portable oxy acetylene kit

[u118224]

I want to buy a portable oxy acetylene kit and prefer US made; however, I want something reasonably priced as I will only use it for occasional heating and cutting. I found this on Amazon;

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003HE5LJG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This kit does not include cutting tips and would have to be purchased separately. Any thoughts pro or con? Is there a better option to consider?

 

[sberry]

All I can add is occasional will be right,,, ocasionally between fillings. That would be an absolutely last ditch resort. Someone gave me a set I still have they used once, I never used it either.

 

[BD1]

The small tanks will not last long. What are you planning to use it for ? There are a lot of ways to cut metal.
I would check craigs list for a deal. You can buy a NEW MADE IN USA SMITH complete set up less tanks for 200.00 at my local supplier. Now you will have
a real set.

http://www.weldersupply.com/productdetails.asp?cat=Gas+Welding+&+Cutting+Equipment&ID=5&pID=317

 

[bobcatdan]

I have a porta torch in my work truck. For quick cuts or general heating they work fine. I don't use it everyday, but for what I do, most heating joints that don't take grease. I would say the tanks last me about 6 months. I have been thinking about getting one for the home garage. Working on some lawnmowers this some, I needed to get a couple hub off.

 

[Altec]

I have one of the Ireland made Harris sets like that. for mechanic work, it is the bomb. Very portable. For metal working/fab work it is small, bu for the job-to-job guy it's ideal.

 

[2oolhound]

I have a similar set too and it is what it says: portable. For keeping in the garage get a mid sized set of tanks in the 40 - 60 -80 cu ft range. Small tanks cost more to fill and they run out in the middle of a job more often. Those portable sets should only be a second set or spare set.

 

[lilredex]

Think you will kick yourself, going so small, very early in the game.

For ocassional use, in a DIY shop, my minimum would be a "B" and an 80 Cu. Ft. oxygen. If you do minimum cutting, these sizes will keep pace with each other fairly consistently.

Had these thirty years, and no regrets.

 

[PCO6]

I have a similar set too and it is what it says: portable. For keeping in the garage get a mid sized set of tanks in the 40 - 60 -80 cu ft range. Small tanks cost more to fill and they run out in the middle of a job more often. Those portable sets should only be a second set or spare set.

I agree. I used to have a portable set like the OP posted that I always took with me to the track when I raced off road cars. It saved my **** often enough to pay for itself a few times over. I sold it years ago but picked up another set at Princess Auto about 6 months ago. It's great for small jobs away from my garage when I don't need my larger set like lilredex's below.

Think you will kick yourself, going so small, very early in the game.

For ocassional use, in a DIY shop, my minimum would be a "B" and an 80 Cu. Ft. oxygen. If you do minimum cutting, these sizes will keep pace with each other fairly consistently.

Had these thirty years, and no regrets.

That's very similar to my set which I have also had for about 30 years. I learned to weld using O/A and prefer it to MIG or Arc for most jobs.

 

[thightower]

My 2 cents. Only one word in torches, Victor.