Harbor Freight torches and the like

[topher5150]

I've really seriously considering getting an oxy/acetylene torch, but the thing is I don't want to spend $400+ on a giant used set up that I may only use a couple of times of year. I've seen a lot of different variations of these miniature torch setups from different stores, but they all look the same. I'll be mainly using it for bending some light cutting, and stubborn nuts and bolts. Does anyone have any experience with the little Harbor Freight setups?

 

[RKSpeed]

The big plus with small "B" tanks is that once you buy them, even used, any store will fill them without proof of purchase. I went through this whole PIA process at welding store. Had some large tanks that were given to my brother and they wouldn't fill them without proof of ownership. Call your local welding store and ask what their policy is on filling tanks before you buy used. The downside to small tanks is they are super expensive to fill

 

[topher5150]

I bought a C02 tank at a garage sale the welding supplier asked no questions. Could I upgrade the smaller tanks to larger ones?

 

[unslow1]

I've been happy with mine and retired my large set. The big tanks were rentals and the gauges and hoses sit in a bucket on a shelf now.

 

[roadruiner]

i really like mine to

 

[matt_i]

What's the re-certification pathway with the small tanks? 10 years from new like the other larger bottled gas tanks?

 

[Bruce Amacker]

Call your local welding store and ask what their policy is on filling tanks before you buy used.

Our local Airgas says they won't fill the small HF tanks.

I messed with used regulators and torches for years wasting tons of time and money keeping them working. I bought a mid priced set new (under $200) of regulators, hoses, and welding/cutting heads, it was the best thing I've ever done.

It was from HD, it might have been this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln...r-Cutting-Welding-and-Brazing-KH995/301057726

They have small tank sets too, ask your welding supply house if they will fill them.

 

[speed bump]

The little torches are nice for the portability but you can definitely run out of capabilities pretty quickly in my experience.

As far as welding shops call around. I have one shop I buy gas from as they will exchange anything and are cheaper for gas. The other shop is amazing if you have an account and do some volume but **** for individuals.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

The torch head from hf I believe has 1 less knob for adjusting but as for the tanks i have no idea. I purchased a amall argon tank from hf and exchanged it at tsc for a full one. Had dads torch tanks filled once and I believe the cost to fill a big tank was the same as a small tank

 

[zkling]

Go with propane, that way you will only need oxy from a gas supplier.

Yes, you can do that, miller / smith make propane specific kits.

Call around to your local weld shops for info on how they sell/lease/deposit/fill their tanks.

Buying used tanks and used torches can be a real **** shoot being most expensive in the long run.

 

[bobcatdan]

Before I bought my big torch set, one Sunday I needed a torch and needed it now. I went to the Northern store and bought their portable set. Their set doesn't come with tanks, however my Northern has a tank exchange just like for propane. Got full tanks for the kit. Went home with a functioning set.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Go with propane, that way you will only need oxy from a gas supplier.

Yes, you can do that, miller / smith make propane specific kits.

Call around to your local weld shops for info on how they sell/lease/deposit/fill their tanks.

Buying used tanks and used torches can be a real **** shoot being most expensive in the long run.

Propane/oxy is the way to go IMO. The shop runs that setup and there isn't much of anything that torch can't touch.