Torch Kit

[FMC1959]

Never had a torch kit but always wanted to get one at some point.

For occasional DIY use, some brazing, some torch cuts through not too thick metal, welding up to a 1/4" like it says in the description; does this kit look OK for the price (CDN $$$) and what it has?

Aside from thicker metal welding/cutting, do more expensive kits have other features this kit does not have?

Is it usually better to get a kit with empty tanks like this one, buy the tanks where you will get them filled, or rent the tanks (does it make sense to rent for occasional use)?

http://www.princessauto.com/en/deta...to&utm_term=Image+-+Fall+Time+Is+Garage+Time!

 

[ProCharger]

I do not know the exchange rate so I can not really comment on price but honestly I do not think you will be happy with those small tanks. You will be in the middle of something and will run out. What size are they, I did not see the specs.

I would recommend http://www.weldersupply.com/P/1175/PerformerMediumDutyOutfi and leasing tanks. It is as simple as exchanging on the spot with leased tanks.

 

[machine_punk]

To be honest, for the money, you are not going to be happy with that kit.

How much you spend on used torches and bottles varies from region to region. I've had good luck getting vintage torches on eBay, then sending them to a torch refurbisher ($10 for a torch with issues, $75 to get the torch refurbished = brand new, vintage torch.) Same for older regulators online or Kijiji.

You are going to want new hoses anyway.

The set you are showing is meant for folks brazing air conditioning tubing. With acetylene, you can only withdraw 1/7th of the tank an hour, or you will start pulling acetone out of the tank and bad things happen. Recently, I've seen the recommendation of 1/10th of the tank an hour. With those small tanks (10 CF?) You can only take out 1 CF an hour. That is a tiny torch tip.

I just think that for a little more money and some searching around, you will find a larger set which will serve you better.

Kevin.

 

[FMC1959]

Thanks, I am just recently looking at kits & prices.

Be it new or used, what should I be looking for as far as specs or features? The tip size, the regulator, the handle..etc?

I will check places online, I happen to be on PA's website just now. This kit below without tanks, the tanks I mate with this determines how much flow per hour?

I purchase from Canadian websites (more often recently because of the exchange rate) or US websites and pick up the order in the NY. If anyone has links for a decent kit that will weld/cut/braze? Even if I do not use it often, maybe 5-10 per year, but want something that will do the job.

 

[machine_punk]

for smaller/generic stuff, I like the Victor 100 series torch so far. I am looking at something else...but I have experience with the Victor 100 and it does a good job. It has a nice cutting attachment, which will cut up to about 6 inches of steel (I think you are looking for the CA1526 attachment). It is small enough to hold like a 'pencil' for smaller stuff, or hold like a 'tennis racket,' for larger projects. You can get the welding tips relatively cheap online (you'll want about 000 to 3 or 4, depending on the size of tanks you buy. The Victor 100 series torch uses the W-1 series (000-W-1, 1-W-1, 2-W-1, etc). They are as cheap as $13 used, which is a deal, compared to over $50 brand new per tip. You can get them off-brand in the $20 range, but I've never done that. Plenty of used tips on eBay.

You use about twice as much oxygen as acetylene, so I'd get at least an 80 CF acetylene tank and about a 160 CF Oxygen tank, as a minimum (because of that rule about how much acetylene you can withdraw per hour). If you have the room, I'd move up to a 140 CF acetylene and a 250'ish oxygen. Of course, I'd stay within the limits of what your local welding supply will let you own (the largest tanks are usually just rentals). Don't buy a 'new' tank from the LWS. It will just break your heart, when they swap it out for an old, rusted tank. Don't worry about what the tanks look like. The LWS is going to give you a tested tank that will be good for several years.

Set up an account at your local LWS, even if you just back it up with your credit card. They'll start to give you decent discounts, once you get to know the counter guys and have an account.

I actually use a VERY small torch (Meco Midget), but I do small stuff (very thin sheet). I do have the Victor 100 for general use. You won't need the mid or large torches, unless you are going to do structural steel (the Victor 200 & 300 series). I'm getting ready to build a portable setup, which will use an 80 CF acetylene and 2 80 CF oxygen bottles (connected together at the regulator). This will be a relatively portable unit, with a fair amount of CF/hour available on the acetylene.

Anyway. That ought to get you started.

I guess I need to take some pictures of my Victor 100.

Kev

 

[FMC1959]

Thanks Machine Punk, you have given me some good info and like you said, a good starting point.

 

[Rhyno]

......I do not think you will be happy with those small tanks. You will be in the middle of something and will run out. What size are they............http://www.weldersupply.com/P/1175/PerformerMediumDutyOutfi ...........

To be honest, for the money, you are not going to be happy with that kit.

How much you spend on used torches and bottles varies from region to region. I've had good luck getting vintage torches on eBay, then sending them to a torch refurbisher ($10 for a torch with issues, $7 to get the torch refurbished = brand new, vintage torch.) Same for older regulators online or Kijiji.

You are going to want new hoses anyway.

The set you are showing is meant for folks brazing air conditioning tubing. With acetylene, you can only withdraw 1/7th of the tank an hour, or you will start pulling acetone out of the tank and bad things happen. Recently, I've seen the recommendation of 1/10th of the tank an hour. With those small tanks (10 CF?) You can only take out 1 CF an hour. That is a tiny torch tip.

I just think that for a little more money and some searching around, you will find a larger set which will serve you better.

Kevin.

Great advice from both of these guys....


.

.

.

 

[Rhyno]

Pick your torch by the size of the material and jobs/uses....

My torches are older, but I use them often. I carry Victor Journeyman handhelds 315 and 400 and Victor Barrels (9" and 14"), on my truck. They are perfect for the stuff that I'm in.

I also have a smaller setup at the shop. It is a Harris 100c. It is smaller than my Victor setups, but it hasn't let me down. The only drawback is the smaller size. It limits the material and position and (and Benefits) my comfort, on some jobs.

I like the Victor stuff better, but can't complain about the Harris. Plus, none of it is made in China.

Those small of bottles will piss you off, too. Like the others have said, going empty at the wrong time, etc. They are perfect if your are going into a Manhole, though.

Depending on where you're welding and cutting abilities might go...... Get yourself a medium duty kit, and a few tips. I'd recommend that you Buy your bottles, don't rent or lease (I hate paying monthly), and build yourself a cart. Build it big enough to put on some man sized bottles, too.

Good luck, post pics!!!....with a link in this thread!!

.

.

.