Torch tip Adapter for using Meco multiport tips on a non-Meco torch?

[AJ XOXO]

Hey does anybody know if there is a torch tip adaptor that will allow someone with a Victor J-28 or equivalent torch to use Meco Midget tips?  Paige Tools used to make threaded adapters to allow for a multitude of different torches to use for Paige / Meco tips.  However, it seems Paige Tools is no longer in business due to the owner’s unfortunate death.

If I’m not mistaken, there used to be some sort of sleeve adaptor that can be purchased that you could low-temp silver brazed onto the end of your torch elbow so that you could thread a Meco tip on.  Anybody know where a sleeve adapter like this can be bought?  I’m wondering if I could just buy a small unthreaded cylindrical sleeve of the correct diameter at Home Depot and take that thing to a machinist to thread on Meco acceptable threads.  I just really would like to use some Meco tips with my Victor torch.  Not sure what to do.  I tried looking on eBay for a Paige adapter, but no luck.

[jim g]

Do you know what the OD and ID threads need to be?  I work in a machine shop and I could try to fabricate an adapter.

Thanks!

-Jim G

On Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 12:24 PM AJ XOXO <ajaf...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hey does anybody know if there is a torch tip adaptor that will allow someone with a Victor J-28 or equivalent torch to use Meco Midget tips?  Paige Tools used to make threaded adapters to allow for a multitude of different torches to use for Paige / Meco tips.  However, it seems Paige Tools is no longer in business due to the owner’s unfortunate death.

If I’m not mistaken, there used to be some sort of sleeve adaptor that can be purchased that you could low-temp silver brazed onto the end of your torch elbow so that you could thread a Meco tip on.  Anybody know where a sleeve adapter like this can be bought?  I’m wondering if I could just buy a small unthreaded cylindrical sleeve of the correct diameter at Home Depot and take that thing to a machinist to thread on Meco acceptable threads.  I just really would like to use some Meco tips with my Victor torch.  Not sure what to do.  I tried looking on eBay for a Paige adapter, but no luck.

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[Doug Fattic]

It took me a long time to convince Richard at Paige Tools to have that adapter made.  Unfortunately he has passed away and nobody has been able to figure out where he got them made or if there were any left in stock.  TM Technologies made a long brass rod with Meco threading on one end.  This could be cut and brazed onto a Victor UN-J  mixer elbow with a sleeve to hold them together  Unfortunately again that owner died too.  

Here are the thread sizes of various brands.  Unfortunately Victor with its 27 tpi is a bit like old Schwinn size tires.  Just a bit off standard so you have to buy from them. 

Welding Tip Thread Size:

1. Victor UN-J threads:  5/16” – 27 tpi

2. Smith AT-61:  ¼” – 32 tpi

3. Meco Midget:  ¼” – 28 tpi

4. Smith AT41 and Quick Braze torch handle threads to attach tips = 3/8” – 24 tpi

5. Smith Little Torch handle threads to attach tips = ¼” – 32 tpi

6. Welders Warehouse 'Multi-Jet' nozzles, 1/4” x 36 tpi UNF

7. The National Torch has 7/16”X 24 tpi threads

Doug Fattic

Niles, Michigan

[AJ XOXO]

I called some lamp-working and jewelry supply stores to inquire about these Meco compatible tips.  A lot of people are saying it’s the machining company in New Jersey that’s making the tips and the adapters.  Apparently, since the passing of Kent White, TM Technologies, I guess it’s not really a secret anymore.  TM Technologies was selling a whole bunch of these Meco compatible tips and adapters to a lot of people across many hobby industries (jewelers, framebuilders, lampers, etc).  Carlisle make, or the rumor is, that they made the threaded adapters that you braze onto the non-Meco torch so that you can also fit a Meco torch tip on.  They made tips and everything.  After hearing the same thing from a bunch of different places, I decided to call Carlisle last week.  They confirmed that they can make the Meco adapters to fit a Meco tip onto a Victor, Smith, National, etc. etc. torch.  However, they have a minimum order quantity of 20.  Ugh. 

[jim g]

I have a prototype part drawn up in CAD.  The male end has 1/4-28 threads and the female end has 5/16-27 threads.  The flats are sized for a 10mm wrench.  Does anyone know what the radius at the tip/stop needs to be for each torch type?  I can single-point cut any thread on the lathe, but I might just buy a 5/16-27 tap since they're not expensive.  I'm planning to make this in brass.

Thanks!

-Jim G

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[Jim Gourgoutis]

Ok I made a prototype. 1/4-28 male to 5/16-27 female for Victor elbows. If anyone is local to the SF Bay Area and wants to try it out, drop me a note. 

Thanks!

-Jim G

On Aug 19, 2025, at 12:49 PM, jim g <yoj...@gmail.com> wrote:



[Travis Ruth]

Hey Jim,

I'm in the East bay and would love to try it out.

Travis

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[Travis Ruth]

Yo Jim G,

I received your off list email but suspect you’re not seeing mine. Could you please reach out with another way to contact you?

Thanks,

Travis

[AJ XOXO]

Jim,

Your prototype thread adapter looks good.  How is it working out for you?  Have you thought bout making these for sale?  I’m sure that there would be some sort of market for them given that the only places that I think previously had adapters of this type are no longer in business (TM Technologies, Paige Tools).

AJ

[jim g]

We've tested the prototype and -- while it works -- we've discovered it needs some refinement.  I'm currently iterating on the design.  If I can get something that works reliably, I'd be happy to make a handful of these adapters to help folks out.  I can't promise a timeline because I'm juggling multiple projects (finishing up a custom frameset and rack, plus my day job).

Thanks!

-Jim G