How to Set Up a Smith Little Torch with Propane + Oxygen Concentrator (Cleaner & Cheaper Setup)

How to Set Up a Smith Little Torch with Propane + Oxygen Concentrator (Cleaner & Cheaper Setup)

If you’ve been using an oxygen + acetylene setup with your torch, you’ve probably noticed one big problem…

It’s dirty. Really dirty.

The soot doesn’t just stay where you’re working — it spreads all over your workspace, your tools, and even the air around you. On top of that, constantly refilling tanks can get expensive and inconvenient.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to switch to a propane + oxygen concentrator setup that is:

  • Much cleaner
  • Cheaper to run
  • More convenient (no more oxygen refills)

Why Switch from Acetylene?

There are two main reasons to move away from acetylene:

1. It Creates a Lot of Soot

Acetylene burns dirty, leaving black residue everywhere. This:

  • Covers your work surface
  • Gets on your hands and tools
  • Floats around your workspace

Proper ventilation becomes almost required just to deal with it.

2. Tank Refills Add Up

Refilling oxygen and acetylene tanks:

  • Costs around $60 per refill
  • Always seems to run out at the worst time

The Solution: Propane + Oxygen Concentrator

Switching to:

  • Propane (clean burning fuel)
  • Oxygen concentrator (continuous oxygen supply)

Solves both problems:

  • Cleaner flame
  • No more oxygen tank refills

Parts You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to build this setup:

Torch

  • Smith Little Torch (recommended for reliability)
  • Clones are cheaper, but quality and safety can vary

From Pepetools - https://bit.ly/SmithLittleTorch5tips

From Amazon - https://amzn.to/4c4dCFD

Cheap Knock-off Little Torch From Amazon: - https://amzn.to/4lSECvc

Torch Stands

  • Magnetic Stand
  • Weighted Stand

From Pepetools - https://bit.ly/Smith-Little-Torch-Magnetic-Holder

From Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NpdgjH

Weighted Stand - https://amzn.to/47pQNd0

Torch Holder - https://amzn.to/3O0Awoa

Fuel Side

  • Propane tank (1 lb disposable or refillable)
  • Propane regulator (made for 1 lb tanks)

Propane Fuel Regulator - https://amzn.to/40T16Cz

Oxygen Side

  • Oxygen concentrator (5 LPM works well) 
  • Hose
  • Brass fittings

When it comes to the Oxygen concentrator I actually got mine for free, and honestly that’s not uncommon. These show up locally all the time. Keep on eye on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp and Estate sales. These are medical devices, so a lot of times they get used for a short period and then just sit. That’s why you can find them really cheap locally.

Hose Coupler Adapter Set - https://amzn.to/3PmwZ47

Oxygen Hose Barded Brass Fitting - https://amzn.to/4dHROAX

Flexible Clear PVC Tubing - https://amzn.to/40WRuH0

Safety (Important)

  • Flashback arrestors (for both fuel and oxygen)

These act as one-way valves and prevent flame from traveling backward into your system.

Cheaper Flashback Arrestor - https://amzn.to/4rUtEqr

Miller Flashback Arrestor (This is what I'm using) - https://amzn.to/4sGS73F

Tools

  • Adjustable wrenches (different fittings = different sizes)

Cheap 4-Piece Adjustable Wrench Set - https://amzn.to/4mdp3hI

Propane Tank Hold & Mount

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Install Flashback Arrestors

Start with your fuel regulator:

  • Install the flashback arrestor
  • Note: fuel side is reverse threaded

Look for markings on fittings — they are designed to only go together correctly.

2. Assemble Oxygen Fittings

  • Connect brass fittings and hose
  • Install oxygen-side flashback arrestor (normal threading)

At this point, your oxygen line should be mostly assembled.

3. Prepare the Torch

If using a new torch:

  • Install the magnetic stand mount (if needed)
  • Attach by sliding it over the torch body and securing it

The torch comes with multiple tip sizes:

  • Smaller number = smaller flame
  • Size #6 is a great general-purpose tip

4. Tighten All Connections

Using adjustable wrenches:

  • Tighten all fittings snugly
  • Do NOT overtighten (brass can strip)

5. Attach Fuel and Oxygen

  • Connect propane regulator to tank
  • Attach torch to fuel side (reverse thread)
  • Connect oxygen hose to concentrator

6. Mount Your Propane Tank (Optional)

You can:

  • Let it sit freely
  • Or use a mount (like a 3D printed holder)

This helps keep your setup clean and organized.

Lighting and Adjusting the Torch:

Step 1: Turn on Fuel

  • Open propane slightly
  • Ignite using a striker or electric igniter

Step 2: Adjust Flame

  • Start with a small flame
  • Avoid large, unstable flames

Step 3: Add Oxygen Slowly

  • Gradually open oxygen valve
  • Too fast = flame goes out

Step 4: Dial It In

You’re aiming for:
A small, sharp blue flame

This is your ideal working flame and can reach 5000°F+

Turning It Off Safely:

Always follow this order:

  1. Turn off oxygen
  2. Turn off propane

⚠️ Torch tip will remain hot — place it on a stand

This setup works just as well as acetylene for:

  • Melting copper, brass, silver and gold
  • Annealing metal
  • General jewelry work like soldering

Upfront Cost

  • Can be higher if starting from scratch $300 to $550

Long-Term Savings

  • No oxygen refills and uses very little power
  • Propane is very cheap. $5 per tank or $1.50 to $3 for a refill
  • Less maintenance/cleanup

It does take a little setup and learning, but once you get used to balancing the flame, it becomes second nature.

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