Cost of cutting torch

[Bennylava]

I'm looking into buying a cutting torch and whatever else is necessary for it to operate. So I wanted to stop by and ask how much I should be looking to pay, for all of it. At this point I have nothing.

I presume you don't actually buy the tanks, you just buy the gas inside, and then of course you swap them out for new tanks full of gas when the old ones are empty. So If I'm going to buy the complete rig, what kind of cost should I be expecting?

 

[bob15]

You can buy or lease the tanks. I bought/was given mine and I just swap them at the gas supplier. The catch is you might have to pay to get the cylinder pressure tested , if it is due.

I have an older Oxweld brand set-up, but my understanding is they (esab) is dropping them, though i am not 100% sure on that. If looking at kits right now, Smith and Harris are what I would look at.....Oxy vs acetylene? I like acetylene.

 

[CNGsaves]

Lots of cutting torches on CL ranging from $250 to $500 as less need due to plasma cutters.

You DO want to OWN the tanks as rental will kill you on price in long run.

Google > > > > cutting torch site:craigslist.org

for "shotgun search" of pricing across country, then narrow down to your area.

Here is example for $150 bargain
https://eastidaho.craigslist.org/for/5618370217.html

 

[Boilerhouse]

About a couple hundred or so bucks to buy (new) torch handle, cutting and brazing tips, hoses and regulators. Harris, Smith and Victor are the big three. Victor is likely the most common, I hear the most "good things" about Smith. I own Harris and love them. Large tanks are often leased and smaller tanks purchased outright. Be careful about buying used tanks, you may have a hard time getting someone to fill them.

 

[sberry]

Welding suppliers often have decent deals on sets, a good one wants your gas business. You could have 500 in to this when done but can now find tanks on clists which helps. Get 125/140 bottles and Smiths and Harris are now competitive, lots of dealers carry them.
I was looking for some cut pics but am having file issues.

 

[sberry]

Ok, forgot what it was called. It can be very precision.

 

[Know Wosad]

Buy a brand new Smith set while they're still flawless and USA. It's worth the investment. Discuss tanks with the local welding supply house. They often have used-new or lease options.If you buy used run everything by the people where you plan on gassing them up before the cash changes hands.

 

[ken w.]

I bought my set off Craigslist for $ 150.00 for the medium sized B tanks complete with brazing or welding tip and cutting tip with a cart. Since then I have acquired a bunch of tanks large and small. I see set ups on CL just about every day from $ 150 - $ 500.

 

[Roddyo]

I bought a new set for my truck last summer. A medium torch kit and buying the half sized bottles was about $750.00 out the door at AirGas.

You could go propane and get out of buying the acetylene bottle.

 

[KenC]

I bought a new set for my truck last summer. A medium torch kit and buying the half sized bottles was about $750.00 out the door at AirGas.

You could go propane and get out of buying the acetylene bottle.

And propane is much cheaper to use than acetylene. Refills can be had at anyplace that sells grill gas.

I have both gases, but have two torch sets. Acetylene set is only used for welding, or brazing where a pinpoint flame is needed. All cutting and larger brazing as well as heating is done with propane

Only the tip needs to be changed on Harris torches to use propane.

My Harris set with propane is over 50 years old, inherited from Dad, and still works like new. It's a big, clunky, industrial model which is why I bought the much smaller Victor for welding thin stuff.

 

[FigureItOut]

I'm in this search right now also. As mentioned, be careful about the tanks you buy. I already have a relationship with my LWS so I have called a couple times while looking at used bottles to get info.

I may be off on some of this, but I've nearly decided it's better for guys like you and me to buy a first set new. First, when I've tested used torches, I can't really know for sure whether they're not working well because they're not working well, or because of operator error. Also, some sets have the flashback arrestors built into the torch handle, some will be separate, and some used sets won't have them at all. I'm not confident I can tell the difference. A new set will have them built into the handle. Also, the seller may or may not have a full set-up, so you may not be able to test everything. I damn near bought a beautiful set of older Victor gauges, all polished up and pretty, when the seller finally decided to fill me in that they needed rebuilt. At $65 per gauge to get rebuilt it killed the value, I was lucky he told me before money changed hands.

