentec. 

Have a great day,

W

[JHCC]

And that’s what I wanted to know! Many thanks!

Since I’m doing oxy-propane, I’ll be getting the 100QF-F model. I like your cart/stand, and I’m thinking about mounting such a setup (with the foot pedal for hands-free operation) on the corner of the cart I’ll be making for the gas cylinders. Unless there’s some reason not to?

[Steven NY]

Hello,

When I set up my torch system I did not want to move the tanks around my shop from vise to bench or anvil. So my tanks are chained to the wall. I have a running line from the tanks to the gas saver cart that allows me to reach anywhere in my shop and even outside my shop. To be honest 99% of the time the extra line is just coiled next to the tanks in large loops. I mainly seem to use the torch in one or two locations in the shop. The tanks are isolated from where I am working, and can not be tipped over. The gas saver cart is small and can be conveniently placed right where I need it without having to move the tanks or having a large cart in the way. I have lost some mobility having my tanks chained to the wall, but I have gained freedom of movement where I use my torches the most. Just a different set up style to think about. 

Have a great night,

W

[Irondragon Forge ClayWorks]

Although I don't have a gas saver, my large tanks are also against the wall with 40 ft of hose so I can use the torch anywhere I need to.

[JHCC]

Thanks, guys. I see the value of stationary tanks (especially large ones), but I’m not sure where in my garage would be a convenient place to dedicate to such storage. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, almost everything on my shop is mobile (except the anvil, vise, and coal forge) and packs down into a fairly small space, so I’m rearranging my space every time I forge anyway. 

As a hobbyist, I’ll not be investing in big tanks anyway, at least not initially. I’m happy to reconfigure as necessary, when (and if) the time comes. 

[Glenn]

Chain or somehow lock the tanks into an upright or vertical position so they can not be pulled over when you only need a few more inches of hose to get to the project.  Or something falls across or snags the hose.

[JHCC]

The design that's coming together in my mind would accommodate a 7" diameter oxygen cylinder, so anything from a size 60 (24" high) to size 150 (46" high). I'll probably start with an 80 (31" high) or a 125 (42" high); haven't quite made up my mind. I'm certainly planning to keep the center of gravity as low as possible, including using some pretty beefy steel for its various structures.

[Frosty]

To prevent the hose from pulling the tanks over, anchor it to something other than the regulators. I've seen ham handed knuckle heads jerk the welding cart over with the hose. 

I like my bottles on a cart to minimize trip and tip hazards. My most recent torch cart is a work in progress, I picked up a couple of battered wheel chairs at the transfer station s few years ago. Those nice big wheels will make rough ground no big problem.

Where I anchor my hoses is at the propane tank handle, I loop it over the cart handle so I'm not dragging it through obstacles but it won't tip the cart without serious effort.

Frosty The Lucky.

[Irondragon Forge ClayWorks]

I took the chain off my tanks because they need to be refilled. The pandemic put a cramp in that plan though. I have to get them hydro-tested, so It's off to Welsco with them. I might down size if they will swap them out and I still own them.

My brother gave me that setup in the early '70s for my birthday. Since I don't use the A/O torch much, they last a long time and I have only had to get them tested once about 20 years ago when I had them refilled. I picked up an old tank hand truck/cart, but my tanks are too large to fit so downsizing makes sense and I wouldn't relish horsing those big tanks around anyway.

[Frosty]

I bought a 135cu' oxy bottle when I got my oxy propane rig and when I moved to Wasilla Air Liquide exchanges. I don't have to worry about: age, inspection, testing, certification, etc. I pay for 135cu' and they just make sure I get at least that size. I didn't see a 135 cu' bottle in their cage last time I was there. 

Frosty The Lucky.

[JHCC]

I've ordered the Gentec, which hopefully will get here around the same time as my (backordered) oxy-propane torch kit.

[JHCC]

Okay, update. I ordered the Gentec last night from a website called "torchtools[dot]com", which had pretty much the best price I could find without being a sketchy-looking outfit in Columbia or Bahrain. This morning, I got an email from PayPal that my payment has been refunded, since my order was cancelled because of a "pricing issue". Then I get another email from the company asking me to place the order again on "torchtips[dot]com".

It seems that the company has two websites, and the price on the one where I'd ordered it had not been updated. What was $105 is now $195.

I don't think so.

I've sent them an email saying (in part), "I would be happy to place a new order with you if and only if you are willing to honor your original price. I would consider this a demonstration of your professional integrity and your commitment to treating your customers fairly, and thus I would be happy to work with you. Otherwise, I will take my business elsewhere."

We shall see. Looks like I might be getting a Smith after all.

[JHCC]

Update: they gave me an answer whose true character I cannot adequately describe without a major violation of forum policy. Let's just call it "unsatisfactory".

A Smith gas saver is on its way from Cyberweld.