Wales Mid-range bench burner

[eej713]

I just bought a used Wales Mid-range bench burner (surface mix). Does anyone use this and can give me tips for getting the best out of it? My instructor said that it is prone to carbon build up and you have to ream out the tips. Any information would help. TIA

[kbinkster]

I think you're talking about the Nortel Midrange. The recommended operating pressures are 0.25-5 psi gas and 5-15 psi oxygen. I, personally, would bump up the fuel pressure to at least 5 psi to eliminate fluctuations caused by the regulator.

How much a torch carbons up depends largely on the type of candles that you run. Keep you candles neutral and don't run a super soft short flame, and you should be o.k..

[Cosmo]

My first "real" torch was a Mid-Range. I still have it set up and use it occasionally. Been going strong for close to 4 years and never had anything more than just a basic cleaning (which it really didn't need). But, I tend to run big flames because I work big pieces, so it stays pretty much clean.

However, if you want to see carbon buildup, find someone with a Herbert Arnold. They are great torches, but for some reason you have to run weird flames with them. They build up carbon so much that you have to knock it off with a stick. However, everyone that I know that uses one says that's just par for the course with them and that's one of the things that they like about it.