Patrice,
Most of the time you don't need to worry about the outside of a torch body. That can be cleaned up with a scotchbrite and a little elbow grease.
Worry more about the inside. The one thing that kills a torch is people turning them off too tight. Those knobs are small (can we say two fingers to turn them off?) Another thing that wreaks havoc on them is flash-back (burning inside the torch). This is usually a results of improper oxygen and/or acetylene settings at the gauge AND/OR at the handle controls.
If you have bad (finger) valves and seats, a welding supply company can either repair or send it off for repairs.
Tips, both welding/brazing in various sizes are readily available at most welding supply houses. The cutting tip also has a "finger" valve. It might need some work as well as a replacement tip.
Just a few quick tips........ For most general uses, you will never need anything over 20 psi for the oxygen and usually around 3 to 5 psi on the acetylene. NEVER jack the acetylene over 15 psi. Acetylene becomes unstable over 15 psi in its free state (when it leaves the tank).
I first used a torch at age 13. That was in 1960. I have used one for many, many things since. Respect it and take care of it and you can pass it down to your children.
Robert