Also, torches are a pretty high demand item, so used prices aren't that much better than new. If you don't currently have a relationship with your LWS, that purchase is a good way to introduce yourself. Tell them what you want to do and let them help you choose.

The other thing I'd mention, don't get one of those port-a-torch setups in the little carrier that come with tanks. The cutting capacity is limited, and you'll very quickly be frustrated by the size of the tanks. The product description of those sets gives a large cut capacity "with optional tips", but then you find out that you can't use larger tips with the small tanks without exceeding acetylene withdraw rate safety rules.


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[jayfrank5074]

My LWS quoted me this week...

$165 for 80ccf oxygen tank, customer owned full.
$165 for 80ccf acetylene tank, customer owned full.
$165 firepower torch setup medium duty.
Or
$225 for victor performer medium duty.

I am going to go with propane, he said he would swap tips to get me going, they even sell the BBQ propane tanks.

I have several BBQ tanks but I am going to find a forklift 33lb tank.

By going with propane I avoid the acetylene tank cost and will pay the upcharge for the victor and still come out cheaper.

 

[PBCampbell]

80 cf tank isn't going to last long. Get the largest Oxygen you can. Propane requires more oxygen than acetylene.

 

[Bennylava]

Lots of cutting torches on CL ranging from $250 to $500 as less need due to plasma cutters.

You DO want to OWN the tanks as rental will kill you on price in long run.

Google > > > > cutting torch site:craigslist.org

for "shotgun search" of pricing across country, then narrow down to your area.

Here is example for $150 bargain
https://eastidaho.craigslist.org/for/5618370217.html

That's something I didn't consider. For some reason, I was thinking that Plasma Cutters were mainly for sheet metal. So if they can both do the same types of jobs, what is the advantage that a plasma cutter has over they old cutting torches?

 

[Bennylava]

Also, how about something like this? I'm not going to be doing huge jobs, just the occasional automotive repair. Someone mentioned Victor brand, but I can't tell if this thing is junk that's straight outta china.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oxygen-Acet...273030?hash=item4d415fb4c6:g:wicAAOSwMORW8Gbi

 

[jayfrank5074]

80 cf tank isn't going to last long. Get the largest Oxygen you can. Propane requires more oxygen than acetylene.

I do agree, but 80ccf is the biggest they sell "customer owned"

Otherwise you have to rent the big ones. Rental does not work out for home use.

Worst case I can buy 2 of them

 

[FigureItOut]

what is the advantage that a plasma cutter has over they old cutting torches?

Easier to cut very clean, will cut any electrically conductive material (oxy-fuel isn't effective with stainless or aluminum), thinner kerf, much narrower heat affected zone, easier to cut very precisely, cheaper operating costs, overall just better in my opinion.

Drawbacks: higher initial cost, less portable, doesn't weld, heat or braze.





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[FigureItOut]

Also, how about something like this? I'm not going to be doing huge jobs, just the occasional automotive repair. Someone mentioned Victor brand, but I can't tell if this thing is junk that's straight outta china.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oxygen-Acet...273030?hash=item4d415fb4c6:g:wicAAOSwMORW8Gbi

That's Victor TYPE, not Victor brand, and refers to which type of tips are interchangeable with it. It'll have the drawbacks I mentioned earlier about the port-a-torch setups.

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[Know Wosad]

That's something I didn't consider. what is the advantage that a plasma cutter has over they old cutting torches?

Right here is where you should stop and go take a welding class at a night a.e. offering or community college. Your knowledge needs to increase before you go spend the money.
Put on the brakes.

 

[RM209]

Lots of cutting torches on CL ranging from $250 to $500 as less need due to plasma cutters.

