buying a cutting torch

[05wrangler]

ok guys im pretty new to the torch world, I have used one before for basic cutting but im looking to get one from home. Im thinking i want to go oxy/acetylene gas. My intentions would be for cutting 3/8 steal to as thin as I could get with a torch. So im looking to cut, heating/bending, soldering, welding. Can all this be done with one torch set up and attachments? what would be a good torch for this, also school me on regulators, what do I look for what makes a good one vs a bad one. also I plan on calling my local welding shop to see what they have in stock. Thanks for the help!

 

[xela456]

can't go wrong with victor torches/torch supplies. a small combination torch would be perfect for you with i believe the size B tanks

 

[RedneckWelder]

The three main brands are Victor, Smith, and Harris.

Victor is owned by Thermal Arc

Smith is owned by ITW, which also owns Miller (and Smith now comes branded as Miller)

Harris is owned by Lincoln.

Any of them are good, personally I favor Victor and then Smith (nothing wrong with Harris, I just like the availability of Victor and Smith stuff). You can get an all in one setup for what you want to do, torch body, cutting attachment, heating tip (rosebud) and welding tips (for brazing and gas welding) plus regulators. There are sets that come with burglar bottles (the small cylinders)

The medium duty kits should more than meet your needs, there are also smaller torches. The LWS will steer you right.

 

[metaldad]

victor
harris
smith.
not necessarily in that order

 

[05wrangler]

forgive me but what does LWS mean?

 

[RedneckWelder]

forgive me but what does LWS mean?

Local Welding Supply/Shop.

 

[05wrangler]

ok thanks guys!

 

[bob15]

I am not a fan of mexican-made victor stuff.....their USA is good, I had some issues with their imported stuff.

Harris and Smith are very good. I prefer Oxweld (ESAB owned) and L-Tec regulators. They perform very well form me (for a lot of years of service) and I like the way the torch holds in my hand (what ever you buy, this is an important thing as well, how does it feel for you while holding it?).

I agree with Redneck, buying a set-up your LWS carries is key for service, general help or buying more tips......

 

[redmondjp]

One suggestion - if you are primarily looking for something to cut steel, seriously consider putting your money into an entry-level plasma cutter, especially if you're doing thinner materials. These weren't even invented yet when I started working with metal!

I've had an oxy/acetylene setup since I took shop class back in 1979, and I get it out about once every ten years these days. Your needs may be different than mine, however. If you need the torch for brazing and large object heating (use propane torch for smaller items), then this tips scale back toward that setup.

 

[wniemann]

I love the smith stuff. I'm pretty sure it's still branded as smith. At least it was back in September.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk90q

 

[BD1]

Check online prices too. They vary by suppliers and shipping charges.
http://www.weldfabulous.com/p-20678...h-kit-set-with-edge-regulators-0384-2045.aspx

http://www.weldfabulous.com/p-22060-smith-toughcut-welding-cutting-torch-kit-outfit-mb55a-510.aspx

 

[05wrangler]

So what size tank would be good for a hobbies. I would prolly use it 2 times a week or so. BD1 thanks for the links!!

 

[dr_clyde]

I run a medium duty smith as my main torch. Love it.

Also, you can't go wrong with a victor journeyman.

 

[sgs236]

After your LWS prices you a tank of acetylene, ask how much a tank of propane costs. Acetylene prices in my area are outrageous, while I can get a 40 lb propane tank filled for $35 dollars. Even if you decide to go with acetylene, I would buy the "T" grade hoses so you could run propane down road if you changed your mind. You don't get good welds with propane, but it preheats, brazes, and cuts metal just fine.

http://www.cousesteel.com/AndysPlace/PropaneAcetylene.html

 

[Jason280]

So what size tank would be good for a hobbies. I would prolly use it 2 times a week or so. BD1 thanks for the links!!

As big as you can afford, especially using it a couple times a week. If you run a rosebud much, you'll find you can burn through tanks pretty quickly. I just swapped out tanks last week, and it cost me $110 for a 150 cu.ft of acetylene and 250 cu.ft tank of 02.

I second the suggestion on propane, though, especially if your primary usage will be cutting and bending/heating....just be aware propane acts "different" than acetylene.

