Author	[Modern View]
Fred from MO 08-18-2012 15:52:41 64.22.255.146 Report to Moderator	I have needed a cutting torch set it seems like since I was born. Or at least the last 25 years. Never have bought one, but im getting to the point that I always seem to need to heat stuff up to get it apart or just flat out cut something now and then. I wont be using this every day by any means, however I have seen that tractor supply sells a set of regulators and cutting torch etc for around $300. I figured I would get a couple of the small bottles and this would suit me fine for the little I would use it. I keep watching auctions for one of those larger sets with the roll around cart but Im never that lucky to find one. What do you guys suggest, the Tractor Supply route with the small bottles or ? Thanks for your opinion in advance. [Reply]   [No Email]
JML755 08-21-2012 05:22:45 97.78.165.177 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Goose, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   I got 2 Oxy tanks from the place I used to work for free. When I bought my torch set at the local welding supply, I gave them 2 tanks and got filled oxy and acetylene tanks in the exchange. I asked if it mattered that I was trading in an oxy tank for an aceylene tank. Guy said he didn't care, "tank's a tank". Never inspected them, just rolled them over to an area with about 100 other empty tanks. I agree with the others, get a BIG tank. I use my torch sporadically (maybe once a month) for heating bolts or cutting on some tractor implements I've rescued from the weeds and I've only had to refill them once in the last year. (Most of the use came from when I cut up an old dumpster for a friend, about 2 hrs worth of cutting). [Reply]  [No Email]
RodInNS 08-21-2012 06:15:00 216.118.158.123 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to JML755, 08-21-2012 05:22:45   You were lucky. Here it was a fight to get a BOC dealer to take Liquid Air tanks... and they were good, like tanks. Rod [Reply]  [No Email]
Bret4207 08-20-2012 05:20:42 64.19.90.196 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   The small tanks are real nice if you need to back pack them into an area you can't get to with a tractor or truck. Been there, done that, got the tee shirt. Otherwise get the largest tanks you can. I was lucky, my FIL gave me his tanks and Merriman Graves accepted them for exchange. So, I "own" the tanks. This renting of tanks is crazy. [Reply]  [No Email]
Fred from MO 08-19-2012 16:07:33 64.22.255.146 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   Sounds like good advice from various sources. Thanks I will check a local gas house and see what they have to offer. Some of you have mentioned the tanks, and an old welder I used to know was telling me that once he had dropped a lead and it just sparked off the side of the tank and the gas house would not accept it anymore for re-filling. The tanks and refilling are a big deal, forgot about that. [Reply]  [No Email]
Stick welding 08-19-2012 22:35:11 96.53.210.246 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-19-2012 16:07:33   You're responsible for damaged cylinders. Consider that oxygen full is over 2000 PSI! That's basically like a missile ready to go off if something goes wrong. [Reply]  [No Email]
Brad Buchanan 08-19-2012 11:13:24 74.71.185.165 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   I personally would not buy the t/s set. If you can get to a gas supplier you can get a professional set for the same or less. My local supplier was selling a Purox w-300 set with regulators for under $300. I have a set that I bought new 25 years ago and aside from having it rebuilt once it is as good as new. One thing to consider is the physical size of the torch itself. Some of the sets sold at t/s and others are quite a bit smaller than the pro sets and can be difficult to adjust with welding gloves on. Just my 2 cents. Good luck, Brad. [Reply]  [No Email]
Dusty MI 08-19-2012 05:25:14 76.247.130.219 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   I know the small set that one can carry around is the most expensive way to go, but occasionally I need them to take to a basement to cut up an old furnace so it can be removed. And it sure is nice to just pick them up and carry them to where ever I want. And I can just do an exchange when they empty. Dusty [Reply]  [No Email]
JOB 08-19-2012 04:51:58 74.36.132.77 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   Where I live this is the size of bottles that are common for purchase. I bought these back in the 60's. The cart I build, 480/8" size tires. The bearings and spindles are from an automobile. Rolls real nice. On the acetylene side is a Smith regulator that I bought as a set in the early 70's. The oxygen regulator went k-putz after many years of use, can't complain. [Reply]  [No Email]
Leroy 08-19-2012 04:17:51 69.88.205.38 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   Welding supply place and nothing else, buy the biggest tanks you can. Mine is a cheaper version, smaller handle and tips where they screw on but tip sizes are same at cutting end, on the Victor, had one guage rebuilt once while I was at the counter. The smaller handle you can get in tighter spots with but the bigger handles that are also heavier to hold you can get a few more style ends for but fo your use you should never need them. What I wish I had and cannot get for my torch is a handle that I could get a 45* cutting end for but can only get the 90* but I have gotton buy for 33 years. Told me they do not sell as big a oxygen tank I have anymore, only rent them. [Reply]  [No Email]
MarkB_MI 08-19-2012 03:48:30 75.219.114.111 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   Go to a welding supply, buy whatever brand name they sell (Harris, Victor or Smith) and the biggest set of tanks they'll let you buy outright. Unless you're an HVAC guy who needs to take your tanks into confined spaces, small tanks are useless. The bigger the acetylene tank, the bigger tip you can use; this is important when you're using your torch to heat. Chances are heating will be fifty percent of your use. Smaller torches are nice if you intend to gas weld or braze, but even if you decide to go light on the torches you might as well go with big tanks. [Reply]  [No Email]
