Allen, here's what I got using IE:

Doug Fattic
Subject: [Frame] Torch handles
Date: 3/26/2008 9:57:45 PM
List: Framebuilders

I see that my chart did contain a mistake on the published length of the Victor J28 torch handle. I reported it was 8 1/2 inches long but when I double checked in the Victor catalog, it is 6" long. So the revised chart should read:

Manufacturer Weight length
Smith AW1A 6 1/8 oz 5 3=8E4=B2
Victor J28 8 1=8E2 oz 6=B2
Harris 15-3 8 oz 5 3=8E4=B2
Purox (sold by Esab) W200 8 oz 6 1=8E2=B2
Uniweld 71 8 oz 6=B2

The light weight of the Smith is why it is my first choice. I thought about including the Victor J40 which is essentially a handle just long enough for knobs and a tip holder. It doesn't have enough length for the hand which would also cover part of the hose as well. It may be what someone would want but that percentage would be small so I don't have it on my list of recommended torch handles. The Meco also has a flat short handle with the knobs pointing towards the tip (instead of coming out of the sides like every other handle). One of my students brought one and liked it but again its unusual shape means a low percentage would probably prefer it so again I left it off my recommend list.

I should also add that the hose connections can either be the smaller (and therefore lighter) "A" or the bigger "B'. Since we are more interested in brazing than demolishing ocean liners, the smaller and lighter hose attachment makes more sense for what we do.

Essentially what we are after are handles with knobs at the top (where the tip is instead of the bottom where the hose attaches) with A hose fittings. These are usually referred to as "aircraft" handles so there smaller size can get into tighter spaces.

On my setup, I have a 3/16" rubber hose (there are bigger ones) with B connections coming off the regulator. I have a Kevlar A and B hose with the A end attached to my Smith AW1A torch and the 2 B ends of the 2 hoses connected with a B attachment fitting. I have the hose going to the ceiling from the regulators so that the Kevlar hose is not dragging on the floor. A drop of hot flux will burn right through it.

Doug Fattic
Niles, Michigan