Torch buyers guide

[Jayhawk_Aviator]

Don’t know anything about them, but I am looking for some thing that can heat up bolts to remove them as well as cut through things that won’t budge.

I hear victor is a good brand, but not sure how important that is. Are there different tips I need to look for based on needs? Any recommendations for a good all around solution? Not really sure what I’m looking for or where best to get it

This
Scott

 

[Toold_up]

Victor and Smith are great traditional torches. Detroit is another great brand (formally Cobra/Henrob).

Regulators are just as important as the torch.

 

[sberry]

A torch is really part of a decent tool set, it can do so much and get a guy out of a jam fast. I wouldn't know how to work on a car without one.

 

[matt_i]

If you get a right angle cutting torch fed from oxygen and acetylene bottles then it can also be used for heating. But I prefer the single flame bent tip torch for heating needs. A little easier to control and somewhat more ergonomic. The two styles of torch can potentially be attached to the same mixer handle but you need the right "platform" within a manufacturer that allows the use of both.

Most of my stuff is Harris Calorific. It seems to work well.

 

[sberry]

Yes, a homebody wants a combination torch that takes different tips. Often the local stores have really good deals if they think they will get the consumable biz after the sale. Welding equipment is often sold on thin margins due to this and the fact the stuff is so reliable and has such good warranties. The internet has driven this even lower.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I bought a medium duty Smith kit about 6 months ago:

https://store.cyberweld.com/smwecuouamcl.html#jmui=f:1455:305772841:0TJ.SRA_3+TsyI3m4B0Wnq5V

I've only needed it a few times, but it works well and does heating, cutting, and brazing. It includes everything you need except for the bottles and cart. Probably overkill for a DIY'r. Currently has a $50 rebate and some other promotions going on from Miller. Just have to make sure your tanks are big enough to take advantage of its capabilities.

The only mistake I made was buying a smaller cart than I should have. The bottles I got are within it's listed compatibilities, but at the higher end. This makes it more difficult to roll/move. But it does take up less space too.

 

[Kenskip1]

I was in the same boat looking for a torch set.I settled on this one from Lowes.Empty tanks are included. For my usage this set is ideal as space is at a premium in my garage. I heat up sections of steel in my welding projects. Good little set for my requirements. Ken

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lincoln-Electric-Port-A-Torch-Kit/1000119507

 

[Jayhawk_Aviator]

Thanks...I'm just not sure which tip you use to heat up bolts. Is that the cutting, welding, or brazing tip? What is the brazing tip for? Other than the basic sets at Lowes / HD, I'm not entirely clear where to get them. I'm assuming the little portable kit won't last long?

I frequently see filled bottles on craigslist. WOndering if this is a good torch kit with getting the tanks? https://www.ebay.com/itm/2976-Genuine-Victor-Torch-Kit-Cutting-Set-CA411-3-WH411C-0-3-101-Tip-20-Hose/252107852976?hash=item3ab2cc8cb0:g:SwIAAOSw4CFYq0Ws

 

[rlitman]

Welding and brazing tips are the same. They’re just a single hole. Cutting tips have multiple flames, and are basically miniature heating tips. That’s ideal for heating bolts.

 

[zkling]

The smith med duty is nice, so is the victor, although I am not a fan of victors newer regs. Be very careful buying used tanks. Lots of people will claim to own the tanks and that they are in date, when neither are correct.

Call your local gas suppliers to see what they say for tank regulations. You can end up buying a used paperweight.

You may want to consider an oxy propane setup.

The cutting torch ends up being the all around in many shops, but the welding tips will give you a more concentrated heat, higher intensity.

 

[evintho]

Keep your eye on the local CL, Offer Up or Letgo. There are decent torch sets out there. Picked up this set off of CL for $250. Full, owner-owned tanks (with documentation). Complete welding/cutting set with everything. Keep lookin'!

 

[RedneckWelder]

I prefer Victor and Smith. Easy to come by parts and tips locally for both. Don’t settle for the little burglar bottle tanks if you can avoid them...get normal size ones. Get the “heavy duty” set from whichever maker you buy from.

 

[Bretny]

You cant own bottles that size around here. So buying them and trying to get thwm filled may be a fail.

I have had a victor firepower for quite a few years. Used B series acetylene tanks and about the same size O2. Its about as big as you would want to carry. They offer dif size tips for cutting thick metal. I think the torch kit was $250-275 plus the 02 bottle. Theres plenty of B series acetylene tanks for sale on craigslist.

 

[anndel]

We don't have much rust like those in the rust belt. I was removing a steering knuckle on a car that got flooded up to slightly below the door but enough to cover the knuckle with sea water and all I used was an overnight soak with Liquid Wrench and a Bernzomatic MAPP Gas torch to loosen the nut.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The old Craftsman sets (like from the 70s/80s) were actually pretty good. Pros never bought them, so they have likely been sitting in someone garage for the past 30 years with little of no use. You might need new hoses (dry rot), but you should be able to buy a set cheap. And don't be surprised if includes bottles !

 

[theoldwizard1]

We don't have much rust like those in the rust belt. I was removing a steering knuckle on a car that got flooded up to slightly below the door but enough to cover the knuckle with sea water and all I used was an overnight soak with Liquid Wrench and a Bernzomatic MAPP Gas torch to loosen the nut.

MAPP isn't MAPP and more ! It MAPP Pro, which burns at about the same temp as propane.