 

[05wrangler]

Ok so i got an idea of torches now, what about regulators and go a little bit deeper into gas, would propane be a better choice for me to use? Can I still use the same torch as long as I had the correct hose for both propane and acetylene?

 

[Tronyadorable]

Propane is for junkyards. The things in the original post leave LP out of the equation.
It's vastly inferior ............unless you take apart 30 cars a week. Then it becomes more cost effective.

 

[wild cowboy]

I would put Smith (now owned by the Miller welder folks) at the top for quality, but they are also probably the most frustrating brand to try and find a deal on online.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Smith is superior but Cowboy nailed it.
Just go get a HF "Victor" and the accessories online are easy and chump change.

 

[Lx460]

I am not a fan of mexican-made victor stuff.....their USA is good, I had some issues with their imported stuff.

Harris and Smith are very good. I prefer Oxweld (ESAB owned) and L-Tec regulators. They perform very well form me (for a lot of years of service) and I like the way the torch holds in my hand (what ever you buy, this is an important thing as well, how does it feel for you while holding it?).

I agree with Redneck, buying a set-up your LWS carries is key for service, general help or buying more tips......

Oxweld has just recently been discontinued at least according to my LWS. ESAB bought Victor Technologies and is doing away with Oxweld. Not sure if they will still carry parts.

 

[wild cowboy]

So what size tank would be good for a hobbies. I would prolly use it 2 times a week or so.

I like the burglar bottles, not as cheap per cubic foot as the big bottles, but for an occasional torch user, they are much more convenient to take to another site or to get refilled, etc. and they fit in those nice little tank totes.

 

[wild cowboy]

 

[05wrangler]

Ill have to give my supplier a call after the holiday and see what they have to make my final choice. I'm not against buying online but would like to be able to get parts and service locally. And I like to give my brick and mortar my business if at all possible. How long do the small takes like in the picture last with mostly cutting and some heating and welding?

 

[Jason280]

I like the burglar bottles, not as cheap per cubic foot as the big bottles, but for an occasional torch user, they are much more convenient to take to another site or to get refilled, etc. and they fit in those nice little tank totes.

Heating or cutting eats up the portable sets pretty fast, and a decent sized rosebud will make those tanks almost worthless. For portability, they're great...for usage a couple times a week, they will become inconvenient and expensive in a hurry.

 

[05wrangler]

Heating or cutting eats up the portable sets pretty fast, and a decent sized rosebud will make those tanks almost worthless. For portability, they're great...for usage a couple times a week, they will become inconvenient and expensive in a hurry.

I was afraid of that. What size tank would be best? I have a small tank
On my mig for the gas was thinking maybe tanks of that size. I can't remember how big that tank is

 

[bob15]

Oxweld has just recently been discontinued at least according to my LWS. ESAB bought Victor Technologies and is doing away with Oxweld. Not sure if they will still carry parts.

If they have that is too bad.

I guess I will have to inquire next week with my shop. As for the ESAB website, they still show Oxweld (not that it means anything):

http://www.esabna.com/us/en/products/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.productsbycategory&catId=120

 

[bob15]

I was afraid of that. What size tank would be best? I have a small tank
On my mig for the gas was thinking maybe tanks of that size. I can't remember how big that tank is

Larger bottles the better. Besides seeing the LWS for tanks, try propane dealers (the ones that will deliver 500+ gallons to houses). I fill all my bottles (mig and torch) through them and found them to be cheaper (cuts the middle-man out in many cases).

 

[Jason280]

I was afraid of that. What size tank would be best? I have a small tank
On my mig for the gas was thinking maybe tanks of that size. I can't remember how big that tank is

How tall is the tank? Sounds like it could be anywhere from 40 to 80 cubic feet. Check the link below, should help you determine its size:

http://www.tricowelding.com/cylinder_sizing.html

The biggest factor in determining tank size, especially regarding oxy/acetylene setups, is figuring out how much usage they will really see. If you are truly going to use them once or twice a week, then you need to get the largest size tanks you can afford (or the largest size your LWS will supply). Keep in mind that some shops will lease out larger tanks than the ones they exchange (on customer owned tanks). For example, I own all my own bottles, and my Argon tank is 125 cubic foot. Doesn't matter if I owned a 230-250 cubic foot tank, my LWS will only swap me out with a 125 cubic foot tank. Now, they will lease me a 230+ cubic foot tank of Argon all day long, and will exchange it with the same size all day long, but its not the same with customer owned tanks (and I haven't figured that one out).

