Need opinions for this tool

[QRTRHRS]

If you were close, you could have mine. It sits in a box of yard sale stuff in my basement.

 

[elad]

I think you would be throwing your money away. Those
little torches are almost useless except for making pieces
too hot to touch, but not hot enough to do any real heat work.
Ace/ oxy. is the way to go.
Just my opnion from years of experience.

 

[blackmajicwoman]

I purchased the port-a-torch kit sold at BOC. Kit came with eveything, 5# ace and 20# ox, 10ft of hose, regulators, welding set up and cutting set up, as well as the back flow valves. Also came with gloves, goggles, striker, differnt tips, and the plstic case it all stored in. I use it mainly to heat up stobborns nuts and bolts, as well as bend steel. I save the cutting for my plasma and the welding for my mig. The gas set up is great, I have had to fill (exchange) twice at $35/ pair. I paid $299 for the set and haven't regretted it yet. I am very pleased with this set up. This is a cheap, needed set up for my light fabrication work. It works great for me.

 

[Pooh_Bear]

I wouldn't be welding with this setup.
I got a small 100amp arc welder off ebay for $5.
It's just one of those cheap harbor freight Arc110 welders.
But I have used it and it works fine for me so far.
I do use the 220volt setting only.

I bought this torch set today and I plan on putting it to use
tomorrow (Saturday). I will know then if it is worth it.
If it will cut 1/8 soft steel I will be happy.

And this setup can be used with propane.
So I can get one of those BBQ grill propane tanks to use.
And then just use oxy tanks.

Should know tomorrow how well it works.

I have a very nice oxy/ace torch set with hoses and gauges.
I just don't have tanks. And tanks are way expensive for me.
I don't have enough need for them. I have no where to store them.
So I just can't justify that kind of expense.

Pooh Bear

 

[Taylortractornut]

You could put a propane tip in your torch and use oxygen. you can buy a medium bottle for around 150 to 200. Youll use more oxygen but its still more efficient than a Mapp setup. I use the same set up for a welding shop when cutting out double plated beems and such. Its easier than acetylene in this type adn on some sheet metal. Ive burned alot of 1.250 plate with O/P setups In my own shop I rarely use it unless the downtown shop is out of acetylene.

 

[Pooh_Bear]

Today was a very nice day to be out so I got out and tried some stuff.
First I wanted to try welding. I found two pieces of metal
both were about 1/4 inch thick. I layed one flat and
propped the other up and welded them together in a T shape.
Turned the welder up as high as it would go and used a 3/32 rod.
Let it all cool off for a while and took the metal out in the road
and slammed it down on the pavement to try and break it apart.
Then I got a sledgehammer and tryed to beat it apart.
I couldn't break the weld I made. So I guess I got it right.
It wasn't pretty, but it held together real good.

Then I got the little torch outfit and was gonna cut the pieces apart.
It wouldn't cut thru that thick metal. Got hot enough to melt it.
But it just wouldn't cut it. All I could do is make a puddle.
Guess I will see how good Lowes return policy is.

Ok, I got a regular size torch and hoses and guages.
I just don't have tanks. I will have to buy an oxy tank.
I can get a BBQ grill propane tank. But how do I hook it up.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear

 

[Taylortractornut]

An acetylene regulater has the same threads as an older propane tank. I still refill my old tanks in town rather than have the regulater threads changed Im sure you can find an old tank somewhere. I have about 14 that are half full that have been donated to me. Most refilling yards want you to bring in the torch when you do this as a cover to refill the tank. I dont have any trouble doing this. I did have to wire brush a tank and paint it once. Just changethe tip and you have it. I think a tip is about 25 dollars.

 

[63DH8]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have a very nice oxy/ace torch set with hoses and gauges.
I just don't have tanks. And tanks are way expensive for me.
I don't have enough need for them. I have no where to store them.
So I just can't justify that kind of expense.

Pooh Bear
)</font>

I started out with the smaller tanks. When I went to refill them, the gas dealer informed me that they were having a sale on tanks. It would cost me more to refill the smaller tank than buy a full larger tank. Natually, I jumped on the deal! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif You may want to call around and see if the gas dealers have sales on tanks. You should be able to get them cheaper that way. You can also rent the tanks out. I don't like paying extra, so I bought mine outright.

 

[bobodu]

There is a seller of new tanks on ebay including valve and free shipping.I think a new oxy tank was about $150.Seem to recall reading in a welding textbook that you will use three times more oxygen using propane over acetylene due to the lesser heat produced.
I ended up renting my tanks.Rental,filling and a couple of tips cost me $317!!! Big slap in the wallet!! The deposit was $100 per tank,but that's money in the bank so to speak.Rental fee is $15 per month.If you do buy some,new or used,many places will want a reciept as proof of ownership or a signed affidavit.TSC has an exchange program.