torch kit recommendations? (1 Viewer)

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VTCruiser

VTCruiser

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I am looking to buy an oxy/acetylene or MAPP gas torch kit and would like some suggestions on brand names and where to buy. I plan to find/rent tanks locally, so all I am looking for now are the regulators tips, etc. It will be used primarily for heating and cutting, not so much welding.

I found found these in my preliminary searches:
http://www.mgdwholesalers.com/harris-type-oxygen-acetylene-cutting-welding-torch-p-1415.html

Price seem reasonable but not at the expense of quality i hope. does anyone have experience with these or can recommend alternatives?

also, i have heard good things about MAPP gas vs. acetylene or propane. where can I get MAPP gas? how much more expensive is it?
 
I think you're better of buying a quality torch and regs. You might spend $300 but you'll have something that will perform well, last for years, and be serviceable.
 
If you are planning on buying a nice torch and thus committing yourself to one expense, you might consider buying your tanks. For me it was better than paying every 6 months for rent. Larger up front cost, but now I only pay when I take the tanks in for refill. Since I don't use mine that often, I go for a long time between refills.

Edit: Also consider buying your torch locally. I really needed gas one Saturday afternoon when my local supplier was officially closed, but I was able to get a refill since I was a customer there. They also would match what I could pay online for my torch.
 
Buy a quality set and they will last years and give you great service. I suggest the Victor set that has the series 100 torch. It is often on sale for about $240
Buying or a life time lease is the best deal on bottles. You can start by renting them to get over the cost of torch; then go back and change to purchase. I have the S and WS bottle set. I got these in 1972 and have had no bottle expense since. My son got the oxygen exchanged last week and it was about $20
 
Harris used to be a pretty good torch, but for that price, it is probably Chinese. Just don't get bottles that are too small. A "B" acetylene cylinder and 80 cu ft of O2 is about the minimum.
 
Pin_Head said:
Harris used to be a pretty good torch, but for that price, it is probably Chinese. Just don't get bottles that are too small. A "B" acetylene cylinder and 80 cu ft of O2 is about the minimum.
Click to expand...

Harris is still good, but the add says "Harris Type..." I don't think it's the real thing.
 
thanks for the info guys!

The reason I'd like to rent tanks for now is that I am still a college student so I move A LOT and try to keep my crap down to a minimum (I sleep on an inflatable mattress). If i have no other option, I will buy.

I will look into a victor or a genuine Harris.

Lastly, does anyone use MAPP? I have only used acetylene but the added safety of MAPP is certainly appealing.
How much more expensive is MAPP?
How does it perform compared to acetylene?

thanks again.
 
VTCruiser said:
thanks for the info guys!

The reason I'd like to rent tanks for now is that I am still a college student so I move A LOT and try to keep my crap down to a minimum (I sleep on an inflatable mattress). If i have no other option, I will buy.

I will look into a victor or a genuine Harris.

Lastly, does anyone use MAPP? I have only used acetylene but the added safety of MAPP is certainly appealing.
How much more expensive is MAPP?
How does it perform compared to acetylene?

thanks again.
Click to expand...

Mapp is more for soldering (especially large diameter copper), it's hotter than propane. I don't know whether or not it's hot enough for any cutting or welding. I work in the plumbing industry and we sell the little disposable cans all day long. I haven't seen any larger size cans, when plumbers want something bigger they go to acetylene B tanks.
 
I don't really know from mapp gas but have always considered it a step up from propane. Not a welding gas but quicker for soldering than propane. Not surprised to hear that plumbers use it, it probably helps avoid burning whatever is behind a pipe joint.
 
i have no experience with mapp gas but propane is a alright way to go as well...i know that some people actualy prefer cutting with propane to acet...dont know why other then cost but its a good fuel as well...make sure you use the right tips for it though (yes you need different tips and regs for propane)

i have heard many good things about the Vector and smith torches...one of them i believe has a lifetime warranty....i dont remember which though
 
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