Victor Performer Torch

[LG63]

I’m looking to replace my old cobbled together cutting outfit with something new. I was looking at the Victor Performer but after researching some old threads it looks like Victor has gone offshore with this model. I also notice that Victor now has a new and “improved” regulator design. Any firsthand experience with the new style regulators? In general, did Victor cut any corners with the import version of this outfit?
My usage is light- rosebud, cutting thin plate, and maybe some brazing.

 

[LG63]

I'm beginning to wonder if I posted this in the wrong forum. In the past week I’ve seen lively discussions on wallets, jeans, and shower curtains yet nary a single post here on a cutting torch?

 

[Bullitt427]

If usage is light to medium duty the Harbor Freight is a decent Victor knock-off and holds it's own nicely.

Not sure about the new regulators, we still have the older all-brass design and none of the newer plastic knob style.

I'm sure they work just fine, but again the HF is a pretty good set for about $130

Josh

 

[sberry]

The bad news is its Mexican I think, the goos news is its a really good torch and its priced right.

 

[theknurl]

find a Victor "Aircrafter" torch.....its 5 3/8" long with the valves at the front, where they should be it uses Victor#17 tips

look for a Victor 550J cutting head it fits the "Aircrafter"
there are plenty of rose buds available

its the smallest one Victor makes......the 550J will cut 8" of steel.....not a typo, 8 inches of steel

here's what the combo looks like:

http://eastcoastdrywall.com/ebaypics/Darrick3/2012-05-16_00105.JPG

i went down and got my spare set to measure....

now if you want a REAL torch.......

find a Purox Model "00"

no stupid O-rings
interchangeable mixers for running other gases
staggered valves at 180 deg
internal threads on the body
but NO cutting head available

a Purox Model 00 with 5 tips weighs 10.8 oz

i have been using the same one since '59, i have 2, as new, spares with 5 sets of tips each......the one in the box on top of my Lincoln 300/300 has 7 tips, the biggest one's orifice is 0.073"

you can have your Chinese stuff......look for old American Made Tools
you think the Chinese torches have tips for using propane or MAPP gas or bent tips for cutting rivets?????
sure they do......NOT

just checked Ebay for the cutting torch;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VICTOR-Oxyg...752?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4852212738

$10 open, $50 buy it now