This is kind of like asking if Ford trucks are better than Chevy trucks. You will get a lot of passionate answers but few actual facts.
I have been using torches since 1968, including many years as a union shipfitter in Seattle's shipyards. I am also very good friends with the guy who owns/operates the
premium torch and regulator repair company in Seattle. If you take your regulators to a
local welding store for repair they will call my buddy to fix them.
I also have bought and sold dozens of used sets of torches, regulators, cylinders, whatever. For someone who knows what he's doing it's an easy way to make money. Just wait until someone moves into a house where a former tenant abandoned an oxyfuel setup and sells it off just to make it go away, then sell the cylinders right away (commodity item) to recoup the investment and make initial quick profit, then sort through and sell the torch, regulators and related items at your leisure. Along the way I have tested and repaired dozens of regulators and had many torches and regulators professionally repaired.
The above is intended to show that I kind of know what I'm talking about.
The biggest problem with imported torches are sticky valves and poorly machined tip seats. The biggest problem with imported regulators is that the diaphragms stick. You can see it on the needle. The pressure won't stay nice and constant, rather it will go up above its intended setting, then jerk to going below the setting, then above again and so on. All of these problems can be fixed by a competent repair shop. Many guys with Victor 100 series handles buy Harbor Freight brazing/heating tips and get away with it, saving a ton of money over Victor branded parts.
Victor itself makes most of its product line in China now. In addition, they own some import brands like Medalist. So if you don't want imported gear, be very careful.
I personally don't see any reason to buy imported torch gear. It's just too easy to buy used American gear which still works fine. You can feel the quality in good torch valves. When you light the torch and don't smell any fuel gas and don't experience popping, you know the tip seats are good. There are simple tests that will screen regulators for most common problems. And whatever you buy, wait until you get a screaming deal. In Seattle, they come around every couple of months. Not that many guys are looking for torch setups any more.
How to test a regulator in the field with no special tools? This is what I do:
Quick and dirty home method for testing regulators
Attach to tank
Unwind pressure handle until loose
Open tank valve
1. Is pressure showing on the high pressure gauge? (should be YES)
2. Is any gas flowing? (should be NO)
Close tank valve
3. Watch high pressure gauge. Does it fall precipitously? (should be NO)
Leak test using solution
4. Any leaks? (should be NO)
Open tank valve again
Wind in pressure handle until gas just starts to flow
Block the gas flow with your thumb.
5. Watch LP gauge. Do you see a very low steady reading? (should be YES)
Note 'LP' above means the low pressure gauge. Nothing to do with liquid petroleum.
I personally favor old Airco stuff. Victor stuff made in the USA is also good, and is the easiest to resell. Harris stuff (they made all the Craftsman kits) is good pro-grade stuff. The Smith story varies. Their high end stuff has a lifetime warranty. Their cheaper stuff does not.
Here are some pointers.
Aftermarket torch cutting tips work fine. I buy mine from
https://www.atlweldingsupply.com
Two stage regulators are better than single stage regulators.
Regulators with bigger diameter bodies are more precise and accurate than small ones.
There is NO NEED to use acetylene gas except for torch welding. Else use propane.
Acetylene regulators fit propane cylinders.
Propane requires different cutting tips and some heating tips won't work but most will.
It's best to use grade T hose for propane, grade R (most common) is acetylene only.
Propane cutting tips foul less than acetylene tips and are infinitely easier to clean.
Newer Victor handles with anti-flashback/check built in can clog and are tough to clean.
Be very careful buying cylinders. Not all are owner cylinders (big topic).
There.
metalmagpie
