Basic Oxyacetylene torch setup

[protegeV]

Is this a good setup/price? Better than what they sell at harbor freight?

https://www.weldersupply.com/P/317/SmithCompleteMediumDutyO

I've used a torch at work plenty for many years, but I just use what was there. Don't really know much about the quality/cost of different brands. I already have tanks. Picked them up when I got the argon for my mig.

 

[Lwel9226]

Do NOT buy torches from HARBOR FRIEGHT …..
I personally prefer Victor, but the set you show should work fine for you...

LynnW

 

[protegeV]

Do NOT buy torches from HARBOR FRIEGHT …..
I personally prefer Victor, but the set you show should work fine for you...

LynnW

Yeah, you dont have to tell me twice about HF. I thought it curious that their torch kits are only marginally cheaper than name brands.

 

[BD1]

Smith are great and made in USA. Welder's supply is local to me. I bought machines from them and have great people and service.

 

[marineman]

Is used an option? I don't know about your area but around here used victor or smith sets with regulators, hoses and a torch go for $50ish pretty regularly. If you want new that seems like a fair deal. Smith vs victor is akin to ford vs chevy, really they're both fine, the average user can't tell them apart but everyone has their first choice. I'm a victor guy too.

 

[jhn9840]

Smith is a fine name brand. That is a great set to get you started since you already have the tanks. There wouldn't be any problem adding tips or whatever else you may need as you go along.

jhn9840
John

 

[jimgood]

Main thing is to get a variety of tip sizes so you can match to metal thickness if you want to cut or weld. That set only comes with one sized welding tip (#1) which is good for around 1/8" steel, if I remember correctly. The cutting tip is also #1.

You have to go to the catalog and to the page for that set to get the full description. That set has an upper limit of welding 3/8" "with optional tips" and cutting 6" "with optional tips". That's usually fine for most folks.

If you plan to weld, don't forget to get some rods. If it doesn't come with a tip cleaner, you should get one. They're cheap.

Edit: I should qualify my statements. I'm a grinder, not a welder. I first learned to stick metal together using O/A and used it for a couple of years before moving on to MIG. I mostly use the O/A for heating things now.

 

[protegeV]

Main thing is to get a variety of tip sizes so you can match to metal thickness if you want to cut or weld. That set only comes with one sized welding tip (#1) which is good for around 1/8" steel, if I remember correctly. The cutting tip is also #1.

You have to go to the catalog and to the page for that set to get the full description. That set has an upper limit of welding 3/8" "with optional tips" and cutting 6" "with optional tips". That's usually fine for most folks.

If you plan to weld, don't forget to get some rods. If it doesn't come with a tip cleaner, you should get one. They're cheap.

Edit: I should qualify my statements. I'm a grinder, not a welder. I first learned to stick metal together using O/A and used it for a couple of years before moving on to MIG. I mostly use the O/A for heating things now.

My only experience with welding is mig. I can muddle my way through o/a welding. Main reason for the torch is just heating rusty parts and maybe cutting exhaust pipes.

 

[Robby321]

No problem as its Miller-Smith. Go for it..all I own is Smith.

 

[bonneyman]

Here's my little rig. Been hauling it around for 25+ years. Fine for hi-temp brazing, small stuff, DIYer projects, etc. It's all the little add-ons that eat you alive (extra tips, tip cleaners, goggles, wrenches, carrying tote, etc), especially the deposit on the two tanks.

 

[Spareparts]

I recently had a problem with my Oxygen regulators Victor when I opened the tank it would pop the diaphram and blow the hose. Got the reg's repaired and the repair guy told me that the pressure in the tanks have been increased from 2300 psi to 2700 psi and to just crack the oxy. valve open then open it all the way. He also told me that is the way I should have always been doing it. Been using torches for over 50 yrs. and finally learned to open them the right way.