[AT] Torch kit

[Richard Walker]

Do you want the outfit just for cutting and heating?  Then using 
oxy-propane is FAR more economical than oxy-acetylene.  Acetylene 
prices, and to a lesser extent oxygen, are astronomical these days 
compared to what they were thirty years ago.  The downside is 
oxy-propane is not hot enough to weld with.

Any oxy-acet rig can be converted to oxy-propane by swapping cutting 
tips; getting an adapter so you can hook up to a 5-gallon barbecue tank 
or forklift tank; and maybe also going to new hoses, although a lot of 
guys retain their old ones.  Sounds like you intend buying new from a 
dealer, so you could have it set up for propane at time of purchase.

As an aside, I switched from oxy-acet cutting to a plasma torch ten 
years ago.  Big initial outlay, but very economical to use.

And last, for anyone thinking of also using a gas rig for welding, be 
advised this is prohibitively costly, unless you're only welding thin 
sheet metal.   Arc (either stick or MIG) is way cheaper and much faster, 
producing higher quality welds.


-  Richard


> OK guys, I've had the need too many times now that I need to move from 
> my MAPP gas torch up to an oxygen/acetylene torch rig. From doing some 
> looking it appears that Victor is or was the main brand that is the 
> most copied. What would you guys look for when buying a new torch kit? 
> Do you rent or buy the tanks? I see a set at Horror Freight that looks 
> like a Victor clone, but I don't want to buy junk, as I've seen these 
> things last forever. I also took a look at the Hobart brand carried by 
> my local Tractor Supply. I know they make pretty good welders. Any 
> advice is greatly appreciated.