Heating and Cutting Torch

Duane WI

Member
I am looking to get a torch for general heating and cutting. This would be for my home/hobby shop. I have a mig and stick welder so I don't think I will be using it for welding. I have been reading stuff on the internet comparing propane to acetylene. It seems that propane is safer and cheaper. I have a couple of 20 BBQ propane tanks so I would save the tank cost. I would just need to buy the oxygen bottle and torch set. I have been looking on Craigslist for a used set and I am leaning toward purchasing new. If I consider buying used what are some of the watch outs? I almost always buy my shop equipment used but some things really make sense to buy new when you are not an expert. What should I expect to pay for a new propane torch set and 80cf oxygen bottle? What tips would I need for heating and cutting? Any other things to consider?

Thanks
 
Been using propane instead of acetylene for 25 years. It's a lot less expensive, and does fine. You get used to the longer flame. Mine is an old scrapper's torch that I bought used from a friend.
 
I've used the LP-oxy setup for 50 years. It is very cost effective for heating and cutting. I use the cutting torch for most heating, just do not pull the oxygen trigger. The cut is less precise than acetylene, as the LP cut is a bit wider. You can use the same regulators, hoses, and torches with LP, but the cutting tip is different (less than $20). The preheating with LP is a bit slower, and the torch does not light with a "bang". I do get enough heat to braze sheet metal (like engine oil pans), but may be short of heat to braze big castings. One 20 lb LP BBQ bottle lasts more than 2 years with refill costs less than $20, and no tank rental charges. The fitting on the regulator for fitting to the acetylene tank is the same as used with the LP tank. I prefer the Smith torches, and have bought 3 sets used at flea markets at about $40 each. A new Smith package complete is $300+. The current Smith set has stamped on the cutting and mixing heads "lifetime warrantee". My welding supply shop tells me they honor that warrantee quite well. In my shop plus my 2 son's shops, we have 5 sets on LP, and none on acetylene. I will not have some Chinese copy torch set in my shops. That is a safety compromise I am not willing to make.

Paul in MN
 
If you consider a used set then try them out on a full tank of gas before you buy it.
Those ceramic seats go bad and the gauge will not work.
The gauges are repairable as ceramic seats can be purchased at the local welding shop.
 
Its all I know, other then an FFA class, I've never used anything but oxy propane.

Its easier to graze with.

Cutting with it takes a bit more oxygen, and just a bit different I guess, but it works fine when its what you have.

Used you kind of hit the nail on the head, you need to really examin the hoses and the o rings and the valves, might just as well do a good rebuild and thrn you are close to new price anyhow......

Be careful on buying an O2 tank, some are rentals and you better have your sales slip with serial number on the slip when you get it refilled many places try to take the tank from you and put you into the rental pool whether you want to be or not, just steal the tank from you. If they 'exchange' your owned tank you no longer have the serial number matching your purchase slip and you no longer own a tank..... Check out your supplier if they will fill your owned tank or not, if there are ongoing inspection fees on private tanks, etc. I've heard a lot of stories......

Paul
 
You'll get a Lot of opinions on this. None of them are wrong. A lot of it will depend on what people are used to.
I've had oxy/acetylene for 40 years. Have used oxy/propane but defiantly prefer acetylene. It gets much hotter than propane so will put more heat to an object much quicker if using a rose bud, etc. Also as said, it will cut a much cleaner line which is better for fabricating or more precise cutting. Propane always seemed more clumsy to me but it will get the job done.
I wouldn't go buy new torches. I would buy some decent used ones on craigslist. Buy a good brand like Victor or Smiths. New tips or parts fore those are readily available at any welding supply. And don't despise brazing. It is kind of an old school method of repairing cast iron but is very effective and doesn't cost as much as buying some of the exotic rods you use for welding cast iron. Plus you can also silver solder which is another effective way to join dissimilar metals like stainless steel to copper, etc.
 
buy brand new equipment and go to a supplier who will inform you of what is best for what you want to do .. that is what I did here in the UK I was able to haggle on the price and he even threw in a small pack of drill bits
 
Well , with me , a bottle of acetylene lasts me 2 yrs but works best for what I need it for. Quick , hot , pinpoint heat from the small/medium brazing tips. Very occasional cutting. Victor equipment. If you are doing a lot of cutting, might pay to look at propane.
 
Propane is fine for heating and cutting but you're not going to weld/braze with it. Inability to braze has nothing to do with heat,propane flame doesn't shield the molten filler like acetylene does.
 
Just what UD said. I've been running a used set of oxy/act for nearly 20 years. I don't use them everyday but they're bought and paid for countless times over.
 
I am a propane user. Heats and cuts fine for my use. The flame adjust different than acetylene and the torch gets held a little farther from the work.
 
You can braze with propane. I did for someone else with his rig. I didn't know you could until I did it.

I like acetylene myself. Partly because I have used that propane setup.

RT (My 2 ₵)
 
Hi Duane,
I run a welding shop. I would buy a Victor Medalist kit. It comes with the torch, regulators, hose and heating head at a reasonable price. Most welding shops carry Victor tips and accessories. Look to start at 250.00 for the kit.
Do not buy a Harbor freight or Northern Tool kit, They are crap. Stick with Victor or a Smith if you can afford it.
Untitled URL Link
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top