Tweco 5 torch re furb

[Tino]

My torch is looking tired so time for a re furb got some nice new parts.


I start at the end nozzle,tip, insulator


and diffuser this has a small grub screw to hold the liner in place


next I crack the two screws that clamp the neck, I cant remove these yet.

Now the liner comes out, remove the retaining nut and pull (keep the line straight)

 

[Tino]

I can take the torch apart now

I can now remove the trigger and the screws and zip tie that hold the neck

(the zip tie is there to hold the gas pipe in place)and remove the neck

With all that off I can remove the hose support

and replace with a new one

A new neck is next, this is a bit difficult and worth spending a little time on to make a neat job



I replace the zip tie (it has to be as shown or the torch wont go back together)and reasemble

the two screws holding the neck I fully tighten once the torch is together

 

[Tino]

I now replace the liner keep the torch line straight and be very careful not to kink the liner, if you do discard it and use another, a kinked liner will cause no end of trouble.
Replace the nut.


And cut the liner to length with the torch still straight (this is important).I make sure there are no sharp edges and replace the diffuser


don't over tighten the small grub screw you can crush the end of the liner. I give the diffuser one last nip so its good and tight, if not it can unscrew as you try to remove the tip, this can be a pain in the ass.

Now for the insulator tip and nozzle

And that's it good as new

 

[weldingscotty803]

that looks a beast of a torch.
300+ amps for a guess

 

[Tino]

Hi, Tweco 5 are rated at 500 amps you are right it is a beast. we run mostly at about 300 amps

 

[Hitch]

Do the grub screws come out easily after a good roasting Tino?

 

[Tino]

Do the grub screws come out easily after a good roasting Tino?

The ones on the neck are no problem but the one that holds the end of the liner is usually well cooked and can be a pain to get out.

 

[weldingscotty803]

do you have manicures?

 

[shenion]

Great write up I have done my Tweco #4 with a new liner, shroud and diffuser. At 30+ years old, it still works like new.

Mine has a Tweco connector insted of Eurotorch. It is similar except the liner is held in with a set screw.

 

[Jake SS]

Nice job

The necks are available with an alluminium insulated sheath, I find that they last longer especially when they are used by say 4 different guys a day, dont treat them the same. When they use the neck as a hammer!!

 

[shenion]

As I said, my #4 Tweco is 30 years old. The torch handle looks like Bakelite or at least a very hard plastic.

It is big and heavy. So, i kept an eye on ebay. I goot a deal on a #1 torch, or so the ad said. It turned out to be a MiniMIG torch, basically the same as the ones used on Clarke's and smaller Lincoln welders.

The handle is thin plastic and does not give that feeling that it is real strong. The torch works great and is light.

My question is; what are the newer Tweco's like? Is the MiniMIG gun the only one that is thin plastic?

I had two #4 guns. I sold one for $110 on ebay. Not bad for a 25-year old torch (it was probably '83 vintage.)

 

[Tino]

As I said, my #4 Tweco is 30 years old. The torch handle looks like Bakelite or at least a very hard plastic.

It is big and heavy. So, i kept an eye on ebay. I goot a deal on a #1 torch, or so the ad said. It turned out to be a MiniMIG torch, basically the same as the ones used on Clarke's and smaller Lincoln welders.

The handle is thin plastic and does not give that feeling that it is real strong. The torch works great and is light.

My question is; what are the newer Tweco's like? Is the MiniMIG gun the only one that is thin plastic?

I had two #4 guns. I sold one for $110 on ebay. Not bad for a 25-year old torch (it was probably '83 vintage.)

Hi Scott ,I don t know about the smaller torches like the 3 and 4 but I would guess they haven't changed as the 5 is the same as it was years ago apart from coming with a metal cover on the neck as Jake ss said. Tweco are my favourite torch, as you say a bit heavy but they are the right shape and will last. The only way to kill one seams to be to damage the line it's the only part that cant be replaced. I'm not sure but I think the mini mig torches on Clark are copies and just the job for light stuff.

A newish one

 

[Tino]

Nice job

The necks are available with an alluminium insulated sheath, I find that they last longer especially when they are used by say 4 different guys a day, dont treat them the same. When they use the neck as a hammer!!

Would you have a part number for the necks with the metal outer as it isn't listed in my Tweco parts booklet? We can only seem to get replacements with the braided outer. When it gets damaged we use a rubber slip on (there's one on the old neck at the start of the re-furb) but this adds some weight.

 

[R Kraft]

One of these ?:
http://www.airgas.com/browse/product.aspx?Msg=RecID&recIds=12001&WT.svl=12001
Robert

 

[Jake SS]

Tweco Neck

Tino

Tweco part number is OTW65J/45, at least over here it is.

But I use Profax brand, made in USA, half the price, as good as Tweco, part number PX65-45J

Can get different angles of neck from 45-180deg

Took a few quick pics, can see insulation inside the ally sheath

Cheers

 

[Tino]

Thanks to you both R Kaft and Jake SS, that is great information I will be trying to get that type next time I re-furb a torch. I agree they are much better just didn't know they were available. Once again thanks, very much appreciate your help. The Profax look like a really good deal.

 

[Jake SS]

You can also get a trigger that will latch on, handy with long runs

 

[Tino]

do you have manicures?

Made me smile. No,I just had strict parents who disapproved of nail biting, if I got caught I got a wallop from my dad. A bit harsh, but it worked, I never developed the habit. Still got plenty wallops for other things though.

 

[Tino]

You can also get a trigger that will latch on, handy with long runs

That is a good tip for every one except me. It's the one thing I've never been able to use. I started welding on sets that didn't have latching and have, over years got into sort of welding habits, if I try to use latching I forget about it and then start to panic when it doesn't stop, and end up with lumps of wire flying about as I desperately try to get the thing to stop, daft I know, but it always catches me out sooner or later.

 

[apprenticetom]

Can tweco 5 torches still be bought? Used them for a long time and recently trying to purchase a new one and kind find anything online aside from spare parts