Cleaning nozzles with torch
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 6:23 am
I have tried cleaning my M2 nozzles using a torch (propane torch) before with very limited success. Usually the residue in the nozzle just sits there and melts and makes a mess. I thought I'd give it another try today on a clogged nozzle I had...same poor results. I then had a thought. With a propane torch most of the oxygen is used up by the time the flame reaches the nozzle you are heating. Basically you are submerging the nozzle in a very hot, but oxygen deficient environment. This doesn't allow the junk to burn out very well. So I grabbed my oxy acetylene torch and turned it to a low flame, then added as much oxygen as I could while still keeping a good flame (oxidizing flame). I used a pliers to hold the nozzle just in the edge of the flame and the junk and old plastic vigorously burned up with all the extra oxygen present. Within seconds, all the junk was gone. It worked very well. Keep the nozzle you are cleaning just in the far tip of the flame if you are using oxy acetylene and watch the temp (color). It will heat up very quickly, I don't let it get past a very dull red color (actually I did on one nozzle but it started to melt, lesson learned). I think oxy propane would work just as well, the key is being able to add a bunch of extra oxygen.