Frequently Asked Questions

General Topics

What is the warranty of the Miller® | Smith Equipment® products?

It may vary from product to product. Please refer to Miller® | Smith® Gas Equipment Warranty Policy.

Can I cut any metal with Miller® | Smith Equipment®?

No. Oxy-fuel cutting is only for cutting mild steel.

What processes can I do with Miller® | Smith Equipment®?

You can Cut, Weld, Braze (solder), and Heat.

What is the maximum thickness I can cut?

This will vary depending on the torch, tip and fuel gas you are using. With acetylene you can cut up to 12″ and propane or natural gas up to 20″. Remember: it will vary on the tip you choose and the cutting torch you have.

About the Little Torch™

How do I replace my Little Torch hose?

There are step-by-step instructions, along with a ferrule (brass hose retainer band) and ferrule replacement tool that accompany all replacement hose assemblies. For in-depth instructions, reference your owner’s manual. Recommendation: Replace hoses every five years.

What are the part numbers for the Little Torch replacement hose assemblies?

Depending on the hose fittings, you will need the following hose assembly:

  • 13254-4-8 Standard “B” 9/16″-18 hose fittings
  • 13254-5-8 Australian hose fittings
  • 13254-6-8 British hose fittings
  • 13254-7-8 European hose fittings

Each hose assembly includes an 8-foot (green) oxygen hose, 8-foot (red) fuel hose, two hose ferrules, one crimping tool and a manual. Recommendation: Replace hoses every five years.

Can the orifice in the Little Torch tips be cleaned?

If the orifice is obstructed by flux, often they can be cleaned by boiling them in water for approximately 10 minutes. Other methods used to clean dirty tips involve the use of a jeweler’s-type steam cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner.

Why is it hard to light or keep my size No. 2 size tip lit?

This is typically due to excessive gas pressures. A maximum of just two psi outlet pressure is recommended for both gases and the use of an open flame makes lighting the tiny flame much easier.

What are the twin flame tips used for?

The flexible twin flame tips may be used where both sides of an object can be heated. They can speed up the soldering or brazing process and provide even heating for complete, more even solder flows.

What are the flame sizes and orifice diameters of the tips?

Tip
Size
Orifice
Diameter
Orifice
Drill Size
Btu/HourRecommended
Pressures
for Both Gases (psi)
Approximate Overall
Flame Length
Brazing Capacity
Copper Pipe
No. 2.006 in.971302.125 in.-
No. 3.011 in.851,15041.5 in.Up to 1/8 in.
No. 4.020 in.762,30055.5 in. (thin)1/4–3/8 in.
No. 5.029 in.693,80065.5 in.5/16–5/8 in.
No. 6.037 in.636,58566.5 in.3/8–3/4 in.
No. 7.047 in.569,20087 in.1/2–7/8 in.
Tip No. 2
Orifice Diameter.006 in.
Orifice Drill Size97
Btu/Hour130
Recommended Pressures
for Both Gases (psi)
2
Approximate Overall
Flame Length
.125 in.
Brazing Capacity
Copper Pipe
-
Tip No. 3
Orifice Diameter.011 in.
Orifice Drill Size85
Btu/Hour1,150
Recommended Pressures
for Both Gases (psi)
4
Approximate Overall
Flame Length
1.5 in.
Brazing Capacity
Copper Pipe
Up to 1/8 in.
Tip No. 4
Orifice Diameter.020 in.
Orifice Drill Size76
Btu/Hour2,300
Recommended Pressures
for Both Gases (psi)
5
Approximate Overall
Flame Length
5.5 in. (thin)
Brazing Capacity
Copper Pipe
1/4–3/8 in.
Tip No. 5
Orifice Diameter.029 in.
Orifice Drill Size69
Btu/Hour3,800
Recommended Pressures
for Both Gases (psi)
6
Approximate Overall
Flame Length
5.5 in.
Brazing Capacity
Copper Pipe
5/16–5/8 in.
Tip No. 6
Orifice Diameter.037 in.
Orifice Drill Size63
Btu/Hour6,585
Recommended Pressures
for Both Gases (psi)
6
Approximate Overall
Flame Length
6.5 in.
Brazing Capacity
Copper Pipe
3/8–3/4 in.
Tip No. 7
Orifice Diameter.047 in.
Orifice Drill Size56
Btu/Hour9,200
Recommended Pressures
for Both Gases (psi)
8
Approximate Overall
Flame Length
7 in.
Brazing Capacity
Copper Pipe
1/2–7/8 in.

What are the applications for the multi-flame heating (rosebud) tips?

The rosebud tips may be used where a larger, more widely dispersed flame is needed for brazing, soldering or heating. They are used predominantly in the jeweler industry for annealing, reticulation and casting of gold or silver.

Both the acetylene and propane models can cast up to three ounces of gold and silver. These tips are also used for enameling and plastics polishing.

Note: Heating tips are not for use with disposable oxygen cylinders.

What fuel gas will work with the Little Torch?

The Little Torch may be operated with most commercially used welding gases including acetylene, propane, hydrogen and propylene. It may be used with city gas (natural gas) if the minimum pressure required for the tip is sufficient.

Caution: Most city gas lines only produce less than one psi.

Which fuel gas should I use with my Little Torch, acetylene or propane?

Most Little Torch operators use either acetylene or propane with each offering specific advantages and disadvantages.

Acetylene produces a very concentrated, pinpoint high-temperature flame (approximately 6,000°F) whereas the other gases tend to spread the head produced throughout the outer flame.

The acetylene flame produces soot during combustion and the propane gases tend to burn much cleaner. Acetylene gas is lighter than air and in the event of a gas leak it will tend to dissipate in the atmosphere with any air flow.

Propane gas is heavier than air and will fall to the floor and may collect in low spots thereby creating a potentially combustible hazard.

Can the gas valves be replaced if they are damaged or worn out?

Yes. The complete torch valve assembly may be replaced for oxygen and fuel gas. Using an open-end wrench, remove the valve assembly from the torch body. There is a white packing ring (7348) under the valve that should be replaced. Green identifies the oxygen valve assembly (7345) and red identifies the fuel valve assembly (7346).

Does my Little Torch require any adaptors to fit my cylinder regulators?

For most regulators, adaptors are not required. The Little Torch hose assemblies have standard “B” 9/16-inch welding hose connections and attach to most industrial welding gas regulators.

Where can I use the Little Torch Caddy Kits’ cylinders?

Individuals using the cylinders inside should contact their insurance carriers and research fire codes for their locations.

How long will the oxygen and fuel gas last in disposable cylinders?

The Little Torch for Disposable Tanks Kit (23-1014) is available for use with disposable propane (or propylene) and oxygen cylinders. Disposable propane cylinders have 7.50 cfh of gas. Disposable oxygen cylinders have 1.05 cfh of gas.

This means that a No. 5 tip (12-1401-05) at 2.58 cfh propane and 3.1 cfh oxygen consumption would use up an oxygen cylinder in 20 minutes and a propane cylinder in three hours.

Note: Disposable oxygen and fuel cylinders may be purchased at your local hardware or gas distributors.