Need cutting torch info and recommendations

[jeopardy98]

So I was out today buying some tools at a garage sale and this guy asks me if I want this acetylene torch and bottle. I've been wanting a cutting torch for a bit because I do a lot of work on old 3 wheelers and such and sometimes you need to cut through a frame or a swingarm or axle and obviously MAPP gas doesn't really do the trick.

I know nothing about cutting torches though so any advice is appreciated. I don't even know where to start. I've been looking at the port a torch at Home Depot and I've seen lots of torches/tips on Craigslist but I don't even know what I need for my purposes.

I think I probably paid more than I should have for what I got but after looking online briefly I didn't feel like I could walk away and not buy it so I did. It seems to be a very old model and I'm sure the hydro on the tank is WAY out of date. It appears to be a 10CU tank. It only has the one tip.

Would I be better off to sell this and save up for something else? Should I keep this bottle and add an oxygen bottle from somewhere?

I'm so ignorant on all of this and trying to find a cutting/welding torch 101 online isn't producing much beginner stuff.

Below is what I bought for $80 so if I should try and sell it and buy something else what should I be looking for and what kind of money is a good price? Is this tank worth keeping and trading in or should I just sell it and buy a complete kit?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[dr_clyde]

That is an air-acetylene brazing and soldering torch. You can't cut with it, because you need an oxygen jet to do the cutting.

 

[zkling]

Yea, that's an HVAC or plumbers type of torch, with a B tank. Brazing and soldering is going to be it for that.

 

[The Cobbler]

you have a B tank & plumbers torch.
you could use the btank for acetylene if you don't use it much. here, you own the tank & just exchange when need a fill. you can buy adapter to mount an acetylene regulator for a oxy acetylene set up. I bought a ****** & replaced the ****** on the acetylene regulator .
I have 2 b tanks , one is always full . the occasional times I need oxy acetylene, I have a set that I conect to my b tank & small owned oxy tank. no rentals or contracts but not very efficient if using it a lot ( especially cutting with the small oxy bottle)

 

[The Cobbler]

the tank is worth $80 or more, the torch about the same IMO

 

[jeopardy98]

Okay so this isn't really what I need or want but it seems I did okay on the price. If I were to sell this for what I paid or a little more what would be a good setup to buy? Is the B tank worth keeping to use with an oxy/acetylene setup? Or should I just sell it as is and buy a larger bottle setup with a torch on Craigslist. Would the Port a Torch setup at Home depot serve me for my occasional purposes?

 

[dodge610]

I would get the next size up from the b tank if you cut much at all you will drain that tank pretty quick. The next size up from that is a s tank If I remember right. The matching oxy tank should be a Q tank if there still calling them that.

 

[dodge610]

Torches you need a combo torch that will cut or braze. You could check craigslist for a rebuilt airco torch and gauges or just go with a victor set. I think the victor set is a journeyman set.

 

[metaldad]

oxygen cylinders:

acetylene cylinders:

 

[lilredex]

This is my set up, it uses the same "B" tank you have, (40 CF) with an 80 CF oxygen tank, with a Victor medium duty torch set up.

It will allow a bit of cutting but will not support that rosebud tip, I use the cutting head for my heating needs. Have had it for more than thirty years and it suits my welding/brazing/heating needs.

 

[metaldad]

for minor cutting/ heating work, a 'r' and a 'b' tank is plenty.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would get the next size up from the b tank if you cut much .

cutting uses a lot of oxygen, not so much on the acetylene

 

[brownbagg]

keep it, that a great setup for brazing and plumbing work. its worth more just sitting in the shop than you can get for it. if you must, get a small oxygen tank and use it for gas welding. it never be big enough for cutting. but once you master gas welding then tig is simple