HF Torch Kit

[Damn Yankee]

Hi All,

Somehow my Victor torch kit went MIA. I didn't have bottles for them and would need a torch infrequently (at present) so am not interested in spending $$$. Immediately need to accurately cut some 4" H-Beam and small hobby stuff.

I see the reviews on HF rave about their Portable Torch Kit w/ Oxy and acetylene Tanks: https://www.harborfreight.com/portable-torch-kit-with-oxygen-and-acetylene-tanks-65818.html.

reading, I see the tanks are swapable with a gas supplier and it seems it is a Victor 100 series clone. Does anyone have any experience with this setup? Further, can anyone confirm it is a 100 series and it can be fitted with a rosebud?

Thanks to all.
John

 

[Damn Yankee]

Hi All,

Somehow my Victor torch kit went MIA. I didn't have bottles for them and would need a torch infrequently (at present) so am not interested in spending $$$. Immediately need to accurately cut some 4" H-Beam and small hobby stuff.

I see the reviews on HF rave about their Portable Torch Kit w/ Oxy and acetylene Tanks: https://www.harborfreight.com/portable-torch-kit-with-oxygen-and-acetylene-tanks-65818.html.

reading, I see the tanks are swapable with a gas supplier and it seems it is a Victor 100 series clone. Does anyone have any experience with this setup? Further, can anyone confirm it is a 100 series and it can be fitted with a rosebud?

Thanks to all.
John

Nevermind. The small tank won't supply the rated flow for a rosebud. Duh.

 

[rd65]

Are the HF torch parts/tools any good? I recently acquired an old torch kit and the hose is cracked badly enough that I dont want to use it. It has large tanks but small torch and hose. I would like to update but am pretty clueless on what the quality brands are these days, be it HF or Amazon. I will update with the torch name when I get home.

 

[mike1956]

I had one many years ago. You can literally run out of gas on a single cutting project. Look on FB Marketplace and get a used torch with gauges and hook up with your local gas supplier and get some good sized bottles. My bottles cost me 100 per year to rent and I only change em out every couple years for a new full bottle

 

[Lwel9226]

My bottles cost me 100 per year to rent and I only change em out every couple years for a new full bottle

I bought my cylinders about 40 years ago for about $175 (If I remember right).... Today's price will be about $300/$400 to buy....
I own them... no rent... the only thing it costs me is for refills....
If I had rented @ $100 per year I would have $4000 into them plus refills....

Renting is not a good deal for long term....

LynnW

 

[mike1956]

Most gas companies won't fill private bottles

 

[BukitCase]

LynnW, same here; when we moved back here after the service we bought the place I'm in now (1978) - I had a couple "thirsty" projects so bought the biggest bottles the LWS sold, 300 CF O2 and 400 CF Acetylene - even that size acetylene is barely big enough for the small Victor rosebud (withdrawal rate) between Argon, C25, O and A, in 44 years I could probably buy ALL my welders over again (MM252, MM211, Hypertherm PM45, Everlast stick/tig and the old standby 250 amp AC/DC stick) with the $$$ I DIDN'T spend on tank rentals - My LWS is a family owned small chain that caters to several industrial shops, they'll sell me ANY tank I want... Steve

 

[Damn Yankee]

Most joints won't refill your bottles, you have to have them certified every 10 years, and at some point, they may become damaged. Why add that hassle to your busy life? Don't lease either. It is a racket and costs you way more than you want to pay. Thirty years ago, when I first opened and was ignorant and foolish, I did that. Just stupid.

Buy used (even new if you must) bottles and exchange for full ones at your fave gas supply. You relieve yourself of compliance, always get a bottle you can trust, and save money. You will never regret it and never look back.

John

 

[BukitCase]

Yeah, that's essentially what I do - bring in an empty, they give me a full one and charge only for the gas... Steve

 

[Lwel9226]

Most gas companies won't fill private bottles

I have never had a problem.... I set my empty on the dock... a worker brings out a full cylinder... I pay for refill...
I'm out the door in 5 or 10 minutes........ Plus BS time..

LynnW

 

[chris142]

Most gas companies won't fill private bottles

Not a problem here. Been having them filled at different places around town all my life.