Dirty mini cc

[Mina]

I need to clean my torch. I'm getting sparks in my flame. I've never cleaned it before. I have a mini cc that is now a year old. What tools/ supplies do I need? Any tips/pointers? I've heard of accidentally plugging up the openings on the torch thingie while cleaning it....I don't want that to happen

[losthelm]

Start by blowing out the torch and shaking it face down.
Then poke the holes gently with the suggested .025 piano wire or tip cleaner.
Blow it out again to remove any carbon.
Take your time work slow and don't force it.

[Mina]

Is the tip cleaner a specified tool? Where can it be purchased?

[hyperT]

You can buy a set of tip cleaners at your local welding supply company. They don't cost very much. You can also try Harbor Freight they may have them too.

[istandalone24/7]

or just use the stainless steel wire brush that comes with a dremel (dont' use the dremel though) just have your oxy and propane flowing heavily, the barrel pointed downish, and scrub away. you dont' even need to push hard. light strokes.

then if needed use the piano wire, or the high E string from a guitar.

[Speedslug]

I had read some where that you only want to use the smooth surfaced wires in a welders cleaning kit. Seems the rough surfaced ones can scratch the inside of the torch tubing and the scratches can give the carbon a place to accumulate and give you more clogs in the future.

The next issue after you have got it clean ( and you can look up what the manufacturer recommends on their websites most of the time) is the question of how it got clogged.
I understand that there are propane filters that will clean most of the junk out before it gets to the torch.
I think they are for motor homes and such but they should be inexpensive.

The other things that can clog a torch are running it with a flame that is too small and the gases are not getting far enough away from the face before igniting.

One more is a question of what kind of hoses you are using.
It turns out that some welding torch hoses are not chemically compatible with propane. Hoses marked with anything other than "type T" can interact with propane and start to disintegrate.
They get gummy on the inside and start to spew crap into your torch and eventually will start leaking propane and will become a fire hazard in a short amount of time.

[losthelm]

The manufacture has a PDF online and sugests a .025 piece of piano wire to
Remove carbon buildup.

[Mina]

A lot of great information....thanks!!

[28676bhe]

I knock mine every now and then with a whack on the top. Works for the astroauts, why not for me?

[Mina]

Barbara...lol...whacking worked with my kids too...lol...just kidding