Oxy acetylene rig recommendation

[DK35vince]

My tanks are on a 99 year lease program. When empty I take the empty tank in and it is replaced with a full tank.

 

[bx23barry]

In 25+ years I've never had a problem exchanging tanks and I've had my tanks exchanged all over the state. I have never been asked for a reciet on the tanks and only had to pay a Hydro fee once.

 

[cp1969]

I didn't see the Smith brand mentioned. Smith is a very good brand, made in USA (South Dakota, I think) and much of their stuff has lifetime warranty. I don't know if they are clearly superior to Victor, Harris, etc. but I'm pretty sure they're just as good or better and the made in USA factor is a huge plus to me.

 

[djw250]

For most general applications, I would go with the genuine Victor 100 series set. I had one of those "Victor compatible" sets, but it was nowhere near the quality of the Victor set I have now. I have cut 1.25 inch plate with mine, and with the right tip, it did a great job. The only thing the 100 series torches don't do well is run a large rosebud tip. I guess they can't flow enough gas and you keep getting blowouts. If you do a lot of heating with a large rosebud, I woud get the big torch body.

 

[tnau664]

Tnau,

[The thing you need to check, and it should be as easy as calling a couple of gas suppliers, is how does the tank deal work?]

Thanks Ron, I went back to talk to the dealer. He told me two suppliers within 25 miles that would exchange these tanks. They are both independents. He said the only issue I may have is if the certification runs out since it will take me so long to use a tank of gas/oxy.

Thanks
Terry

 

[swines]

Victor, Harris, Smith, or Purox are all good equipment. Victor is probably the easiest to find regularly. I have a Purox setup because I like their torches better - but, I usually have to order the speciality tips (rosebud for example).

 

[DieselPower]

I didn't see the Smith brand mentioned. Smith is a very good brand, made in USA (South Dakota, I think) and much of their stuff has lifetime warranty. I don't know if they are clearly superior to Victor, Harris, etc. but I'm pretty sure they're just as good or better and the made in USA factor is a huge plus to me.

Smith does make a excellent quality tourch and is made in the USA. I recently bought one of their heavy duty Dual Guard cutting, welding and heating kits and a Gas Axe demolition cutting tourch handle. I needed to add another tourch outfit to the shop and since the old Smith tourch set I have used for over 15 years has never given me problems I figured I would go with them again. They do have a "Lifetime Series" (the ones I bought) and the warrantey covers everything, o-rings, seals, tourch tips, handle, etc... for life to the original purchaser.

 

[RichNJKubota]

I bought a Victor 100 set about 25 years ago. Had no idea which brand to buy but the local dealer had this set on sale and it was a very good price. Lucky for me I chose the right one. Have been using it ever since. I've gone thru a few tips but that's because they get beat up. Personally, I would not go with an off brand on something this important.
No matter where I go I can always get Victor tips. I used to weld with it but now I leave that to the MIG welder. But I still do alot of brazing, cutting and silver soldering.

 

[gclark94560]

Hi!

I have an old used Sears set. I have had it for 25 years and had no problems. I don't know how much trouble getting parts is as I have never needed any. Got it at a garage sale cheap.

I would also think about using propane instead of acetylene. The tanks are MUCH cheaper - like $20 and refills are as close as Home Depot and even some gas stations. It takes different cutting torch tips and a gauge/regulator adapter. Make sure you can get the propane cutting tip before you buy the set.

Propane actually puts out quite a bit more heat than acetylene. I am talking BTUs per pound of gas used. Acetylene will put out a higher flame temperature but not as much heat, if this makes sense. I have cut railroad track with my setup without the slightest issue. Cuts them like butter.

For pre heat, bending and cutting propane works better, costs less to refill/use and is easier to find-AND- it won't blow up like an acetylene tank will if it's hit real hard.

Greg

 

[Ken S.in Ky.]

I bought a new set o Smith last year and use propane through them. You are right gclark propane is a better heat. they told me ya can't gas weld with it . Have youtried to gas weld with it ? I haven't tried it yet but have been meaning to. I think any gas that will melt metal can be used to weld 2 pieces of metal together.think of it this way the old time blacksmith forged metal together with a fire of wood in a fire pit. So give me one good reason a man can't weld with propane.