Rant: Stop using the wrong size tip on your torch

Was over at a job site in Portland last week and watched a guy try to weld a 1/4 inch plate with a tiny #0 tip. He kept burning through and messing up the bead because he was using the tip for sheet metal work. How do you guys pick your tip size without just guessing?

2 comments

2 Comments

jesse_cooper1mo ago

Why does bigger always have to be better? That guy probably knew exactly what he was doing with a #0 tip. Most people run their torches way too hot and end up warping the metal anyway. With a smaller tip you just have to slow down and let the heat soak in naturally. I've seen plenty of guys show up with a giant rosebud and make a mess of things because they're in too big a hurry. Sometimes the wrong size tip is the right size if you know how to work it.

kevin_carr1mo ago

Last year I had to do a whole exhaust manifold on an old Farmall and all I had was a #0 tip and a little B tank... took forever but not a single crack or warp in the flanges. Meanwhile my buddy came over with his big Harris setup and tried to help on a simple bracket job and blew a hole right through it before I could even say stop. There's definitely something to be said for just taking your time and letting the metal tell you when it's ready...