If you had a choice

LD1 · May 22, 2012

Another vote for the torches first. Cant be beat for speed when cutting stuff to build with. You dont need perfect, clean cuts when you are just going to weld them.

So get the torches, a few more pounds of rod, and lots f practice with that welder you have. IMO, a MIG wont make you a better welder. It takes time and practice. Its not like you can buy a MIG and weld like a pro the next day. And they are a different beast with even more settings. Get good with that stick and get a set of torches and your set:thumbsup:

1savoy · May 22, 2012

woodlandfarms,

You may also want to add a metal cutting saw to your list at some point. I would also vote for oxygen/acetylene to start with, but these saws are a nice tool. You can buy the Milwaukee for a few bucks less without a case and there are also cheaper saws. Harbor Freight and Northern Tool, but I can not comment on how the cheaper ones work. The Milwaukee will amaze you how it will buzz thru steel. No sparks and quick.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6370-21-8-Inch-Cutting-Circular/dp/B0000WUQI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337740302&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: Milwaukee 6370-21 13 Amp 8-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw: Home Improvement[/ame]

woodlandfarms · May 23, 2012

You guys know how to upset a wife... Going to put the toys in the corner then say two days later " that old thing".

sandman2234 · May 23, 2012

1savoy makes a good suggestion in an electric cutting saw. I have a chop saw that pretty much does what that one does. I quit using it when I bought my Milwaukee portaband saw. Now that is a neat and useful tool. One of these days I am going to buy the one with the deep throat to allow larger items cut, but it isn't a big deal since I have plenty of larger saws.
One of those cheap horizontal bandsaws from harbor freight with a few minutes spent tuning it up will cut straighter than out of the box, and they do a homeshop a fine job, if you can keep the motor from burning up. (Motors in that size are typically cheap anyway).
You need a horizontal bandsaw before you need a torch, but either is great.
Shame you live all the way across the country, as I have extra bottles sitting around for a torch set, (and even an extra bandsaw, lol). The bandsaw was from a closing shop in south Florida where I bought two for $50, and gave a friend one and stashed the other awaiting on when the one I already had died. Guess as long as I have a spare, the old one with keep on cutting.
David from jax

millwrightdude · May 23, 2012

I have both a porta band and a chop saw, And use them both equally. Well worth it

Mark @ Everlast · May 23, 2012

I've had band saws, chop saws, plasma cutters, OA torches, shears, snips and all matter of metal cutting tools, but did not have a porta band. Finally broke down the other day and bought one. Why O WHY did I wait so long??? I can have things cut before I get the air pressure built up and the plasma plugged in. Great for general purpose repairs. It's great for everything, but sheet metal.

Shield Arc · May 23, 2012

Mark @ Everlast said:
It's great for everything, but sheet metal.

Why is that?!!!

For small pieces, turn that puppy straight up and use it like a vertical bandsaw.

Dr Dave · May 23, 2012

I would go with a oxy/ propane, grill bottles are cheap, and can have spare. Nothing worse than running out of acetalyn, on weekend, price has gone way up too. Go with the largest oxy bottle you can aford, and a quality torch set. Get a 2 wheel cart with rubber tires and build your own custom cart, use rachet straps instead of chains and add a tool box for tip storage.

LD1 · May 23, 2012

Dr Dave said:
I would go with a oxy/ propane, grill bottles are cheap, and can have spare. Nothing worse than running out of acetalyn, on weekend, price has gone way up too. Go with the largest oxy bottle you can aford, and a quality torch set. Get a 2 wheel cart with rubber tires and build your own custom cart, use rachet straps instead of chains and add a tool box for tip storage.

Propane uses a LOT more oxy than acet. But I have heard that propane is still cheaper overall. I havent priced the difference, but last I recall, acet. wasnt very expensive either.

You can also gas-weld with acet. NOT with prop. And if you are on a weekend project and the 02 bottle runs out, your still out of luck.

But this is a whole other discussion on Propane vs acetelyene.

crazyal · May 23, 2012

You may want to check with your insurance. For me when I asked I nearly got a heart attack when they told me the price increase. For a business, like a farm, it may not be bad.