Benz-O-Matic welding torch

[mleichtle]

I got one of these as a gift, I have the map gas and an oxygen tank, I see home depot sells little acetylene bottles too, I might pick one up. I know this set up isn’t going to do much. My question is, am I going to learn anything from this little set up? If I use a coat hanger, how long of a bead can I weld before the tank runs out? I know nothing about welding, except for a couple books I've read. Plan on taking some classes soon.

[Uncle Buck]

My pops got one of those set ups in the 1970's. I was with him when he tried to make it work, as I recall the only thing pop accomplished was getting good and pissed cause he could not generate enough heat to braze even small stuff togeather! I think your best bet is to try and return it, or regift it to a stranger, seriously, all this little bugger will probably do is incorrectly convince you that you are not able to braze/weld, when in fact the problem is more the tool than the user! MHO, Herb

[W-Cummins]

Now there is a memory! I too purchased one in the 70's and it did really suck and really ate the crappy O2 bottles too... Seems like the O2 bottles were over $3.00 each then. I don't think I would re-gift it in less I didn't like the person ( brother in law maby?? :-)

William....

[markl]

Do yourself a favor and try and take it back to H-D, see if you can exchange it for a tool you'll use. Your gonna spend more on those little tanks at $7-8 a piece and the Oxygen goes quick. Your better off getting a real oxy/acet settup if you need it.

[nkfro]

My pops got one of those set ups in the 1970's. I was with him when he tried to make it work, as I recall the only thing pop accomplished was getting good and pissed cause he could not generate enough heat to braze even small stuff togeather! I think your best bet is to try and return it, or regift it to a stranger, seriously, all this little bugger will probably do is incorrectly convince you that you are not able to braze/weld, when in fact the problem is more the tool than the user! MHO, Herb

I had pretty good luck brazing VW sheetmetal and '70 Buick Skylark fenders, but I spent more on oxygen alone than it was worth. The set was also a gift and all I could afford 25 years ago. My ex got it in the divorce...seemed fair at the time.....:evil:

[Charles (in GA)]

To add to this, here is a warning I posted on the Yesterdays Tractor Tool discussion group, about a defective MAPP gas cylinder I came across.

I bought a clear plastic package (one of those that you have to cut up to get open) at Home Depot, it was a Bernzomatic TS4000 torch, a MAPP gas cylinder and a freebie pair of vice grips. Good deal, reg $39 on sale table for $29. Others on the shelf still priced at $39. The torch alone sells for $39 also. Anyhow, I get it home, and after messing with it, couldn't get the cylinder to screw on the torch, finally discovered the cylinder had LEFT HAND threads!!!!!!!!. Standard MAPP and Propane cylinders have Right Hand thread, while the Bernzomatic Oxygen cylinders have Left Hand thread. I have one of their MAPP/O2 torch on a hose setups, so I know the difference.

I tried the Mapp cylinder from the other rig and it screwed right on the TS4000 torch. Then I tried the defective MAPP cylinder on the O2 regulator of the other torch setup I have and it screwed right on. The defective cylinder is painted yellow, and labeled as a MAPP gas cylinder and is filled with MAPP gas, just the wrong thread.

I emailed Bernzomatic, they didn't seem to care much, take it back and swap it out was the email I got. I asked if there was a recall or if this was a known problem but got no answer to that.

If you find one of these good deals, the torch alone is a deal for $29 as it is heavy aluminum and works upside down and also runs propane (according to this package, but not according to other packages also containing the same TS4000, Bernzomatic couldn't answer why the difference in labeling, some Mapp only, some Mapp/Propane for same part)

Just wanted to warn everyone.

Charles

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge it.

[l_bilyk]

I've used it to braze before, but like others said, it's not very good