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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Taree NSW
    Posts
    119

    Default Cigweld comet junior

    I wish to have my comet junior acetylene torch refurbished but local gas supplier says 'too old' and no parts available any more - has anyone else had this problem and if so have they been able to overcome this? my torch has had very little use and looks brand new- I feel this sort of equipment should last one for life however it seems all manufacturers nowadays work on planned obsolescence

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    586

    Default

    Welcome to the 21st century. Where a new torch assembly can be had for well under $150, and workshop labour rates and parts would be double that. Same applies for regulators - replace is more economical than repair.
    Sounds like the gas man did you a favor!


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    1,656

    Default

    "my torch has had very little use and looks brand new" why does it need to be refurbished is there anything wrong with it , usually just o rings, back in the days of the comet junior they were built to last forever.
    Gauges are another matter supposedly the older gauges can not handle the high pressure of today's cylinders although I know of three set ups that seem to be handling the pressure just fine.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    586

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by China View Post
    "my torch has had very little use and looks brand new" why does it need to be refurbished is there anything wrong with it , usually just o rings, back in the days of the comet junior they were built to last forever.
    Gauges are another matter supposedly the older gauges can not handle the high pressure of today's cylinders although I know of three set ups that seem to be handling the pressure just fine.
    Yeah, maybe.
    But going from 150 bar in the old days to 300 these days is a bit of a jump.
    1 Bar is 1 atmosphere, or 14.7psi in the old money. So not insignificant pressures.
    But to really put it all in perspective, google image search a bourdon tube... I've seen them blow out and shoot the rear plate of a regulator pressure gauge. PEW PEW.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
    Posts
    3,228

    Default

    My local Bunnings is clearing out their Tradeflame gear. They have the oxy-acet blowpipe for about $50. Welding tips for between $5-10. Regs for $50. Maybe your local Bunnings is too? It's not on their website though. Might be worth a look.
    Chris

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Southern Flinders Ranges
    Posts
    1,536

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Alf Scotting View Post
    .... I feel this sort of equipment should last one for life...
    That’s a completely unrealistic and unreasonable expectation. Your gripe on planned obsolescence might be valid if you bought it two years ago, on a product that’s somewhere around 30-40yrs old, not so much.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Syd
    Posts
    492

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Alf Scotting
    has anyone else had this problem
    Not on that end of the scale, but yeah, tips at least haven't been available for a long, long, time. Would expect only O rings, as China points out, as wear items.

    Can understand why you'd like to keep it rather than "upgrade" to a newer torch, ease of handling with compact size, weight and even ergonomics are pretty outstanding for light fab work. Would have thought last made in the 70s rather than, 30 or 40 years ago too?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    melbourne
    Posts
    473

    Default

    If you can get it refurbished, remember hoses only have a limited life as well. 10 years according to some.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Southern Flinders Ranges
    Posts
    1,536

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hunch View Post
    Would have thought last made in the 70s rather than, 30 or 40 years ago too?
    Made in the 70’s dates it to between 40 and 50 years old..
    Pretty sure I remember seeing those on the shelf at CIG in the second half of the 80’s still.
    Regardless, it’s obsolete either way

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    melbourne
    Posts
    473

    Default

    Just realised my dillon/henrob torch is now 38 years old.... But I have replaced hoses, o rings done 10 years ago. Still working nicely.

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