Need Recommendation on Quality Oxy/Acetylene Torch Set

[bulletpruf]

Fellas -

Looking for a quality oxy/acetylene torch set that won't break my bank. Don't need an entire kit with the tanks; just torch set up and anything I need in addition to the bottles.

Did a search and didn't find a thread that was directly on point.

FYI - I'm a bit of a rookie. I do car-related fabrication and have a fairly well-equipped shop/garage. I do have a MiG as well.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Scott

 

[My Old Tools]

My welding class teacher recommended Victor because of the flasback protectors.

 

[wafrederick]

Victor X2

 

[dr_clyde]

I'm a Smith guy, myself. I also have a victor. No complaints about either. In addition to your regs and torch body, you'll want a cutting attachment, some welding/brazing tips and a heating tip. Other tools needed include flashback arrestors, goggles, a sparker, tip cleaners and a cart of some kind. Spare tips, flux, brazing rod, solder the list goes on.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

The OP is in Italy, would ESAB not be a better choice for him? I run Purox.

 

[disston]

I think all Oxy/Acetylene systems have flashback protectors. It's the law or something.
I have an antique set of gauges that the Oxy side doesn't regulate. When I inquired about having these fixed I was given a very reasonable price and told the flashback protectors would be included because they were required. I have yet to get around to having these fixed tho. The reason is because I don't have tanks and don't want to rent tanks because I don't really have a use for this set up yet. Maybe someday.

Victor is a big name in these systems. Good stuff.

You should get dual stage regulators (I think that's what they are called). A single stage set up has to be readjusted as the tank pressure falls. A dual stage needs less adjustment while using it.

You don't really want to buy the tanks. Rent them. If you buy tanks the people who fill them will just exchange them for filled tanks anyway when you go to get gas. And they will keep your new tanks. I don't really know maybe, maybe it is possible to have your tanks filled? But I think not. This is some of the stuff I found out about back when I had a set. Only ever used my Oxy/Acetylene for cutting. I tried Brazing for a while but I was not very good at it.

Some of this stuff may be the area I live in and it could be different where you are.

 

[dr_clyde]

Dual stage regs are way overkill for a casual user. You won't be using them long enough in one sitting to notice tank pressure drops.

Esab's purox is a good choice if geographic location is an issue. But what with the interwebs now...

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Dual stage regs are way overkill for a casual user. You won't be using them long enough in one sitting to notice tank pressure drops.

Esab's purox is a good choice if geographic location is an issue. But what with the interwebs now...

Haha, touché.

 

[bulletpruf]

Ok, what about this one? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BYH4KHC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bulletpruf]

I read somewhere that Victor's stuff is being made overseas?

Here's a cut and paste from another forum:


This would be my oxy reg - a Smith # 40-175-540S Heavy Duty Series 40 Oxygen Regulator w/Gauge Protector, CGA 540 Inlet Connection, 0-175 PSIG Outlet.
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This would be my acet reg - a Smith # 40-15-510S Heavy Duty Series 40 Acetylene Regulator w/Gauge Protector, CGA 510 Inlet Connection, 0-15 PSIG Outlet.
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But since I prefer propane, this would be my propane reg - a Smith # 40-50-510 Heavy Duty Series 40 Propane, Propylene or Natural Gas Regulator, CGA 510 Inlet Connection, 0-50 PSIG Outlet, and I would add the "Hard Hat" guage protector model # HB190.
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And this would be my cutting torch - a Smith # SC929 Gas Axe™ Extra Heavy Duty Cutting Torch, 90° Head - 21" Torch Length (533mm), Cuts Up To 24" (610mm) with Acetylene / 20" (508mm) with Propane
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Also, I would have the following;
- Smith flashback arrestors on the regs
- Koike quick disconnects on regs, torch and all hoses except whip connection to first 50', 1/4" hose.
- a 12' or 15' whip hose (which is the first hose connected to torch because that will be the first to get a burn hole in it and it is easy to replace.)
- The whip hose will be hard coupled to a 50', 1/4" dia hose. Quick couplers at extreme ends.
- Extra hoses (as needed) in 50' lengths and 5/16" or 3/8" dia with quick couplers.
-Smith SC50 series propane tips #'s 0,1,2 & 3. (x2 ea.)
- "T" size oxy cylinders
- 100lb propane cylinder
- Tip drill
- Tip cleaner
- Tip Resurfacing Tool
- Triple flint strikers
- #5 shade safety glasses
- #5 shade face shield
- 9 way cylinder wrench (x2)

And that should get you on the "cool" list!

 

[bulletpruf]

Ok, the Smith stuff is EXPENSIVE.

Bummed that Victor is made overseas; the Journeyman stuff seems like the industry standard.

If I'm going with overseas, I might as well save some money and use the HF setup. Few folks recommend it.

Thoughts?

Scott

 

[pozidriv]

Rothenberger AIRAC or Air Liquide might be cheaper and locally available?
This is one of those things I wouldn't necessarily want to buy online, it's nice to be able to pick it up and try it out first.

 

[gdocktor3]

I am actually new to this as well and been researching the whole cutting torch thing the past few weeks. I "aquired" a Smith torch from work, some hoses and stuff, but what I wanted to know is whether or not the tips from Victor and others are interchangeable with the Smith? Also, a #2 tank (40 cu. ft.) is said to last about an hour when matched with same oxygen tank. Is that an accurate statement? That info is from Tractor Supply Co's website on the tanks they sell. I notice most smaller kits come with 10 cu ft acetylene and 20 cu ft oxygen tanks. Is that because oxygen burns faster or something? They will both empty approx same time I am assuming, correct?