What oxy/acetylene outfit to buy?

[Hubjeep]

I am looking into getting a oxy/acetylene outfit to go along with the two tanks ("plumbers" acetylene, and oxygen tank about 1' taller) which I got from a friend.

I see many kits like this frequently on E-bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2527989225&category=11774

Besides above, the other option I see would be to go with either a Harris or Victor kit which I priced at about $170

I will be using this for some cutting and heating of bolts, a few times a year (Jeep hobby).

BTW, I have a Hobart 135, and an old Craftsman 230A arc welder.
Here's a pic of my first MIG project (welding cart) when I got the 135 a few years back:


Thanks,
John

[FlashBlind]

With my (Very) limited experience, I'd recommend a Victor or Harris torch set. Reliable and durable for decades to come. Parts and service easy to find. New Victor Super Range II sets can be had on eBay for about $180 (Don't forget shipping, which may make it cheaper locally), or look for a used set in the local paper/ welding shop for sale board. Don't forget flashback arrestors if not already attached.
I found an old 100 (J?) handle with small cutting attachment that takes a 5 series tip. The whole torch is smaller than the newer torches I've seen, and great for getting in tight spots. Had to mail order extra tips from American Torch Tip, as Victor has discontinued the 5 series tips (Still, cheap and easy to obtain).

[cope]

Agree with FlashBlind. Up in NY, Harris is probably widely available, but in Texas if it ain't Victor, ....

Also, a mid sized torch may be better for home use because of the access factor. You don't need to be able to cut 6" steel around the house.

[Mike Sherman]

I own several Victor torches and one Smith. I consider them both very, very good torches. I also own one Harris, I use it for a door stop.

[Scott V]

I was wondering when somebody was going to bring up Smith.Lot's of good value in their stuff.I really like their aircraft torch body,it's small,and the controls are where they are easy to use.

[Franz]

First & foremost, unless yer gonna stock replacement parts yourself, go with what your local supplier supports. Torches need replacement tips, and O rings over time, and an occasional valve stem too. If you can't get that locally, you're screwed.
I own a 50 year old Purox aircraft that I love, but parts are near impossible to get, and a 2 year old Smith aircraft that's great.
Buying a bargain basement torch is just inviting trouble, it's a lot like buying Harbor Freight crap, you know youre going to replace it or wish you had.

[Hubjeep]

Either Harris or Victor parts are local to me.
I was leaning towards the Harris.

Check out this site, they sell Harris. What size or model kit would you suggest? Do some take different size tips, or more common ones?

http://www.atlweldingsupply.com/Harris/Harris%20Outfits.htm

Thanks,
John

[cope]

Originally posted by Hubjeep
Either Harris or Victor parts are local to me.
I was leaning towards the Harris.

Check out this site, they sell Harris. What size or model kit would you suggest? Do some take different size tips, or more common ones?

http://www.atlweldingsupply.com/Harris/Harris%20Outfits.htm

Thanks,
John

Not sure about Harris. IMHO, Victor would be a better choice. More widely available and clone parts are much more available than for Harris.

[Albieweldinsoon]

I just bought a victor superrange II set off ebay.It was 179.99 with free shipping.Nice set, but one thing that was wierd was both regulators had the same fittings, that screw onto bottle.All the ones I seen had a female fitt. for oxy. and a male for axy. I had to buy another fitting so I could use them, it was only 3 bucks though.

[WildBill]

Well all i have is victor and i love it, if you have the money go with 2 stage and get 2 torches ,a solid body for cutting, but thats just me its alot easier since you can drag cut alot easier and 12 peice torch for welding and heating. I have used harris and smith and as long as you stay with those three brands i dont think youll have a problem just remeber falsh back arrestors on the torch and regs( incase youcut your hose..been there done that) also dont skimp on tips , use the yip recomended for the job it will be alot easier and less frustrating. so there my 2 cents on torches

Bill

[Hubjeep]

Originally posted by Albieweldinsoon
I just bought a victor superrange II set off ebay.It was 179.99 with free shipping.

I did too (best price I could find). Should recieve it this Tues or Wed.

The tanks (which are empty) I got ended up being bigger than I thought And a cart too!



One more question. Do you store your torch/bottles in the garage? I was planning on keeping them in the shed and wheeling them to the garage when I need them. (garage is attached to the house).

Thanks,
John

[Sberry]

You can store them anywhere you want,, just make a habit of shutting them off. I go with Sherman on this one and I also have several Victors, but probably like him I use the journeyman series. For the avg place that ranger would be good. I tend of favor Victor over Smiths (which I also have one) and its mostly because of the seats on tips and the flame characteristics which I like better. Hard for me to deal with that feather flame. The packing on Smiths seats seems to become damaged easily for some reason. On the trucks I use the cut only head. You will find 2 stage regs too pricey and a full journeyman set with combination body is probably 900 or so and isnt needed for most things.

[atucker]

John,

I actually checked with the local Fire Department about having gas bottles in the garage, hazard markings, etc. - they said there was no problem - they said they consider garages to be one of the most hazardous places, they never know what is in them and treat them accordingly. Of course, keep plenty of fire extinguishers available.

Allen T.

[Hubjeep]

Thanks for the above replys. I can't wait to get the kit. Though I also have to have the tanks filled. Any idea approx how much that will cost?

-John