buying a cutting torch

[bsaint]

I have this one for cutting

And I have this one for heating and welding

 

[wagzilla]

"Victor" LWS and talk to the rep, I learn something new all the time, Things are always changing.

James

 

[garfunkle24]

No-one has mentioned that bigger tanks are actually necessary for high flow rates. The rule of thumb is that you shouldn't use more than 1/7th of a bottle of acetylene per hour as you risk flowing liquid acetylene.

Don't know if it matters in your case, but something to think about when considering those "burglar bottles".

 

[05wrangler]

As far as my bottle sizes go compared to mobility, the only place the tanks would go would be over to my brothers house once in a while, everywhere else would be on my property. Like my shop or barn that is not far between the two at all. So they just need to be possible to move will a little effort. Doesn't have to be something I can throw in my tool box

 

[redmondjp]

As far as my bottle sizes go compared to mobility, the only place the tanks would go would be over to my brothers house once in a while, everywhere else would be on my property. Like my shop or barn that is not far between the two at all. So they just need to be possible to move will a little effort. Doesn't have to be something I can throw in my tool box

If you don't want to splurge for a tank cart, one of those imported hand trucks (available just about anywhere) works great - just strap the tanks to it. I use my tanks so infrequently that that's what I do, leaving the hand truck free for other uses for the rest of the time.

 

[jptbay]

All of the big names mentioned are quality.

I hunted deals on Ebay and it seems that the best deals to be had are with Harris.

That's what I ended up with and have no complaints. Been easy to buy tips etc.

 

[05wrangler]

So I just got off the phone with my LWS. They do not carry smith but could order it. Instead he suggested a vitor preformer outfit (tips, regulators, hose ect) for 270$. The biggest tanks they sell are 80 cf tanks, everything else is rent only. So I would be running two tanks of the same size (80 cf) i know this is not preferred. None the less, the cost filled is 190 per tank and I own the tanks. After that 15 for oxy and 50 for acetylene. So looking at just under 700 bucks.

 

[bob15]

According to Grainger that Victor set-up is made in Mexico.....another reason Victor isn't my favorite.

If you had your town or relative location below your name it might help other help you locate bigger bottles for you. Have you looked on CL & e-bay for bottles and an outfit?

Zoro tool had a 30% off flash sale today, that could have come in handy.

Have you looked at this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harris-Port-A-Torch-Welding-and-Cutting-Torch-Outfit-with-Cylinders-4403211-/221495405622?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item339227ac36

 

[05wrangler]

I'm located in central indiana, I havnt looked for any used tanks because I didn't know till today that that's all they offer. He said he would order what ever torch outfit I wanted. I found the smith toughcut for around 230 bucks online.

 

[trackwelder]

I have used them all and the best by far in my opinion is Smith. If you get the lifetime set they will repair for free for life. No wrench needed for changing tips either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bob15]

I'm located in central indiana, I havnt looked for any used tanks because I didn't know till today that that's all they offer. He said he would order what ever torch outfit I wanted. I found the smith toughcut for around 230 bucks online.

That a very good price. I would go on CL for bottles. Also, check the local propane suppliers for gas and oxygen. Some places (my propane dealer does) will sell and rent bottles (I own myself and would recommend going that route).

 

[05wrangler]

http://m.cyberweld.com/smwecuouto.html this is where I found it for that price. What do you guys think? Also, say I ran with an 80cf acetyele tank, what would be a good option for the oxy, and still be half way portable once in a while?

 

[Jason280]

So looking at just under 700 bucks.

You can get a pretty good 40 amp plasma machine for that amount....

 

[bob15]

You can get a pretty good 40 amp plasma machine for that amount....

You cannot heat metal or frozen bolts or rods very good with a plasma machine. Nor are they quite a portable as a torch set-up. They both have their place......but a torch is and should be the first purchase.

 

[05wrangler]

so its smith for sure, im going to order it soon and continue to shop for tanks. this seems to good to be true on this torch outfit for the price. anyone have any feed back on this place or should I go somewhere else?http://m.cyberweld.com/smwecuouto.html

 

[383 240z]

As a slight thread de-railment, what should a guy be looking for if he was buying a used torch? I see TONS of nice looking used name brand torches at flea markets and swap meets. No tanks, regs, or hoses to test them. How would you field check one?? Keith