Olsen/Harbor Freight Oxyfuel Torch

[Smiles79]

I was able to pick up a 250cf oxygen cylinder for $50 on Facebook, starting to look at torches. I know Victor, Harris, and Smith are the good stuff, but I'm just a home gamer on a budget.

Are the harbor freight torches any good? This kit looks decent, how do I know what tips I can use with it? https://www.harborfreight.com/medium-duty-oxygen-and-acetylene-welding-kit-64408.html

What's the difference between as medium duty and a heavy duty? Are there some tip sizes that are not available in the medium duty, limiting the thickness of material that can be cut?

 

[MattGarage]

Never used theirs but used oxygen/acetylene setups with tanks, torches and even gas show up frequently online. The torches I observed in the store look fine but not as impressive as a nice quality pro model.

The other thing will be what it's used for. The size 0 welding tip will be good for light welding plus brazing copper pipe to about 1 inch. That cutting ability of 1/2 inch seems more light duty than medium duty (size 0 tip). Overall - this seems more like a light duty setup. A heavy duty setup can dismantle ships.

You'll also want to get flashback arrestors installed at the tanks.

As far as tip sizes - there are definitely larger welding tips you can use; looks like you can use up to number 4 cutting tip.

You probably know that with Acetylene you can only draw a certain percentage of the tank safely so tank selection for intended use is also a factor.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

https://www.northerntool.com/products/hobart-toughcut-medium-duty-cutting-and-welding-torch-outfit-acetylene-propane-victor-style-model-770502-96461?cm_mmc=Google-LIA&utm_source=Google_LIA&utm_medium=Welding%20%3E%20Gas%20Welding%20%2B%20Cutting%20Apparatus%20%3E%20Welding%20%2B%20Cutting%20Torches%20%2B%20Tips&utm_campaign=Hobart&utm_content=96461&ogmap=SHP%7cLIA%7cGOOG%7cSTND%7cc%7cSITEWIDE%7c%7c%7c%7c%7c856744471%7c42214674623&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsCgBhDEARIsAE7RYh2r-UM9ihAaKSxEwBRsa2QKlksiHNlybuI_bWQNuQS4P4pu-ICIn_0aAmjTEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Lincoln Electric Cut Welder Kit with Torch, Oxygen and Acetylene Regulators, 3/16 in. x 12 ft. Hose, for Cutting Welding and Brazing KH995 - The Home Depot

Lincoln Electric Cut Welder contains all the quality equipment needed for cutting, welding and brazing in a rugged bag. The outfit is designed to work with one CGA 510 acetylene cylinder and one CGA 540

www.homedepot.com

The harbor freight is probably fine. I don't have experience with either. I have a victor torch and victor and harris regulators. But both of these above are only $250 so not much more that $170 for the harbor freight.

 

[Smiles79]

Never used theirs but used oxygen/acetylene setups with tanks, torches and even gas show up frequently online. The torches I observed in the store look fine but not as impressive as a nice quality pro model.

The other thing will be what it's used for. The size 0 welding tip will be good for light welding plus brazing copper pipe to about 1 inch. That cutting ability of 1/2 inch seems more light duty than medium duty (size 0 tip). Overall - this seems more like a light duty setup. A heavy duty setup can dismantle ships.

You'll also want to get flashback arrestors installed at the tanks.

As far as tip sizes - there are definitely larger welding tips you can use; looks like you can use up to number 4 cutting tip.

You probably know that with Acetylene you can only draw a certain percentage of the tank safely so tank selection for intended use is also a factor.

Thanks for your feedback. I know that a bigger tip will allow cutting it thicker material but wasn't sure how big of a tip this set could accept. Where did you find that info?

 

[MattGarage]

Thanks for your feedback. I know that a bigger tip will allow cutting it thicker material but wasn't sure how big of a tip this set could accept. Where did you find that info?

Harbor Freight web site has manuals for most of their products on the product page so if you look up that part - you can find the manual there. The thing I look for is tip charts for cutting/welding/heating (though I didn't see heating).

 

[Smiles79]

Harbor Freight web site has manuals for most of their products on the product page so if you look up that part - you can find the manual there. The thing I look for is tip charts for cutting/welding/heating (though I didn't see heating).

Ah, I see it now. Thanks!

 

[Smiles79]

Does anyone know anything about off brand regulators? Can they be trusted or should a guy stick with name brand?