GTT Phantom Setup Help

[Nicholas Propp]

Ok,

So I am expecting a Phatom in a couple days and I need help on how to set it up. I'll be running it on a single tank of oxy and propane, as its a Four Stud and I have no pedal system. I know I need Y connectors and additional hoses, is there any thing else I'll need? Any help is gratly appreciated, thanks!

Nic

[RyanTheNumberImp]

Just a pair of Ys (and enough hose/connectors to put it all together of course).

I'd recommend a pedal, especially if you are on tanks. They can be quite expensive but if you are technically minded you can build your own. They save a fair deal of oxygen and can speed some processes up since you aren't fiddling around.

There is a thread on building your own here but you likely need a talkglass account: http://www.talkglass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22881

[berningglass]

i built a foot pedal from that thread. i can't remember for sure, but i want to say it cost about 130.00. super simple to build. the only confusion had was the wiring , but that's in the thread now.
congrats on the phantom !!!

[FiredDesires]

I didn't read through that whole thread Ryan, because when I read his comment that the directions were for a Mirage only, I bowed out. When someone comes up with the directions/recommendations on building a foot pedal for the Phantom 4 stud....please, please let me know.

[RyanTheNumberImp]

He says mirage only because of the maximum flow through the valves. You can also use it for smaller torches just fine.

[oldschooltofu]

you can get 1/4" plastic hose barbs T at ace or lowes. use small hose clamps and some section of hose and you can make a Y splitter.

[Dale M.]

I didn't read through that whole thread Ryan, because when I read his comment that the directions were for a Mirage only, I bowed out. When someone comes up with the directions/recommendations on building a foot pedal for the Phantom 4 stud....please, please let me know.

Foot pedals are foot pedals, just like accelerator pedal in a car, would you not use instructions for one if it was labeled FORD and you were thinking CHEVROLET....

Foot pedals for the most part are GENERIC... You just use the number of solenoid valves and switches to match oxygen/fuel ports on torch....

Dale

[FiredDesires]

Ah, Dale...lol, maybe to you they are very basic & "foot pedals are just foot pedals", but that is because YOU know about them. I'm still stuck at electric, mechanical, holding the pedal down continusously/on-off? So while for the most part they might be generic, the decisions one might make in trying to select one model over another are not. Do you torch with one, did you build it, if not what type do you use and why was it your preference.

I saw one being used by a marble maker in my John Kobuki class years ago and decided that one would be really, really useful. But that was way before I bought my Phantom.
The idea that it could be built at 1/3rd the cost is pretty enticing, especially since I spent my budget this year on an oxygen filling system. Ouch, but I'm a happy camper.. after all these years..no lugging tanks, no faulty LOX's..whoohooo

"He says mirage only because of the maximum flow through the valves. You can also use it for smaller torches just fine"
Thank you Ryan, I'll head back over and read the whole thread and probably have more questions answered too!

[Dale M.]

As for foot pedals, the limits of flow through them could be increases by larger solenoids/valve ( but you have to deal with hose/size/restriction).... As for control it can be a foot pedal like car accelerator, maybe a knee pad (switch) against bench support, maybe a toggle switch....

The thing here is the concept, it is a mechanical/electrical way to turn on/off outer rings of fire, the how it happens just mechanics..... Bottom line is just be sure whatever you put together is safe.....

Dale

[FiredDesires]

Dale....thank you so much for the more in depth explanation. I'll be reading that "build your own" thread throughout and gain even more info I'm sure.

Tell me if you think I'm pipe dreamng about this? This guy at the marble class using the foot pedal, it had a left & right pedal to it, I think for inner/outer rings on/off, also there was a "roller" type piece that was for flame adjustment..have you ever seen/heard of such a thing? Wished I'd paid more attention to what torch he was running (we all had to bring our own) and to have thought to ask him more info about that pedal....bought, self built??? I was thinking at the time what a handy thing to keep your hands free, never considering that years later I'd hit "I want, I want" whiney stage.

[DanG]

I have a foot pedal for my phantom and I love it I wouldn't be able to work with out it. You only need a single pedal for it. I have made Electric ones and also manual ones and I like the manual one the best. I can take it any where I want and I don't have to plug it in. DanG

[Dale M.]

Dan... Maybe you can enlighten us on the manual style, like what kind of valves.... I'm some what familiar with the electrical solenoid versions but have not given much consideration to manual valves and linking them to pedal...

Dale

[DanG]

I'll have to get the names off of them . The valves are made for gas. I'll take some pictures of mine and show you. OK here are 2 pictures of the one I made for myself. There are 2 hoses coming in and 4 going out and no need for any Y's. When I was selling them there was a cover over the valves to protect them.
207313
207312

[Nicholas Propp]

ok so i finally got the y connectors in and the torch came today too! Cant wait to make a pedal for it. Another question though, what are the proper pressures to run the Phantom at? Thanks everybody!

Nic

[RyanTheNumberImp]

Anything from 5/10 to 20/40 (propane/oxygen) should be fine, and you might even be able to go higher. Start with whatever and see if you are getting enough flame. I do soft glass on a mirage and 7/15 is more than enough.

Dan would you recommend momentary or on-off for a foot pedal?

[DanG]

I like the on off you can get a pedal from Grangers if your making an Electric one. That way you don't have to sit there with your foot on the pedal all the time. I may even have one in my shop still in the box I'll have to look.




Anything from 5/10 to 20/40 (propane/oxygen) should be fine, and you might even be able to go higher. Start with whatever and see if you are getting enough flame. I do soft glass on a mirage and 7/15 is more than enough.

Dan would you recommend momentary or on-off for a foot pedal?

[DanG]

Here is the pedal I used when I was making the Electric foot pedals. You can get it at Grangers on line.
207474
207476
207475

[Dale M.]

Another really good source for stuff electrical and mechanical (foot pedals and solenoid valves ) is mcmaster.com...

Dale