As long as the tanks don't need to be too portable, go with a 150 cu.ft sized Acetylene tank and a 230-250 cu.ft tank of oxygen. You can wheel them around on a cart, or you can simply park them in a corner of your shop and pick up a set of long hoses. 50-100' hoses are relatively cheap, and make the tanks a lot more versatile. You can compromise get a midsized set of tanks, say a 150 cu.ft O2 and 70 cu.ft acetylene, and see how they fit your needs. Just know that the larger tanks aren't that much more expensive to buy outright, and the price in exchanging them isn't much different. Having a 150 cu.ft tank of acetylene exchanged isn't much more than a 70 cu.ft tank.

I have a total of 11 tanks that I own outright, with three pairs of oxy/acetylene tanks. I've yet to buy any of them new, and picked all of them up through local deals or Craigslist. My LWS will allow me to "trade-up" tanks, meaning I can trade smaller tanks for larger ones and pay the difference. I have a small set (like the one pictured above) of oxy/acet, and midsized set, and a large set. I use the bigger set the most, as it sits in the shop and I roll out the hose when I need something cut quickly. The medium set is on a hand cart with large rubber wheels, and makes rolling around outside much easier. The small set is simply for when I need to take the tanks somewhere else for a quick cut.

Honestly, though, I use my plasma cutter far more often than the torch. That being said, the oxy/acet setup is far more versatile.

 

[05wrangler]

How tall is the tank? Sounds like it could be anywhere from 40 to 80 cubic feet. Check the link below, should help you determine its size:

http://www.tricowelding.com/cylinder_sizing.html

The biggest factor in determining tank size, especially regarding oxy/acetylene setups, is figuring out how much usage they will really see. If you are truly going to use them once or twice a week, then you need to get the largest size tanks you can afford (or the largest size your LWS will supply). Keep in mind that some shops will lease out larger tanks than the ones they exchange (on customer owned tanks). For example, I own all my own bottles, and my Argon tank is 125 cubic foot. Doesn't matter if I owned a 230-250 cubic foot tank, my LWS will only swap me out with a 125 cubic foot tank. Now, they will lease me a 230+ cubic foot tank of Argon all day long, and will exchange it with the same size all day long, but its not the same with customer owned tanks (and I haven't figured that one out).

As long as the tanks don't need to be too portable, go with a 150 cu.ft sized Acetylene tank and a 230-250 cu.ft tank of oxygen. You can wheel them around on a cart, or you can simply park them in a corner of your shop and pick up a set of long hoses. 50-100' hoses are relatively cheap, and make the tanks a lot more versatile. You can compromise get a midsized set of tanks, say a 150 cu.ft O2 and 70 cu.ft acetylene, and see how they fit your needs. Just know that the larger tanks aren't that much more expensive to buy outright, and the price in exchanging them isn't much different. Having a 150 cu.ft tank of acetylene exchanged isn't much more than a 70 cu.ft tank.

I have a total of 11 tanks that I own outright, with three pairs of oxy/acetylene tanks. I've yet to buy any of them new, and picked all of them up through local deals or Craigslist. My LWS will allow me to "trade-up" tanks, meaning I can trade smaller tanks for larger ones and pay the difference. I have a small set (like the one pictured above) of oxy/acet, and midsized set, and a large set. I use the bigger set the most, as it sits in the shop and I roll out the hose when I need something cut quickly. The medium set is on a hand cart with large rubber wheels, and makes rolling around outside much easier. The small set is simply for when I need to take the tanks somewhere else for a quick cut.

Honestly, though, I use my plasma cutter far more often than the torch. That being said, the oxy/acet setup is far more versatile.

Great info! Like you said the torch is more versatile and that's what I'm aiming for. I see my self one day purchasing a plasma cutter (along with a tig..... one day....) because i have the need to cut thin metal also. but for now I think the torch would be the best way to go. And I'm guessing cheaper upfront.

 

[Jason280]

Yes, short of going with some of the cheaper plasma machines on eBay, it will be much cheaper to go with an oxy/aectylene setup.

 

[05wrangler]

Could someone school me on regulators what part numbers mean what or fit what. What's good what's not?

