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Meco Midget vs Smith Little Torch
Another welding question. I'm looking for a torch to use specifically for aluminum and sheet metal. I really don't have a need for a Henrob, as I already have a plasma cutter. I understand the Meco is better at welding lightweight materials than the Henrob. In researching the small torches, I noticed the Smith Little Torch appears to be similar to the Meco (also saw Gentec which I've never heard of). Anyone have experience with the Smith Little Torch that can give a review or comparison to the Meco Midget?
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Mike |
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I have the Meco and used it for 12+ years without problem. Like it -- but don't love it to be honest. A copper artistan introduced me years ago to the Smith AW1A (aircraft) smaller torch and the Meco was loaned to friends to learn to weld since. Most of the other gas welding aluminum shops around here use the AW1A as well -- it just feels very natural to use and is robust for daily shop use.
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• me: Mark • home: Dry Heat, Arizona USA • quote: What did you design or build today? • projects: Curve Grande and the 11Plus Le Mans Coupe |
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Quote:
Thanks
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Mike |
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The Meco is what Kent White has his students use when learning to weld aluminum. I've got two of them, one on a flux tank for bronze welding and the other on "clean" lines for fusion welding, and they are very light and compact.
I've never used the Smith torch but I suspect that the difference between the two would be far smaller than the difference between me and someone who was a better welder. cheers, Michael |
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Smith torch
I have a Smith AW1A and love it. Do not confuse it with the much smaller jewelers torch called the little torch. The Smith AW1A Airline torch is lifetime guaranteed and is one of those tools that nobody ever regrets buying. I think the Meco is a good tool as well but hard to find around here.
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Mel |
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I have the Meco Midget, like it a lot. The Smith Little Torch is very well suited for jewlery work. I use one at work to weld platinum wire. It is quite a bit smaller than the Meco. So much smaller in fact that I've never even bothered to compare it to the Meco.
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I noticed the AW1A does not come with any tips, and they appear to be expensive compared to the other torches. What tips would you recommend for welding thin aluminum or sheet steel? PS Do you make Plunket's Cruise In?
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Mike |
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Smith torch
Hi Randy, I do not purport to be an expert but I have always used a tip one or two sizes larger than I would have for steel of the same thickness. Aluminum sucks up a lot of heat at the beginning. I have some eye issues now days, unrelated to welding, and I won't be doing any more until Santa or someone gets me a set of TM2000 lenses from Tinmantech. The tips are a few dollars more than most but it is nothing compared to the cost of material or worse, a failed project. Keep an eye on E Bay and you can get tips for as low as $8 although mine averaged around $20 each. Funny I live 2 miles from Plunkett's place but have never gone to his show. I am not a big crowd guy. Good luck Mel
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Mel |
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Thanks for the tip on the Smith AW1A. I ordered one, and it came in today. I got to play with it for about 1/2 hours. I was easily able to use David's technique with steel. I played a bit with aluminum, but didn't want to get all of the stuff out. I was able to run a bead much easier than with my other torch. Thanks.
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Mike |
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I would also like to hear has anyone used Smith Little Torch for welding 0.8-2mm steel? Or is it too small for that.
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Jani |
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