Acetylene torch advice..

D

DHackney

Joined
Jul 12, 2004
Messages
178
Hello folks,

I'm in the market for an acetylene torch setup (regs, hose, torch, etc,...) and am asking for some advice on what to buy/spend. I've seen a lot of stuff on ebay but am not sure if I should take a chance on some of the import stuff or not. I can't afford to shell out a bunch of dough for a top of the line setup but would like somehting that will be reliable.

All ideas/suggestions are welcome.

Many thanks,
Dana Hackney
Monument, CO
 
Dana, I was a certified welder in another lifetime. I still think Victor is superior to all the rest and currently have a 100C series. My $0.02.
 
Yup. Fox is right. Victor has no equal, but if you never used one before, a Harris or any other quality torch will do you right. Beware the imports! Buying an import drill press is one thing, buying a welding torch that can blow you to smithereens is another. :)
 
Union Carbide used to make a pretty decent kit that sold at Costco. I do not know if they still make them.
 
Be careful
Bought a cheap one From Harbor freight. Had to hand lap all the tips so they wouldn't leak. Some were cross threaded and had to be tossed.
Buy Victor a piece at a time if you have to.
TJ
 
TJ....Harbor Freight carries Victor too. I got a great deal on one a few months ago.

Dana, In some respects, a torch is a torch is a torch. The real issue comes into play when you need parts. That's when you will appreciate Victor.
 
In the metal fabricating class I'm taking at school this quarter they use Smith torches and equipment. They might just be sponsored by Smith cause all the literature and safety videos are put out by Smith too, but they have quite a bit of their equipment and it seems to hold up and work pretty well.
I would assume that when your setting up a manifold system with 4 soldering stations, 4 brazing stations and 8 welding stations, as well as having multiple roll around cutting set ups, you'd look for the best value. Its my money they're spending so maybe not though :rolleyes:
 
I am a retired welder and I agree with what Fox said concerning the Victor torches. I have seen some people have problems with the Harris. If were me I would wait until I could spend the money, shop around and get a Victor set.
 
Victor, Victor, Victor, Victor, Victor -- and last of all reccomendation's Victor!
this opinion comes from over 40 years of using all of them out there.
 
FOX, Walt2, could I ask why you feel the Victor superior? I have only limited experience. I've owned a Harris torch and Smith cutter for years without problem, but only limited use. Otherwise I'm totally ignorant about gas torches.

For simple curioisity, why is the Victor the best for you? :)

Hey, Bill, you WOULD be posting while I was asking! I know you've answered that question for me, too, but I forgot, of course!!
 
Victor wins hands down, you find this out the first time you need parts. Also I think that a victor has a better balance than the others. It don't feel like a club. Gib
 
I bought one from Harbor Freight about 5 years ago. Mine works just fine. If its something your going to be useing a bunch go with the name brands. If its going to be used everyonce in awhile I'd check into the one at HF. HF gives you a grace period. If your not happy with it bring it back.
 
It depends somewhat on what you are going to do with it.Victor,Harris,Smith ,Mecco are names you can rely on.Little torch for soldering guards is good,too.
 
FWIW, I have been using torches since the late 60's, mostly Victor, a few Harris', UC and off shore stuff. I have used a number of different torch sizes, some with propane and some with acetylene. Over the years I have seen ALL of them, except Victor, leak from the diaphragm or the gauges. I have waited for days for parts for a Harris and a UC, when I could go into the nearest welding shop and get the Victor parts off the shelf. I have seen one Harris gauge burst and a couple of off shore cheapos with valves that would not give positive shutoff; a truly dangerous condition. The balance and "feel" of the Victor is unparalleled. Accessories can be had almost anywhere. The average person might not notice unless he/she is using a torch frequently, but if you are a welder, it is the top of the line in tooling. It is like buying a KMG or Grizzly grinder; a Bridgeport or Chinese mill; IMHO, there is no comparison.

If you ever take apart a Victor and lay it side by side with other brands, you will be amazed at the quality of construction, machining, threading and assembly. I bought my first personal Victor, also a 100C, for about $149. I had it for about 20 years and in an incredible burst of stupidity, sold it to a guy for a profit when he made me a fantastic offer. This was on a 20 year old kit! :) The downside is that I then had to replace it, but had no idea how much they had gone up! Boy was I bummed. :( It turned out to be one of the worst deals I ever made. :rolleyes:
 
Thank you, sir, for the reply! I appreciate the opinion and information, Fox!
 
I agree with everything Fox said about dependability and availability of parts. I have been using torches since the mid 50's and have found the same facts that Fox states. I used a torch a "lot" practically every day of work up until 4 yrs ago. One thing that sticks in my mind is what Fox said about parts about the Harris. At the industrial plant where I worked, I overheard a construction welder one day cussing that blankety blank Harris torch. What he was complaing about was that he couldn't get parts locally, had to order them, which meant that he was without a torch until he got the parts, borrowed one, or bought another one. I have also seen problems with the gauges as Fox said. We also had some UC torches but did not have a lot of trouble with them.
 
Matt Shade said:
In the metal fabricating class I'm taking at school this quarter they use Smith torches and equipment. They might just be sponsored by Smith cause all the literature and safety videos are put out by Smith too, but they have quite a bit of their equipment and it seems to hold up and work pretty well.
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I use a Smith "Little Torch" , and the matching regulators. I use it mainly for soldering guards etc.
http://www.littletorch.com/

I have smaller tanks, not the mini type things, but not large by any means.
 
Hey fellas,
Don't get me wrong, I'm a believer of Victor products, but Smith equiptment, is by far a better product IMO. Lay a Victor beside a Smith and tell me the Smith doesn't just look like a higher quality tool, eh?
Like I said, Victor is good, and would be my second choice. MANY of the Smith torches have a lifetime warranty. Not sure if Victor does, maybe, maybe not?
Anyhow, these days, you can get a Smith ToughCut setup, with everything for as low as $150-$200. That is a SWEET deal. You can't beat it, IMO.
However, the average user will still be totally satisfied with Victor. I would take a SERIOUS look at the Smith Toughcut series though. Do a Google. I just paid $250 for mine locally, and wish I would have done a Google. I saw it for right around $150 online somewhere the other day. Smith equiptment is top of the line, and can be had for a GOOD fair price.
 
for the help. It looks like Victor gets the thumbs up with Smith not far behind. I'll start my search for the set up, first on e-bay and then google.

Many thanks,
Dana Hackney
Monument, CO
 
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