Small, Portable Torch Sets

RobS · Jun 16, 2015

Hey all,

I've wanted a set of torches for years and finally have a project to justify. I need to replace the rear spring hangar brackets on my truck so I want to be able to burn the old ones off with a hot-wrench. Other than that, it'll pretty much be light homeowner stuff including brazing patio furniture and heating stuck parts.

I've seen the small, portable sets everywhere but also read stories of tanks that cannot be legally filled etc. Thinking I'll just hit up a local gas supply for their recommendation but I also don't want to pay a fortune for something I won't use daily.

Anyone have good/bad experiences with small torch sets?

TIA,

adirondackmtnman · Jun 16, 2015

Hard to do much with a small set due to the acetylene withdrawal rule, but if you'll be doing mostly cutting/heating, an oxypropane setup works well.

roadhunter · Jun 16, 2015

They work but are a PITA. As mentioned before you are limited by how much acetylene flow you can draw out plus the bottles are so mall you will spend a lot of time filling and replacing which is really expensive. I think I have 4 of each for my set.

I have found that cutting rod is much easier for me to use in many applications and requires no additional equipment other than the welder. Especially for a few small cuts like you are talking about.

Beats spending $500 on a portable set with extra bottles.

MinnesotaDaveChalmers · Jun 16, 2015

adirondackmtnman said:
Hard to do much with a small set due to the acetylene withdrawal rule, but if you'll be doing mostly cutting/heating, an oxypropane setup works well.

^^This - I like my oxy/propane setup

It won't weld, but cuts and heats for cheap.
Just need on oxygen bottle and a regular propane cylinder.

Tractor Seabee · Jun 17, 2015

Even a Harbor Freight welding/cutting set will do for non-production work. It is the cylinders that cost 3-5 times what the gauge and torch set cost. All the smaller tanks are now customer owned and you trade empty for full. You buy the first set. The little cylinders HF sells are worthless unless all you are doing is a little sheet metal now and then. I use a B acetylene tank and do not have a draw down problem welding with a #4 Victor tip; runs out fast though. Due to cost I now use propane for cutting and heating. Still need Acetylene to weld steel which I do for stuff less than 1/8" thick or small pipe (2" and less). But then I learned to weld with O/A first, so it is a natural. Was even pressure vessel certified in my younger days, both O/A and arc.

Ron

RobS · Jun 25, 2015

Well, I pulled the trigger and got set up with a Victor torch kit and tanks. Went one size up from the small kits you see in the box stores. I also read about dry rot in hoses within a year so I went with the name brand from the local weld shop. Should last the rest of my life. It's been 30+ years but I was able to gas weld a broken patio chair last night, with coat hanger for filler no less! Old school all the way!!! Big project this weekend is new spring mounts for my truck. Torch will easily take a few hours off that job. Pictures forthcoming.