Brand recommendation for oxyacetylene welding outfit

[rfdecarter]

Looking to buy an oxyacetylene welding outfit. Plan on using it for some basic welding as
in making jigs and such for smithing work and, at times, providing some localized heat.

Harris? Victor? Others?

Thanks

[aametalmaster]

I would buy anything you can get local from your local welding company. Esp the bottles because if you buy them some places won't exchange them and you will wait for a refill plus its up to you to get them rechecked every 10 years or so. As far as a torch i have used them all. Harris is cheaper than Victor but you will never wear it out. I use Oxweld only because i got a pile of it free. You can get cylinders at Home depot now at least around here but the price is higher than the LWS. Some NAPA stores sell bottles also and you can swap them there...Bob

[Jose Gomez]

I have always preferred Victor personally, in my expierience it is much easier to find replacement tips for them than it is for other brands. I have used them all, and they all generally perform well, but with gas cutting and welding equipment I have found that you get what you pay for. If you can afford a Victor, Smith, or Harris torch set it will last you a few lifetimes if you take care of it. One thing to take into concideration is that you want to make sure that the torch set you get is equipped with reverse flow check valves and flash back arrestors (either built in tothe torch or connected to the supply hoses). Some of the older used torches and cheaper off brands don't have these essential saftey features. And though yes, the chances are slim that if used properly 99 out of 100 welders will not expierience a flashback, It's still worth a little extra to ensure your personal safty and eliminate the possible risk to your shop and everything else around it.

[hammerkid]

I currently use a small harris port-a-torch set which I exchange the cylinders at the lws. I also like victor but ain`t ever used smith. I would go with what my LWS (FYI: local welding supply ) has .

Thanks,chris

[Thomas Dean]

#1---Victor
Harris, Smith, and Oxweld, are all excellent torches, come in second. My personal preference is the Victor. 35+yrs in the trade and no problems with one. It's like Jose said about the ease of getting parts, tips, etc. for a Victor. Also, get the arresters and check valves, period. You may have to get them seperate from a LWS, but GET THEM! We need you around for a while longer! Check craigslist classifieds. I have seen complete rigs; bottles, hose, regulators, torches and tips fairly reasonable. Remember some gases will not allow you to oxy/fuel weld even tho you can cut with it.

[Covforge]

It's all pretty much preferance. If it's clean work any of them are good. I'm used to terible conditions, with alot of grease dirt and water and I can tell you Victor has proven to outlast the others with Harris being second and no need to try a Smith. They are good torches but to sensitive for bad conditions.
Just my opinion
Travis

[Ten Hammers]

Your local welding supplier may or may not have torch "sets " hanging on the wall. This inc torch set and regulators and may or may not inc checkvalves ( flashback suppressors). My checkvalves are on the regulator end and I had to buy them seperately. The selection of tips in the set will be a consideration ( you may have the option of a rosebud ). My current set ( 5-6 years ago) is a Smith because the set was $ 169.95 IIRC. The old regulators finally were to the point that they would not economically re-build although the torch was good to go. I bought a Henrob torch a few years ago and weld with it ( was using it on old regulators ). The new Smith torch set pretty much sets in the box ( exception rosebud a few times ) but the regulators were what I needed. I also use a Smith gas saver valve. I have picked up a LOT of information over the years from this site and others regarding equipment. Thanks Glenn ( and the list could go on for many other folks ). BTW if you have no training in bottles or torches I would strongly suggest you get the training. Bottles are missles and acetelyne/propane have different issues to consider regarding fuel gasses. Hose connections /regulator connections as well. Don't mean to preach.The net can teach you a lot. A course in torch safety and use should teach you what you need to know. Acetelyne welding works very nicely in my business. You will notice that you have recieved several different brand loyalty posts and yes I have used them all ( Harris for LP too ). Where are you in the world ?

[HWooldridge]

I had a Harris set that was stolen out of my truck. It worked great but I replaced them with Victor because it was easier to obtain and support.

[Glenn]

rfdecarter
go to the top of the forum page and click on user cp
click on edit profile
go to the bottom of the page, enter your location and save.

We would like to know where in the world you are located.

[Dodge]

I have used Smith, Harris, and Victor over the years. Never really got along with Smith. I was glad employer switched to Harris but my all time favorite is Victor. I have a Victor my dad gave me and have never had a problem with it. Its older than I am and the only reason I would replace it is its size. I would prefer a smaller lighter one, but the price was right