36 coupe 08-19-2012 02:24:22 66.186.169.176 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   The TSC set is a Victor but the only US parts in the kit are the hoses and the spark lighter.The cutting tip supplied is too large for the tanks.Dont understand why a major company sells the set.I am going to have to convert to propane to use this torch set.Refridgeration service men use this small torch set in service work,thats all its good for.You can buy an import torch set for 125 bucks and rent good sized tanks and come out ahead. [Reply]  [No Email]
JDseller 08-18-2012 21:14:32 208.126.196.144 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   I would first check around and see who supplies tanks locally. I have several choices where I live. Some of the local auto parts stores exchange tanks too. As for the torch set itself. If you are using it just occasionally then just about any of the brand names (Victor,Harris,Smith) will work for your usage. Again see what you can easily get supplies for locally. A cheap set that you have trouble finding tips and such for is not cheap any more. [Reply]  [No Email]
PJH 08-18-2012 20:39:02 50.40.255.153 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   Had a friend who bought a used set of tanks and couldn't get anyone to fill them. Other friends bought tanks at auction and were able to fill them, but had a receipt to prove where they came from. Might just be a local problem. When I bought mine back in the '70's, I was advised to lifetime lease the tanks. Back then it was cheaper than paying something monthly called "demurrage". Everything might have changed, but it wouldn't hurt to do a little comparison shopping/asking on the tank issue. The tanks are the expense. I consider (after all these years) the torch, hoses, regulators to be a minor expense. I don't use my torch set EVERY day, but it's invaluable when it's needed. You'll wonder how you got along without it. Paul [Reply]  [No Email]
sflem849 08-21-2012 09:12:52 69.197.84.39 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to PJH, 08-18-2012 20:39:02   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see They were probably out of date. I had to pay a heafty recertification fee when I brought in my out of date tanks. Now they are good for 10 years. The welding supply said they were still better than renting tanks. [Reply]  [No Email]
504 08-18-2012 19:43:45 64.111.61.44 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   A set of tanks will run just under 500.00 watch CL and you can do a lot better. Polypropylene will cost as much as acetylene, but will last three time as long. [Reply]  [No Email]
WAYNE-N-TX 08-18-2012 19:19:24 4.90.58.97 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   Don't get small bottles. Harris/Victor gauges, nothing else. Don't ask me why I know!!! [Reply]  [No Email]
Dalex 08-18-2012 18:29:50 108.38.146.180 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   C/L is full of Victor and Smith sets in my area... [Reply]  [No Email]
Ted in NE-OH 08-18-2012 17:59:59 76.126.8.230 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   Harris is also a good brand [Reply]  [No Email]
RodInNS 08-18-2012 17:58:05 216.118.158.123 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   I've used various small/medium sets over the years. They've all been about the same. Presently have a NAPA set that I think is a Victor. You can also price out buying the tanks. Around here they'll sell you the knee high's for probably a few hundred for each tank. We've had them for so long I don't remember what they cost. I don't think they will sell the larger tanks here tho. Those are generally just done on contract. That's not to say other don't sell them so look into it... but if I was pricing small vs large and there was only a hundred or two in the difference I'd go with the large. The price to fill a large O2 is the same as the baby one.... Another option is LP. If you're buying a new set you can buy the complete new set with LP tips/gear, etc. then use a BBQ tank. I then have a contract on a large O2. Only downside to LP is that it doesn't heat quite as quick and you probably use a bit more O2 but if you don't use a lot that's not a big factor anyway. Rod [Reply]  [No Email]
flambeauone 08-18-2012 17:39:00 107.26.108.234 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   I had a set of victor tote a torches with the small bottles they are a joke. They where always empty. I do recomend victor torches though you can always find tips or get the torches or regulators rebuilt. I prefer propane or mapp instead of acetylene but thats just from being around it at work. Ive also had my last torch cart with wheels, I much prefer the kind with fork pockets. I can pick it up with the loader and take it wherever, and its harder to steal. [Reply]  [No Email]
Stick welding 08-18-2012 17:38:54 96.53.210.246 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   I'd buy from a welding supply. The small tanks will cost almost as much to fill as the larger ones. If you can buy the tanks at the welding supply and get them exchanged there is the best way to go. Some places will sell small cylinders and make you think you're getting a good deal. What they don't tell you is the cylinders are empty and you have to go to a welding supply to get them filled anyway. In most cases when you buy the cylinders at the welding supply they might seem a little more expensive but they come filled so you're getting a better deal in the long run. Get a name brand torch that is popular where you are. Carts aren't too expensive but a welding supply will have them or be able to get them. See if they'll give you a package deal? Some torch sets feel more comfortable to specific people than others. Get one that feels comfortable in your hands. For $300 you should be able to get a good set that probably includes a good sized heating tip and/or welding tips. Just be sure you get a big enough size of acetylene cylinder to run the heating tip. This is where a good welding supply will be most helpful. [Reply]  [No Email]
36 coupe 08-18-2012 17:10:24 66.186.169.176 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   The small bottles are useless. [Reply]  [No Email]
old 08-18-2012 16:01:14 209.86.226.11 Report to Moderator	Re: Need to get a cutting torch set. Advice? in reply to Fred from MO, 08-18-2012 15:52:41   Go good or go home. Victor is one of the best and you can never go wrong with a good set of tanks like the ones I have. The small tanks are a joke if you ever have to really do much. My O-2 tank stands about chest high and the Acteline (sp) about waist high and those last a good long time and are worth the little extra [Reply]  [No Email]