Let's talk torch sets

[Rivershark2005]

Okay, so this is my question. What torch/regulator set do you recommend? With the question asked, let me be more specific.

I am setting up a small in-home shop but will be doing some field work. Most of my at-home work will be no thicker than 3/8 to 1/2 inch. I just don't do alotta heavy duty work at home. However, in the field I have had to cut up to 2" thick plate. Not often but on occasion. I typically don't weld in the field. I do side work for two uncles that has to be precise. Welding is left to another guy that can do a decent job at about half the price I charge them (they may be family but I still gotta live).

On another note, I acquired 2 size #4s acet cylinders and a size T oxy cylinder today. So tank volume shouldn't be a problem. So, knowing my situation, what do you guys suggest?I have never owned a torch before. Always used a Victor Journeyman though. It's pricey but doable. Is there something better out there for my needs?

Thanks in advance for the replies. I have already learned alot I didn't know from reading the posts here. I look forward to learning more from you guys.

[DesertRider33]

You might want to try something from the Smith heavy duty line.

www.smithequipment.com

[Stick-man]

I second the Smith equipment. Made in USA, torches have lifetime warranty, just great products.

[farmersamm]

I have a US made Harris, and have never had to replace the cutting valve, o rings, or have the seats re tooled in around 14 yrs. Excellent torch.

Recently aquired a Victor (made in CHINA ) torch which I haven't fired up yet. A member suggested Smith, and I'm still debating whether to follow his advice. Thanks

Your torch handle.....size, and flow capacity, will determine how thick you can cut. That and the available cutting attachments for the handle

Same with the cutting attachment. They do come in different varieties.

You'd be surprised at how thick even a medium duty torch will cut with the proper technique and some hours under your belt. You probably already know since you've been at it for a while.

If it was up to me, I'd buy the biggest setup I could afford. But reality dictates........well............REALITY This crap can soak money faster than a sponge

I guess, just look at the specs on the different sets, and don't let the LWS dudes push you into something you really don't need.

[Rivershark2005]

SOLD

Smith Equipment HD set it likely will be. Been looking at them about an hour now and I realized a buddy has one. Normally I wouldn't have remembered the torch itself but I recall about three years ago seeing him cutting 9" plate (don't even ask where he got it, I'm not sure it was obtained legally) with it. I'm gonna go use his for about an hour or two tomorrow - put it through it's paces in my own way - and then decide. I saw prices on eBay that were awesome for the quality and range. Unfortunately none of my LWSs carry Smith. And I mean within 100 miles.

[farmersamm]

They don't carry a lot of really good stuff because they can't mark it up as high as the cheaper sets. All pro line equipment for cutting is special order at my LWS.

[DesertRider33]

Any shop that sells Miller can get you Smith stuff, as they're both owned by ITW.

Since you're in Arkansas, you might want to contact Jim at Regulator and Torch Exchange in Georgia if you want to do mail order. His name on here is OAdoctor. Real good guy. He can get you anything from Smith and probly other mfg's as well.

www.regulatortorchrepair.com

[Rivershark2005]

Thank you all for your help. I will hopefully be sending in an order to OADoctor in the next couple of weeks. Rather do business with someone here than anywhere else. I know both my LWSs can order but they just seem so depressed when I SO anything.

Now if I could just get a great price on an engine driven welder, I could start making some money. LOL

[DesertRider33]

Originally Posted by Rivershark2005

Thank you all for your help. I will hopefully be sending in an order to OADoctor in the next couple of weeks. Rather do business with someone here than anywhere else. I know both my LWSs can order but they just seem so depressed when I SO anything.

Now if I could just get a great price on an engine driven welder, I could start making some money. LOL

Great! Jim will definately take care of you on anything gas-related.

Keep a sharp eye on Craig's List and a good deal on nice used engine drive will pop up. You may also want to contact Larry Burross at Applied Equipment in Dallas, TX. He might have a nice used machine or know of someone selling one. 214-977-9353. His user name on the welding forums is Weldersales.

[4421frank]

i have both a victor and a smith torch

the victor has almost a foot long torch head, this guy can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'
never let me down

the smith is quite smaller but in no way less useful, good for if I have to get in a smaller space.


The difference is the smith has the oxygen valve just above the trigger as well as on the end beside the fuel inlet.

I would go with either and get a range of different cutting and burning heads while you're at it( I can't tell you how much I have used the "scarfing tip both at work and at home)

don't forget the flash back arrestors either

[4421frank]

recently I had to burn a bevel on some replacement plates for 1/2" casing on a gas fired boiler.

So we could put a small landing on both the existing edge and the new bevel peice, and use the 6010 rod on an open root all the way around( pressure vessel standards)

If I recall correctly, there were eight different plates ranging in size from 1.5'x2' up to 3'x5'( the majority of the pieces).

After that much burning I came to really appreciate a good burning/ cutting rig as well as tip cleaners

[Sandy]

I was at airgas the other day. I see victor has a new line up (new to me) of regulators. They look pretty compact and rugged. Of course I didn't inquire as to the price. Could be they are not priced right or not worth a hoot, but they sure looked good. The concept is that they can take one heck of a beating, even a tip over and still hold up with minimum repair costs.

http://www.thermadyne.com/victor/content/view/75/239/

[Rivershark2005]

Just got done "playing" with a Smith HD2 (extra heavy duty) gas axe. Let me tell you, this thing COOKS! Cut 6x6 square stock like it was nothing! Seeing as how the thickest I have EVER gotten into was 3" I do believe the HD set will do me just fine. That way if, for some unGodly reason, I have to get into 6-7" stock I still have the option.

On a more NOW note, my bottles will be at the house this evening. I finally own my own cylinders. This is the third happiest day in my life (behind my son being born and finding out I have a daughter on the way).

And, yes, I realize that is very VERY sad.

[DSW]

If you are nice, and send us all a present for Christmas, we won't tell your wife about you not including your wedding day in the list.

[Rivershark2005]

Originally Posted by DSW

If you are nice, and send us all a present for Christmas, we won't tell your wife about you not including your wedding day in the list.

LOL Actually, we aren't married YET. We will be getting married in February, just got a baby on the way before we thought we would. Truth be known, we weren't even supposed to be able to have children. Female problems. Finding out we were expecting was the biggest surprise of our lives. (My son is with my ex-wife)