oxy-acetolene torch kits (don,t buy from pawn shops)

grumpyvette

Administrator
Staff member
Im a HUGE FAN of OXY-ACETOLENE torches and what they can do...BUT, they have some limitations, they are far more likely to get a novice into trouble and start fires than an electric welder in semi skilled hands.
that bargin,your quoted, may or may not be a good deal, and condition of equipment and torch size , thread size, gauges,and accessories mean a great deal.
the first thing Id point out that many residential areas have ordanances that forbid storing oxy-acetolene tanks indoors in a building
next, tank rental fees and deposites on any tank size thats will allow decent welding time between fills tend to be far more expensive than you might think so check into that BEFORE buying a torch!
next, Id point out that gauges that fit the small (HOBBY) tank sizes won,t fit the standard professional tanks thread size.
Im not trying to dis- swade you just make you aware of the total costs.
next Id point out that torches come in differant sizes and types and youll probably want both a cutting and welding torch, and cheap gauges are a MAJOR P.I.T.A. so like most things you get what you pay for.
you could easily have $400 in deposites and $20 a month in a twin tank rental, or $500 in two purchased tanks , and tanks must be re-certified every 5-7 years at a cost of about $40 each or they won,t be refilled
torchtank.jpg

VICTOR and SMITH are about the bench mark BRANDs in torches

victorch.jpg

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/a-used-torch.220/#post-256

http://store.cyberweld.com/smmedutoxweo.html

http://store.cyberweld.com/viwecuou.html

http://store.cyberweld.com/vijowecuou.html

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/g ... -cylinders

http://store.cyberweld.com/cylindercart.html

personally ID suggest you buy NEW torches from the guy you get the tanks from, because youll be seeing ALOT of each other and youll want his advice and good will!! GET the VICTOR torches, theres support and parts readily available to rebuild them easily,and you won,t be having a small chance of getting JUNK that some guys unloading just to get some money from someone hes scamming
yes theres a reason tanks need to be tested every few years, a failure can be LETHAL
whycheck.jpg

EXAMPLE

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36983

brother in law bought these.....they were JUNK right out of the new box



BTW its very common to see RENTAL TANKS , out of certification tanks, anddefectivee gauges and torches in pawn shops and the bargain traders type papers, yes you CAN occasionally get a screaming DEAL, but your taking a big chance on getting a set thatsdefectivee
 
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