Bought a torch

56FordGuy · Aug 10, 2010

I've been looking on and off for a cutting torch for a while, happened across a used set today that have been stored for a while. I wanted to get y'alls opinion on how I did. I know Harris makes good stuff. The torch body is a Harris model 1000, the head is a Model 1100. The regulators are two different brands, the oxygen one says CutWelder on it, which the best I can tell is made by Harris. The acetylene regulator says Marquette 25-028. I can't find much information on it, but it needs new gauges, as the needles are stuck. It came with a roughly 15' hose, a cart, and a set of tanks. The oxygen tank is about 5' tall, partially filled, the acetylene tank is about 2' tall and empty.

I'm really worried about whether I got a great deal or not, I think I did alright. My biggest question is on the regulators. Am I correct that CutWelder is made by Harris? What about Marquette? I can't find much about it. I think I can pick up some gauges for it at the local welding shop.

smfcpacfp · Aug 11, 2010

I feel Harris makes good torches, but setting around unused for a while is not a good thing. Some Marquette regulators are made by Harris. My biggest concern would be the tanks. Most places would require that they be inspected and tested before they fill them because of the risk, which I am sure you can understand. I would have checked with the local gas supplier before I purchased the tanks. You might take them to your gas supplier to see what they say regarding their requirements for filling them.

LD1 · Aug 11, 2010

The tanks would be my concern as well. Around here, when buying used cylinders, without ownership papers they are about worthless. On the bright side, it is not that expensive to lease cylinders now that you actually have the torches. We lease a 240cu ft oxy cylinder and a 320 argon cylinder. Each was only about 50 bucks to fill and 90 a year for the lease for the both of them.

As to your main question about weather you got a good deal, we kinda need to know how much $$$ it cost you

If you got them for free, It would be a great deal. But it is hard to say without pics and a price.

Mark @ Everlast · Aug 11, 2010

I cut my teeth on a harris. Absolutely a good torch. In fact the one I learned on 30 years ago is still around, thanks to the lifetime warranty it had. I think they have come and gone and come around again on the warranty. I am not sure what they are now. Parts are relatively easy to get.

I use a Smith. New Smiths have a lifetime warranty on most of them. I bought mine in a small period of time when they dropped their warranty to 5 years...But I have never had a problem other than I broke the cut lever off. I got another part fairly quickly...Easy to work on.

joes_427_vette · Aug 11, 2010

In my area if you don't show up with ownership / lease papers they will not fill or exchange tanks. The owner tanks must be from this particular company and an inspection fee is added to your total. The lifetime lease is the way to go. They buy the lease back when your done or you can sub lease them and they will redo the paperwork.

Iplayfarmer · Aug 11, 2010

smfcpacfp said:
I feel Harris makes good torches, but setting around unused for a while is not a good thing. Some Marquette regulators are made by Harris. My biggest concern would be the tanks. Most places would require that they be inspected and tested before they fill them because of the risk, which I am sure you can understand. I would have checked with the local gas supplier before I purchased the tanks. You might take them to your gas supplier to see what they say regarding their requirements for filling them.

The tank issue must be wholely dependant on location. I have bought used oxygen, acetylene and argon tanks and I always have to pay the recert fee, but it's only $25. Then it's good for another 10 years or something like that. Sure beats a $90/yr. lease.

To give the OP a reference point, I bought a torch set used for $100 and thought that was a great deal. That included the two tanks, gauges, hoses, a victor handle and a victor welding tip. I later bought a second hand harris cutting attachment for $60.

Mark @ Everlast · Aug 11, 2010

On the tanks, call up the supplier and tell them you recently aquired a set of tanks. Tell them you want to return them to their rightful owners...but if they aren't theirs you want them filled. Checking the ring can be misleading because I have seen customer owned tanks wtih markings...all depends upon the supplier. Yes a static test can be up to 100.00 now. But it is good for several years. If you rent/lease a tank that cost is absorbed by the company..though it is a yearly dun.

56FordGuy · Aug 11, 2010

I only paid $120.00 for the stuff, so I feel like I did okay on the cost.

I've swapped tanks for the torch at work before with the local shop with no problems, hopefully I can swap my own the same way.

TWD · Aug 16, 2010

I buy my tanks used on craigslist. My shop allows me to swap them for other tanks too and adjust price accordingly. IE: I traded a 20lb C02 for a n02 tank and paid a few bucks since it was a larger tank.

I've also traded a spare MIG mixture tank for a tank on my TIG.

If they need re-cert I offer less $ or just don't buy them.

I have a 5lb c02 tank that needs re-cert now, and will probably cost me more than I paid for the tank...