Torch Starter Set - Northern Tool

[moparfreak]

Hello all,

I've been keeping my eye on some of the various torch starter sets available. One of the ones I've been watching is the medium duty set from Northern Tool:

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

Normally $260, on sale for $200 from time to time (like right now). Over the holiday sale weekend I just realized it was actually discounted down to $180 but that's gone back up a bit...

It has very good reviews. It seems to me that this would be a great starter set, add a couple bottles from the local welding supply house, and then be good to go.

Does anyone have thoughts or experience on this set?

 

[sberry]

This may be worth another look. I am sure it works just fine but welding stores are very competitive for brand name sets. Take a look.

 

[MJD1]

Check out www.weldersupply. com, they frequently have the victor set for about the same amount

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I bought that Victor set, 'bout 30 years ago,.....

It's still hangin' on my tanks in the pickup,....

Been a darn nice set of torches,....

 

[Richard Cranium]

That looks like a nice starter set, If I was looking for a set I would jump on it.

 

[moparfreak]

When I was at HD the other day, I noticed this Port-a-Torch system from Lincoln Electric. I've been looking at the Northern Tool systems, and none of them come with bottles. This one comes w/ bottles and was on sale for $285, and looks to be highly reviewed, and uses Harris components.

Anyone have any experience on this one? The downside I see here is it's not recommended for heating, so I'd need to get the bigger tanks eventually for that?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-Electric-Port-A-Torch-Kit-KH837/205380140

 

[moparfreak]

This set is back down to $199. With a $20 off $100 going to pull the trigger. Was looking at one of the other sets more "port-a-torch" style w/ the really small bottles with back-pack style carriers but decided for the long haul, this is the kit to get along with larger bottles that can be kept on a cart, so semi-portable I guess.

Looked into the Victor and Harris stuff online and at welding supply, and no one can really touch this price for a kit with that many different size tips and attachment ends.

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

Anyone have this one, and have anything good / bad to say on it?

 

[sberry]

You are on the right path with a full sized set with full size bottles if you can get them. I got porto, never used it, given to me and sits in storage. My Bud had it, 2 cuts and empty. Might work for a Henrob etc?

 

[moparfreak]

Yep, everything I'd looked into as far as the small bottle kits said they were too small to either use a heating attachment or larger cutter, cause they blasted through the oxygen so darn quick, within a few minutes. That to me is just a waste of time. Fancy carriers sure but no utility...

 

[sberry]

I like 140 aceyt and 125 oxy, they come a size larger too but most are on lease. A guy can handle the smaller ones if he has to. I carry 80 oxy in my pickup and its not bad if it is used with moderation. My Bud used an 80 in car repair shop for decades.
If one isn't doing regular heavy equipment repair the 140/125 or S bottle is good. It really needs a larger bottle for big heating tips.
I bought the second set not too long ago for the bottles and some parts, the 1st is my regular set, got another in my pickup and a couple on my service truck.
A torch can be fairly precision, instead of grinding bevel it was flame cut.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

Unless you're planning on gas welding, I'd skip acetylene altogether and look into oxy propane. Heats/cuts just as well, but I can refill my 125cf oxygen bottle for $25, and $20 for a tank of propane. My acetylene tank was almost $100 for a fill. Uses the same torch and regulators, but you swap the acetylene tank for a BBQ tank, and use a different tip on the torch.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have two contradicting opinions. You can tell a difference between a cheap set and a good set of torches. Good sets like Harris, Victor and smith just work better from my experience. Now on the flip side. I haven't pulled the trigger on a good set because my oxy/ac porta torch is actually serving my needs pretty good for now. I found myself needing a torch and needing it now, on a Sunday. I got the northern set that doesn't come with bottles. Northern has a gas pony cylinder exchange. I bought full bottles for it and walked out of the store with a working torch. Thing is with the supplied cylinders with porta torch sets, most places won't fill them and make you get their bottles. So with all said, with a porta torch, cheap is fine, full size set, buy once, cry once.

 

[gdocktor3]

I picked up a brand new Firepower Oxyfuel 350 set by Victor for $140 off eBay. Way better then that Nortern Tool get up. Then I picked up some used tanks and traded them in for new ones.

 

[CutterFarms]

Unless you're planning on gas welding, I'd skip acetylene altogether and look into oxy propane. Heats/cuts just as well, but I can refill my 125cf oxygen bottle for $25, and $20 for a tank of propane. My acetylene tank was almost $100 for a fill. Uses the same torch and regulators, but you swap the acetylene tank for a BBQ tank, and use a different tip on the torch.

A buddy of mine did that and I thought he was crazy at first but I've used it a couple if times and I think he is on to something. If I was to get another set that is the way I would go. And you can get the propane exchanged at about any gas station around here open 24 hours.

 

[sberry]

LP lasts a long time.