You DO want to OWN the tanks as rental will kill you on price in long run.

Google > > > > cutting torch site:craigslist.org

for "shotgun search" of pricing across country, then narrow down to your area.

Here is example for $150 bargain
https://eastidaho.craigslist.org/for/5618370217.html

This. Lots of them for sale on C-L. I've seen some of them, and many are very clean. There's a good chance you can also get the sellers to include some rod, goggles/helmet, and other supplies. Take your time, buy one that's been well cared for, be willing to negotiate, and you'll get a great deal on a quality product.

RM209

 

[Boilerhouse]

I have several BBQ tanks but I am going to find a forklift 33lb tank.

Just a watch out here....the BBQ tanks sit upright and the propane is extracted as a gas. Forklift tanks sit horizontal and have a tube within the tank so the propane is extracted as a liquid. The propane is converted to a gas and dropped in pressure in special design regulators. I have no idea how this may impact a welding set up, so you may wish to inquire.

 

[jayfrank5074]

Just a watch out here....the BBQ tanks sit upright and the propane is extracted as a gas. Forklift tanks sit horizontal and have a tube within the tank so the propane is extracted as a liquid. The propane is converted to a gas and dropped in pressure in special design regulators. I have no idea how this may impact a welding set up, so you may wish to inquire.

Thanks I will have to research that. I though horizontal was liquid and vertices was gas. I'll check it out.

 

[slip knot]

stay with acetylene if you plan on doing any welding with the torch. its a bit problematic welding with propane.

Check out weldingweb.com. they have a lot of torch discussions on there with different ideas to look at as well.

 

[rmack898]

Right here is where you should stop and go take a welding class at a night a.e. offering or community college. Your knowledge needs to increase before you go spend the money.
Put on the brakes.

+1 That's some good advice to follow.

 

[BD1]

go to local SUPPLIERS not one but as many as you can in your area. AIR GAS is not my favorite ! Get a package deal on tanks and torch setup. Here's my local online prices ,
http://www.weldersupply.com/C/5/GasWeldingCuttingEquipment

Shop around, tank prices vary from supplier to supplier.
Checkout WELDINGWEB for more info.
http://weldingweb.com/forum.php

 

[jayfrank5074]

stay with acetylene if you plan on doing any welding with the torch. its a bit problematic welding with propane.

Check out weldingweb.com. they have a lot of torch discussions on there with different ideas to look at as well.

If you were talking to me, I did know the propane doesn't shield the weld pool like acetylene. I have a lincoln powermig 215 mig welder, and a cutmaster 42 plasma cutter, so a torch will be used primarily to heat stuff. Especially stuck bolts!!!!

 

[kunkernator]

Also, how about something like this? I'm not going to be doing huge jobs, just the occasional automotive repair. Someone mentioned Victor brand, but I can't tell if this thing is junk that's straight outta china.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oxygen-Acet...273030?hash=item4d415fb4c6:g:wicAAOSwMORW8Gbi

DO NOT buy that set. The tanks are NOT DOT approved, as per their description. Nobody will fill/exchange them for you.

I have a torch setup that size, and a full size rig. Those small bottles do not last. They are good for welding and thats about it. If you want to cut, you get about 5-10 minutes out of them, same with heating.

I bought this set

http://store.cyberweld.com/smwecuoutomb.html

from Cyberweld, as per suggestion by members here. Comes with good regulators, a torch handle, rosebud, cutting attachment, and welding tip. I was lucky enough to find a set of owner bottles off the local Craiglist with a cart for $100 (which is a steal, dont expect this).

Also a good idea to invest in some regulator mounts flashback arrestors.

If nobody has offered a clear explanation of owner bottles verses rentals.... Owner bottles YOU own, if you bring them to your welding supply store, you can choose to either have them filled (and keep you current bottle), or swapped out for another owner bottle that is already filled. Rentals are rented from a local welding supply and you pay the rental fee plus the cost of the gas. Rentals are identified by raised lettering (normally the supply store name) on the neck of the bottle. If you find a rental bottle used, DO NOT buy it, nobody will fill it because you do not own it (it technically belongs to the company whose name is on it).

