Portable torch

[Hilltopmasonry]

Ok so i am looking to purchase a small portable torch and have two that i am considering....a victor model which I believe is a cutskill and the other is a smith. The Victor is approximately $350 and the Smith is about $450

I am almost positive that the Smith is made in the USA which I am willing to pay more for but is the Smith worth $100 more? I believe the victor has been out sourced overseas

I like the small portable totes because every once in a while I need the torch something on my jobsite and it would be nice to have a small torch that is portable

Usually i just need to notch some steel that i cant get my gas cutoff saw to. Wont be more than 3/8 in so i dont need the heavy duty one. Of course I already know that buying gas is cheaper in the bigger bottles but I guess convenience will come at a cost and I'm OK with that since i need the portability

Here they are, what are your thoughts? Am I overthinking this decision?

http://m.cyberweld.com/vipotowecuou...MIovDLpfrc1QIVmbrACh32HQRZEAQYASABEgKu3fD_BwE



http://m.cyberweld.com/porwelkit.html





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[Roju1985]

Someone smarter than me needs to explain how they sell these when most tips violates the 1/7 rule for those sized tanks.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Someone smarter than me needs to explain how they sell these when most tips violates the 1/7 rule for those sized tanks.

I am not going to use the whole tank in a single cut I need it for like four minutes


More like 30 seconds

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[hefnerconstructionlc]

I have the cutskill, I have had it for years. It works well. I actually like the torch so much I use it on my large workshop O/A set up. I'm sure the Smith would also be excellent. I think either way you'll be happy. And in all honesty you will use each set up so little due to the volumes of the bottle size that I doubt it will matter. Really they are just for getting you in and out of a pinch and sweating copper lines.

 

[bobcatdan]

While I won't argue against Smith, one Sunday I needed a torch and I needed now. Ran to northern and bought their kit along with filled tanks. For a little torch it works awesome and served my needs for 3 years before I bite the bullet on a victory journeyman set. While one can easily tell the difference between a cheap and good full size set. When you are realistic on what a porta torch can do, I see no difference in my cheap set over the Victor set I had in my old service truck.

 

[Bretny]

I have owned a victor firepower med duty set for quite a while. Its got a B sized acetylene tank and a o2 tank about the same size. Its not as portable as the porta torches but i have been happy with it. My setup is just a angle iron cage with the tanks strapped to it. No wheels and no handles. Its not light but will cut 3/4 steel quite well. I wouldnt limit your self as to what you can cut by what you need to cut at the moment. Theres always that bigger piece of steel.

 

[mbshop]

I have a firepower unit for my home use. Rarely use it but it pays for itself when I do need it. My unit is near 15 years old and still going strong.

 

[Lwel9226]

I personally prefer Victor, but Smith is good quality equipment.... Either one should give you good service..... For $100. difference I would get the Victor.... IHO

LynnW

 

[ndnchf]

While I won't argue against Smith, one Sunday I needed a torch and I needed now. Ran to northern and bought their kit along with filled tanks. For a little torch it works awesome and served my needs for 3 years before I bite the bullet on a victory journeyman set. While one can easily tell the difference between a cheap and good full size set. When you are realistic on what a porta torch can do, I see no difference in my cheap set over the Victor set I had in my old service truck.

Which kit did you get from Northern? I see several listed. Did you have to purchase the tanks separately or were they included? I was did not know Northern sold gas. Thanks

 

[Cope]

Which brand has the best local availability? That's the one to buy.

 

[sberry]

I would personally get a Q bottle and 20# LP before investing in those dinky things. A bit more to move on the rare occasion it couldn't be done with other methods but so useful for other stuff, can run a full work day doing fab from the O2, so much cheaper and can heat with it.

 

[bobcatdan]

Which kit did you get from Northern? I see several listed. Did you have to purchase the tanks separately or were they included? I was did not know Northern sold gas. Thanks

I bought the kit the store stocks and sold under the northern name. The kit doesn't include tanks which from what I hear is a good thing. Any kits sold with tanks are empty and from people I know who have tried to get them filled, local places don't like them. I guess some tanks aren't certified to a propped standard. Just repeating what I have heard. Northern has a gas pony depot in front of the store for welding gases. Much like a propane exchange set up. First time it's a little spend as you buy the tanks. To exchange it's $30.00 a tank. I only exchanged them once and it was a Saturday so I have not checked what Air gas would fill or exchange for.

 

[ndnchf]

I bought the kit the store stocks and sold under the northern name. The kit doesn't include tanks which from what I hear is a good thing. Any kits sold with tanks are empty and from people I know who have tried to get them filled, local places don't like them. I guess some tanks aren't certified to a propped standard. Just repeating what I have heard. Northern has a gas pony depot in front of the store for welding gases. Much like a propane exchange set up. First time it's a little spend as you buy the tanks. To exchange it's $30.00 a tank. I only exchanged them once and it was a Saturday so I have not checked what Air gas would fill or exchange for.

Thanks for the info. We have a Northern store in town, but did not notice if they had a gas cylinder exchange. I know the tractor supply store down the road does. I looked on the Northern site and see two Northern branded outfits. Maybe they are the same except for the storage box? Is yours one of these?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200413935_200413935

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200381819_200381819


I'm seriously looking to get a portable unit and appreciate any other advice.

 

[bobcatdan]

Thanks for the info. We have a Northern store in town, but did not notice if they had a gas cylinder exchange. I know the tractor supply store down the road does. I looked on the Northern site and see two Northern branded outfits. Maybe they are the same except for the storage box? Is yours one of these?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200413935_200413935

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200381819_200381819


I'm seriously looking to get a portable unit and appreciate any other advice.

Both of those look to be full size torch sets. My set comes with a tote to carry the cylinders around.

 

[2oolhound]

Take a good look at the hose before you buy. I had a set (don't remember the brand) but china and the hose from new had cracks all the way along. We've all seen 30 year old hose still in use and it doesn't have cracks in it.

 

[May Pop]

Smith bought from Zoro on a 20 or 25% off day

 

[Plombob]

You don't say where you're located, but if you are in the Los Angeles area, I've got a Harris set that is that size. I am going to let it go before I move.

 

[ndnchf]

Its funny how things work out sometimes. Yesterday I went to a yard sale and found this Lincoln/Harris port-a-torch for $40. Most good deals seem to elude me. But every once in a while the tool gods smile.

 

[Lhorn]

For $40, I'd say you ****. Great deal.

 

[sberry]

I got a set of bottles free, never used them. They are some astronomical amount to fill. They might work with a Henrob type thing or a mini.