Victor Look-Alike Torch

I see some people are buying torches that are called Victor style. I wonder if the Victor consumable parts fit. If so I may buy one. I need a new acetylene regulator. The whole kit is about the same money as a decent Victor regulator

I don't have expertise in welding equipment but have working knowledge of mfging and marketing. "looks alike"in no way mean's work's like. As any modern day machinist can tell you,cloneing somthing isn't difficult nor expensive. You do have a point regarding innerchangiable parts. Chances are if all components innerchange,the knock-off maker is not Chinese and has aquired patent rights, the product will be near as functional as the origional. On the other hand if a few parts are different that can mean no rights to copy were ever aquired. Patent infringement is difficult to prove,takes a long time in court and plantiffs often never see restitution if and when they get judgement. There is many a product going to landfills every day simply because of these Chinese manufactures inability to supply parts. Not exactly what you asked for but probily confirms your suspicion. Bottom line,if ever part will swap with victor,I'd go for it if used in homeowner duty. If it's for daily use and from China,you will soon spend more than it cost buying Victor parts to keep it working. You might borrow the guage from new set only to have it go kaputt and put you right back where you started.
My Smith is near 40 years old and I don't foresee having to replace it.

I have attended farm auctions and watched some very well used Victor torch sets sell for well over twice the price of a brand new "look-a-like" torch set from Northern Tools or Harbor Freight. There has to be a reason folks are willing to pay that kind of money.

Just look on Ebay. I have collected several sets of cutting torches this way. I have way less than what they would have been in a set and they are all name brand.

Also you can have your old one repaired/rebuilt.

I use Jerry's Welding Supply, Hillsboro, Ohio. Freight and all is usually around $70.

The imported Knock offs will usually use the same cutting tips but are different inside.

Victor has a patented feature in the torch .If it cost the same just buy a Victor and have a quality torch set.

look in to getting the gauge rebuilt or look for one on CL Ebay local paper pawn shop can some times get you a deal the best would be rebuilt though!
Ypop

Don't think brand must match on all parts,just make certain the handling capacities are suffencient and above all,they are quility brands. Yes,there are some better as well as equeal to Victor. Some high quility mfgrs are small and might be regional so brush up before going shopping for used,you just might find a real sleeper deal.