Looking to buy a welding/cutting torch
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2017 12:18 am
Greetings,
I have been reading about welding/cutting torch outfits for a few days. My neighbor has a "job" for me and I need to cut some 1/2" steel plate. He was going to give me his oxy/acetylene system for payment (as i have been talking about wanting one). The torch is an old Airco (818-0650) that needs a rebuild. I can't find parts for it. I'm not qualified to rebuild it anyway. It also looks like the acetylene fitting is bent. It has a 2 tube cutting head with no oxy valve. Cutting tip is heavily worn. Lots of black soot around the valves. The hose looks terrible. The regulators are also old. I just don't see any reason to have it repaired at this point.
He said he swapped the oxy tank 5 years ago which is the last time he used the torch. It shows 1300 on the reg. He Just swapped the acetylene tank today so it's full. Part of the deal. He is willing to pay $200 of a new torch outfit.
With that out of the way.. LOL
I looked at my local airgas and praxair for kits. They both have their own "branded" kits witch are Victor like/type. They both have Victor books in the box. The label says all is from china except the hose which is usa made. Not interested in those.
I guess I am interested in the Miller/Smith outfits. Their price was WAY above online prices. The 2 that I am considering are the "Toughcut MB55A" and the "Medium Duty Series 30 MBA-30510". The latter has a lifetime warranty on the handle and cutting attachment. Otherwise they are about the same besides a few accessories.
I would be using this in the future for cutting maybe up to 1" and doing some brazing/welding.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John
I have been reading about welding/cutting torch outfits for a few days. My neighbor has a "job" for me and I need to cut some 1/2" steel plate. He was going to give me his oxy/acetylene system for payment (as i have been talking about wanting one). The torch is an old Airco (818-0650) that needs a rebuild. I can't find parts for it. I'm not qualified to rebuild it anyway. It also looks like the acetylene fitting is bent. It has a 2 tube cutting head with no oxy valve. Cutting tip is heavily worn. Lots of black soot around the valves. The hose looks terrible. The regulators are also old. I just don't see any reason to have it repaired at this point.
He said he swapped the oxy tank 5 years ago which is the last time he used the torch. It shows 1300 on the reg. He Just swapped the acetylene tank today so it's full. Part of the deal. He is willing to pay $200 of a new torch outfit.
With that out of the way.. LOL
I looked at my local airgas and praxair for kits. They both have their own "branded" kits witch are Victor like/type. They both have Victor books in the box. The label says all is from china except the hose which is usa made. Not interested in those.
I guess I am interested in the Miller/Smith outfits. Their price was WAY above online prices. The 2 that I am considering are the "Toughcut MB55A" and the "Medium Duty Series 30 MBA-30510". The latter has a lifetime warranty on the handle and cutting attachment. Otherwise they are about the same besides a few accessories.
I would be using this in the future for cutting maybe up to 1" and doing some brazing/welding.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John