Regulator and gauge mods for Giraud annealer...edited to add volt meter...

[Terry H]

Thought I'd share a cheap and easy mod to solve a couple of issues with my Giraud annealer. I bought the machine used and it works great but I find that I have a hard time getting the torch set correctly. The valve has very coarse adjustment. Also as the pressure in the bottle decreases over time so you have to continually mess with the valve to get a consistent flame. I saw some regulator mods on Ebay using the Goss regulator that was pretty pricey but I'm cheap so decided to see if I could come up with something more economical.

I sourced all the parts from Amazon for a little over $35. The links to all the parts are listed in the description of the video.

Edit to list them here also.

The regulator: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4GTKUP/?tag=accuratescom-20

The gauge: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087UBLIK/?tag=accuratescom-20

The fittings: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQN4IS/?tag=accuratescom-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQM8IU/?tag=accuratescom-20

Here's how the torch assembly comes from Giraud.



And after the reg and gauge are attached. Worked out pretty slick to just remove the stem from the valve and replace it with a 1/8" npt back mount gauge. Couple of fittings to adapt from the 1"-20 throw away propane tank fittings to the 1/4" npt inlet and outlet on the reg make for an easy install.





Video explaining the mod...



I also added a volt meter to the motor circuit to be able to dial the speed in perfectly.





Link to the volt meter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CXMLIL8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1



Hope this information is helpful!

 

[cwall64]

Thanks for the detailed video and write up!

 

[Terry H]

Thanks for the detailed video and write up!

Glad it is helpful.

 

[supercorndogs]

Thanks, I was gong to do the same thing. Nice of you to link all the parts and make it easy on me. Just placed my order.

 

[Terry H]

Thanks, I was gong to do the same thing. Nice of you to link all the parts and make it easy on me. Just placed my order.

Cool. Good to hear that it helped you.

 

[tojan19]

I tried to do this tonight and got stuck trying to install the gauge in place of the valve. I got the linked 1/8 npt gauge from Amazon. It won't thread in. Seems like the valve isn't a taper on mine.

 

[supercorndogs]

I tried to do this tonight and got stuck trying to install the gauge in place of the valve. I got the linked 1/8 npt gauge from Amazon. It won't thread in. Seems like the valve isn't a taper on mine.

Mine was the same, but you don't need the gauge. Set the pressure regulator where you want it. For me it was all the way open. Then turn it on by running the valve wide open. I don't really see a reason for the gauge. We are just trying to get a consistent flame. Never move the regulator. Thats consistent. The inconsitencey never came from the coarse adjustment of knob, but from the temperature change of the bottle, and the pressure change that coincides with it. Propane is very much the same as r12 or r134 as in at 30 psi it is 30 degrees and liquid, and 100 psi it 100 degrees and gas. Its pressure changes greatly with temperature and vice versa. As the temperature changes the pressure changes dramatically.

 

[tojan19]

Problem solved. I went to the hardware store and found that the needle valve was the same thread pattern as a 1/8 compression fitting. I got one that had 1/8npt male threads, got a 1/8 F-F, and I'm in business. I used thread sealant on the compression fitting threads and paste on all the Npt ones. No leaks! Flame control is great!

 

[Terry H]

Problem solved. I went to the hardware store and found that the needle valve was the same thread pattern as a 1/8 compression fitting. I got one that had 1/8npt male threads, got a 1/8 F-F, and I'm in business. I used thread sealant on the compression fitting threads and paste on all the Npt ones. No leaks! Flame control is great! View attachment 6940544View attachment 6940545

Nice fix. I have heard from a few others that they had the same issue. Works for most but not all. Apparently there were different suppliers for some of the torch parts.

 

[MunsonT45]

Sorry to bring an old thread back to life, but could you show a picture of how you connected the wiring on the voltmeter. I ordered all the parts but I am all thumbs when it comes to wiring.