 

[Jason280]

Here's a pretty nice set, not exactly cheap...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smith-Weldi...547?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed48cd73b

...and here's a little more reasonably priced set, will work well as a starter set:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OXYGEN-ACET...648?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c22607378

Either way, make sure you add a set of spark arresters and check valves.

 

[theknurl]

find out if your LWS checks/rebuilds torches and regulators or knows someone that does

get the Victor welding/cutting tip guide card, they give them away

then buy a used Victor J-28 handle ("the Air Crafter" weighs 6.2 oz)
and a 550J cutting head (17.2 oz)

it's the smallest torch Victor made........it will cut 8" steel plate @ 12 inches a minute

you will want a rosebud ~ #4 and a selection of #17 tips 0000 to ~#5

tanks;

check with LWS for the game they are playing .......big tanks cut your gas costs way down BUT they aren't real portable

you want to own your tanks....in some parts of the country they won't exchange big tanks......

my LWS doesn't care
if you're doing a LOT of cutting use propane or propylene, and you will need different tips

my favorite torch for welding/brazing?

the same one I've been using for 55 years......it weighs 3.6 oz and with all 5 tips 10.8 oz....... made right here in LaLa Land by Union Carbide, the Purox 00, no O-rings, it seals on tapers

 

[gearhead1]

After your LWS prices you a tank of acetylene, ask how much a tank of propane costs. Acetylene prices in my area are outrageous, while I can get a 40 lb propane tank filled for $35 dollars. Even if you decide to go with acetylene, I would buy the "T" grade hoses so you could run propane down road if you changed your mind. You don't get good welds with propane, but it preheats, brazes, and cuts metal just fine.

http://www.cousesteel.com/AndysPlace/PropaneAcetylene.html

+1. I use propane and love it. I can get a propane tank changed on the weekend or holiday. It's very convenient.

 

[sberry]

Many LWS offer pretty good deals on torch sets. You do not need a journeyman level unit. A ranger class can be had for under 300. As long as a reg works one or the other doesn't make much difference.

 

[Diesel4Life]

You can do everything you mentioned, "So im looking to cut, heating/bending, soldering, welding." except for gas weld with a LP set. And just as the other gentlemen have already stated, propane is far less expensive and easy to refill.

I own the first link set, but either would be great. I bought the MBA-30510LP set due to the MT-805 rosebud included and lifetime warranty on the torch. I figure I've saved quite abit of cash and less hassle using my LP torch rather then my Acetylene torch for heating and cutting. Oh, and the tips are a breeze to clean.

http://www.weldingoutfitter.com/Miller-Smith-MBA-30510LP-Propane-Cutting-Outfit-p/mil-mba30510lp.htm

http://www.weldingoutfitter.com/Mil...Propane-Toughcut-Outfit-p/mil-mb54a-510lp.htm

 

[05wrangler]

Merry Christmas guys! Thanks for the feed back from you guys! I'm calling my LWS tomorrow. In really looking at the smith toughcut, I think they carry them it's the same place My miller 211 was purchased.

 

[404]

So what size tank would be good for a hobbies. I would prolly use it 2 times a week or so. BD1 thanks for the links!!

As big as you can afford. Small tanks run out at just the wrong time in the middle of your project.

 

[05wrangler]

So unfortunately my LWS has been closed for the holidays the rest of the week so ill have to contact them Monday. Iv been kinda looking into thee victor performer now also. So I'm between the smith toughcut and the victor performer ( assuming my LWS carries one or both) im in the price range to spend 200-300 for torch outfit

 

[BD1]

So unfortunately my LWS has been closed for the holidays the rest of the week so ill have to contact them Monday. Iv been kinda looking into thee victor performer now also. So I'm between the smith toughcut and the victor performer ( assuming my LWS carries one or both) im in the price range to spend 200-300 for torch outfit

Take CASH too. I would see what kind of deal he'll give you on tanks too. I would go for a #4 135 cf acetylene, and a 125 '' M '' or 150 '' S ''oxygen. In cutting you'll usually use two oxygen to one acetylene.
Ask about exchanging owner tanks that you might buy from a private party too. Some suppliers can be uncooperative when it comes to cylinder exchanges.

Here's my local supplier for a price guide. http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tld/4808415550.html