Two M15s and a Red Max [Archive]

tabriz

2007-07-02, 10:50am

Hi,
I just ordered a second M15 concentrator to run my Red Max. I'm currently running the top torch on one, and it seems to work fine, but I'm wondering if I'll be able to work the bottom torch with two M15's? And, in relation to the current talk of Nortels running a reducing flame, will my top flame be more oxidizing with the 2 concentrators?

And, just how in the world do I hook these two up? I see Arrow Springs has a coupler for $30 (http://www.arrowsprings.com/), are there any other alternatives?

Thanks
Lee

Paul Ewing

2007-07-02, 2:02pm

It depends on the connections on your concentrators. If they have hose barbs, then it is an easy thing. You will need two three pieces of tubing and a T connector. If your concentrators have B fittings for torch hoses, to screw in, it is a bit more difficult. You can either try to make a T fitting that has the B size fittings or convert them to barbed connections. B fittings are hard to find outside of welding shops. They are different than the brass pipe, flare, and compression fittings at most hardware stores.

I did this Saturday, and it wasn't too hard. My original concentrator was set up with a B connection. My new one had a plastic adapter from a B connection to a hose barb. I tried to find another adapter at Lowes and Home Depot (9pm Saturday, they were the only things open) and had no luck. Luckily though the B connection on my older concentrator was really an adapter from a standard brass pipe fitting to the B fitting. I was able to get a fitting that converted from the brass pipe thread to a hose barb. This cost $1.40 or so. I got 20 feet of 1/4 inch inside diameter vinyl hose for $2.96 and a 1/4 inch plastic T for $1.22 at Lowes. I put the new tube barb adapter on the old concentrator instead of the B fitting adapter. I then cut the tubing into sections to go to each concentrator and the two top parts of the plastic T. I then cut a piece of tubing to go from the bottom of the T to the oxygen barb on the torch. All told under $6 for the connection.