Scored a $5 Victor... What now??

[NotStock]

An ad showed up on Kijiji today: Torch, $5.

I figured I'd check it out. To my surprise, under the grime I could see a Victor tag. I happily paid full asking price and carted it home. Turns out it is a J100 with a CA1260 head. I'm very happy with the purchase!

Here is the problem - I've never even held a torch. I have always wanted a torch to try heated bends and a bit of brazing, but I didn't really get a chance to do my research or plan this out. To add to all this, I just bought a southbend 9" lathe, so my head is elsewhere right now.

Anyway, now I need to know if this torch is any good for what I want to use it for and get my head around how to use it. What size bottles should I get? What tips? What regulators? Should I consider propane? Are there any wear parts on this torch I should replace? Do these things even wear out?

I'm doing my research as I write this, but I figured I'd get some quick answers here too. Thanks!

 

[bonneyman]

A Victor cutting handle is what you've got. A good, solid unit. One could probably get a DVD course to learn the basics of using it. Or a class at the local community college can get you started.
You can get a brand new oxy-acetylene set up, with regulators, hoses, and brazing tips for around $280. Tanks require a deposit of around $190, then just $15-25 to refill when empty.
Though, you could probably find a decent used setup on Craigslist for less.
And there's a place in Oklahoma that does reg rebuilds for around $40 if they ever need it. I just had my one reg done on my 20-year old rig. Works as good as new.

 

[NotStock]

Think I'm going to go propane. From what I've read it seems like I'd be looking at needing large bottles to run a multi flame tip for heated bends on acetylene. I really don't plan to do much (if any) cutting with the torch so the 1260 head may sit in the toolbox for now. Does anyone know if the Victor MFN tips fit the J100? I know it says "fits 100 series torches" but is this J100 the 100 series torch they are referring to?

Also, I've never used a rosebud, so sizing is getting me a little tripped up. Would a #6 or #8 be adequate for heating thin wall tubing? I'm looking at heating mild steel up to about 1.5" diameter, no more than 1/8 wall.

 

[fourjeepin]

Great score! I inherited my grandfathers Victor. I had it rebuilt for about $40 as Bonney mentioned above. Works great and looked brand new when it came back. Also relevant for you is that it is propane. I considered switching, but already have the tank, refills are inexpensive, and I can use the tank with a small heater to heat my shop.