Also, while looking at bottles keep an eye out for the 'hydrotest date'. It will be stamped the bottle in the form of the date (month/year) followed by a + and/or a (star). The plus labels the cylinder being allowed to be filled 10% above rated capacity, and the star states the hydrotest is good for 10 years past the stamped date. If there is no star, the test is good for 5 years.

A lot of tanks have multiple dates from consistent testing, go with the most current date.

Here is a good little cheat sheet;
http://www.usamma.army.mil/assets/docs/Oxygen%20Cylinder%20Markings.pdf

 

[Bennylava]

Thanks for the replies all. I'll probably get a cutting torch for now, and upgrade to plasma a couple years down the road.

Right here is where you should stop and go take a welding class at a night a.e. offering or community college. Your knowledge needs to increase before you go spend the money.
Put on the brakes.

Wouldn't mind that, but I'm probably going to have to be self taught on this. Or internet taught

My local college does a certification, and you go to class (for welding) for 3 hours per night, 5 nights a week. I checked a while back and it was something like that. It was all they had. I can't do that, and really I like to learn on my own when possible. But if they had something that was 1 class per week, I'd be able to do it and likely would. I'm not really interested in the certification and it I think that is the only way they offer it.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

There are deals out there. I picked up my set piecemeal through yard sales, eBay, etc. The only part I bought new was the hose, a couple fittings, and a torch tip. I run oxy propane since I only need it for heating and cutting. Most gas suppliers will trade out any high pressure cylinder for whatever gas you need, so if you find a deal on a nitrogen or helium tank, you can swap it out for an oxygen tank. Acetylene tanks are their own category (wish it wasn't, I've got one I really wish I could trade for an extra oxygen tank.) Don't worry too much about an expired hydrotest, as long as there's no visible tank damage most suppliers just charge a small testing fee. The last tank I exchanged was last tested in '81, and no different than an in-date tank other than a $25 test fee. If you run across a tank with "property of (whomever)" stamped on it, walk away.

 

[bobcatdan]

Don't cheap out on a torch. It's night and day between a real set and the cheap **** they sell. Personally I'm a Smith man, but that's just Ford vs Chevy against higher end Victor and Harris.

 

[gdocktor3]

I bought the Oxyfuel 350 setup by Victor and it's worked awesome for what I need. I paid $120 for it and I picked up a B tank from a pawn shop for $15 and an oxy tank I got for free. After filling them I'm in the entire setup for about $200. It works perfectly for the small stuff I do. Here's a good deal on a Oxyfuel 250 setup. I got a phenomenal deal on my set on eBay. I don't think the seller knew what he had. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Victor-Oxyf...:g:x3cAAOSw~oFXHTC5&item=262456475536&vxp=mtr

 

[jrcampbe]

The "blue wrench" is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your shop. Propane is cheaper, but you can't weld with propane. The reason for this is because the burning acetylene creates a plume of CO2 shielding gas ariund the flame core. Just like your MIG welder has, only created automatically through the burning of the acetylene. "Oxy fuel" welding is very versatile, and it is a way to practice some of the technique used in TIG welding without the expense of a TIG welder.

For a home shop, who cares if acetylene is more expensive? If you aren't using it all day every day, the ability to weld with acetylene makes up for the higher cost.

You'll use this thing for a lot more than cutting. It's so handy.

I bought a Smith "airliner" torch with a cutting attachment at a recent Zoro flash sale. The airliner (AW1A) is a fabulous SMALL torch originally used for aluminum airframe welding. It's very convenient compared to the monster "medium duty" rigs like the Victor Journeyman. Those are nice, but they are huge and clunky in comparison. The cutting attachment on the little AW1A will cut up to 6" thick steel, and with a big tip you can weld 3/8 and maybe even 1/2. The airline torches have the gas knobs above your hand, which is very convenient. And with a small tip, you get a sharp, tiny little flame you can direct with precision to heat fasteners. It uses thin, "B" size fittings and hoses. There is a great, very flexible hose you can get from tinmantech that makes this all very maneuverable.

