I had wanted a torch set for quite some time.
I saw a CL ad where a shop was going out of business and listed an acetylene torch with 4 tanks.
I called and he asked what I would offer. I told him I was looking at getting it for a couple hundred bucks, if it was not too beat up.
He paused and said he would do $200.
He said that the hoses had been replaced in the last year and the 2 extra tanks were empty but the other 2 were about 1/2 full
They had sold the building that his family had been in business since 1955 so he was retiring
I had to work the next morning so we agree to meet before work.
The torch was on a smaller 2 wheel cart. It's a B tank for acetylene and size 3 oxygen.
The hoses are dirty but appear in good shape.
The bin on the cart held an extra victor torch and several welding tips.
I ask about the other tanks and he has them stored in another room.
Turned out the other oxygen tank was full. He comments that’s $25 right there.
He fires up the torch to show me it works.
I gave him $200 and loaded them up and hurried to work feeling like I had got a pretty good deal.
That night, as I am checking things over closer, I begin to have regrets.
The bad:
The low pressure gauge on the acetylene regulator is not functioning (maybe regulating OK)
The oxygen regulator is the cheapie sold at Harbor Freight for $33.
Of the 6 welding tips only one actually fits one of the torches (other tips are purox)
Things like goggles and tip cleaners are so dirty and mangled, I threw them out.
I can't check operation any further until the new pressure gauge arrives.
I do not want to use it not knowing pressures are accurate.
More dollars spent on gauges and a few other things. I still have to buy some arrestors and various other supplies
The good:
I have 2 size b and 2 size 3 tanks.(weighed them and a little less than 1/2, extra oxygen is full)
The torches are Victor J100 and 100
The acetylene gauge is victor SR6B ( but may have further issues)
The 50 foot hose is in good shape.
The cart cleaned up ok so will use it.
There are 3 cutting tips that fit.
Have 4 good igniters and a chipping hammer.
The reason I am having remorse is I question if having a couple old victor torches and an older victor regulator (that hopefully works) and owning the tanks is a better value than buying a cheap new torch set (around 140 at Northern tool) and just renting the bottles.
I am even having thoughts that I will more than likely convert to oxy/propane hoses and tips.
I will do a few practice welds then all I will use it for is heating stuff up and an occasional cut or braze.
What are your thoughts?
Did I take a bad as a beat on this as I feel like I did?
Is a typical non professional user not wanting to break the bank wiser to take a chance on used equipment or buying a budget "import"?
Lastly do you think the best route for someone starting out would be to buy a quality type t hose,
ebay some regulators and a quality torch and then use a grill propane tank and a rental/ bought oxygen bottle?
I did not post pictures since I think everyone knows what a torch setup looks like.
I saw a CL ad where a shop was going out of business and listed an acetylene torch with 4 tanks.
I called and he asked what I would offer. I told him I was looking at getting it for a couple hundred bucks, if it was not too beat up.
He paused and said he would do $200.
He said that the hoses had been replaced in the last year and the 2 extra tanks were empty but the other 2 were about 1/2 full
They had sold the building that his family had been in business since 1955 so he was retiring
I had to work the next morning so we agree to meet before work.
The torch was on a smaller 2 wheel cart. It's a B tank for acetylene and size 3 oxygen.
The hoses are dirty but appear in good shape.
The bin on the cart held an extra victor torch and several welding tips.
I ask about the other tanks and he has them stored in another room.
Turned out the other oxygen tank was full. He comments that’s $25 right there.
He fires up the torch to show me it works.
I gave him $200 and loaded them up and hurried to work feeling like I had got a pretty good deal.
That night, as I am checking things over closer, I begin to have regrets.
The bad:
The low pressure gauge on the acetylene regulator is not functioning (maybe regulating OK)
The oxygen regulator is the cheapie sold at Harbor Freight for $33.
Of the 6 welding tips only one actually fits one of the torches (other tips are purox)
Things like goggles and tip cleaners are so dirty and mangled, I threw them out.
I can't check operation any further until the new pressure gauge arrives.
I do not want to use it not knowing pressures are accurate.
More dollars spent on gauges and a few other things. I still have to buy some arrestors and various other supplies
The good:
I have 2 size b and 2 size 3 tanks.(weighed them and a little less than 1/2, extra oxygen is full)
The torches are Victor J100 and 100
The acetylene gauge is victor SR6B ( but may have further issues)
The 50 foot hose is in good shape.
The cart cleaned up ok so will use it.
There are 3 cutting tips that fit.
Have 4 good igniters and a chipping hammer.
The reason I am having remorse is I question if having a couple old victor torches and an older victor regulator (that hopefully works) and owning the tanks is a better value than buying a cheap new torch set (around 140 at Northern tool) and just renting the bottles.
I am even having thoughts that I will more than likely convert to oxy/propane hoses and tips.
I will do a few practice welds then all I will use it for is heating stuff up and an occasional cut or braze.
What are your thoughts?
Did I take a bad as a beat on this as I feel like I did?
Is a typical non professional user not wanting to break the bank wiser to take a chance on used equipment or buying a budget "import"?
Lastly do you think the best route for someone starting out would be to buy a quality type t hose,
ebay some regulators and a quality torch and then use a grill propane tank and a rental/ bought oxygen bottle?
I did not post pictures since I think everyone knows what a torch setup looks like.