Be warned that you must never use acetylene at a rate of more than 1/7 the bottle per hour. The acetylene is dissolved in acetone, and if you draw it too fast it doesn't come out of solution and this can be very dangerous as you'll end up burning the acetone liquid. So if you have (making up a number) a 70 cu ft bottle, you can never have a consumption rate higher than 10 CFM. What this means is if you are going to use a rosebud and do a lot of heating or cutting, you may need a bigger acetylene bottle than you would think.

I'm very happy with the Smith AW1A. Super comfortable and a nice little cutting attachment for it.

If you're going to spend all day in a salvage yard cutting steel you'll want a bigger torch, but I think these little guys are perfect for a home shop.

Jim

 

[Bennylava]

I bought a new set for my truck last summer. A medium torch kit and buying the half sized bottles was about $750.00 out the door at AirGas.

You could go propane and get out of buying the acetylene bottle.

So I'm looking at about $500 if I just buy the bottles? And that's brand new bottles correct?

Already bought the torch set from a recommendation in this thread so I only need a the bottles now.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

Yes, if you buy the bottles from a gas supplier, they'll run about $250 each. Keep an eye out on CL, I've gotten bottles for free and as cheap as $20, just gotta search multiple times a day and be quick with a phone call or email when they pop up.

 

[FigureItOut]

So I'm looking at about $500 if I just buy the bottles? And that's brand new bottles correct?

Already bought the torch set from a recommendation in this thread so I only need a the bottles now.

Many here will discourage it, but leasing works well for me for the time being. It's like $0.11 a day or thereabouts, plus $4 a month. I can switch it out for another gas, or another size, depending on what I'm getting into.

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[gdocktor3]

So I'm looking at about $500 if I just buy the bottles? And that's brand new bottles correct?

Already bought the torch set from a recommendation in this thread so I only need a the bottles now.

Which set did you buy and what did you pay?

 

[Roddyo]

So I'm looking at about $500 if I just buy the bottles? And that's brand new bottles correct?

Already bought the torch set from a recommendation in this thread so I only need a the bottles now.

My oxygen bottle is a little over 3feet tall and the acetylene bottle is a little shorter. I wanted something I could load by myself a bottle at a time and maybe carry on a four wheeler. I have a bulldozer and a excavator so you don't know when things are going to go south and need to be prepared for anything.

There's lots of hate for AirGas but when your in a bind they usually have it and you can walk out the door with it. When your in business at times that's worth a lot more than your money.

 

[wafrederick]

Don't have Air Gas in my area.Used to have two welding and cutting supply places in my area,Lake Welding and Praxair that is still good.Praxair bought out Lake Welding a few years ago.Praxair,the person buys the tanks and Lake Welding rented the tanks out.When buying used tanks,make sure the seller makes out a slip saying you bought the tanks.The tanks will be in the seller's name still.

 

[jayfrank5074]

My oxygen tank was $165 customer owned. Bought it Monday....80ccf

Victor performer $225, $165 bottle, $40 cart, like $465 out the door. He may have helped me out since I bought my power mig 215 there 10 or so years ago, and where I work buys several gas welders a year to go on new trucks

I am using my BBQ cylinder and propane

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

My setup: Victor torch $25 eBay, tip $7 eBay, flashbacks $14 eBay, hose $10 Home Depot on clearance, Blue Point oxygen regulator $27 eBay, oxygen regulator fittings $15 eBay, Victor acetylene regulator $15 garage sale, 125cf oxygen tank and cart $20 garage sale, hydrotest and oxygen refill $45 LWS, propane tank free from my back yard. Total investment $178. Torching off a rusty seized hitch ball the first time ever firing up a torch, priceless