Cheap Cutting Torch?

westbrooklawn · Nov 17, 2005

I think I need to invest in a cutting torch, guages, tanks, etc. The sawzall is great for lighter metals, but I'm looking at a few projects that will involve 3/8 steel and thicker.

My question... since this is a hobby for me, and I might only do some cutting 2 or 3 times a year, I don't want to put a lot of money in an outfit. Can anyone advise me of the least expensive way to go? I have looked at a Lincoln torch/guage combination that SAM'S sells for around $140, but don't know if it is adequate.

Also any ballpark figures on tank cost, etc.? Just trying to pick knowledge from everyone before I go any further. Thanks in advance for any help.

EddieWalker · Nov 17, 2005

I bought a small setup from my discount tool store. Home Depot has a similar setup too. Mine is Victor compatable, which is just a type of fittings. Lincoln would be just as good, just different.

Mine has a plastic moulded case with two bottles, hoses, guages, cutting and welding tip. Plus goggles and striker. Basically everything you need in a small package. Price was around what you said. Hundred plus something, but I forget exactly what I paid for it.

The tanks are exchanged at my closest welding supply store. Each tank is just under $20 to replace. I expected them to fill my brand new tanks, but they don't do that. The guy said it takes a day for them to do what ever they have to do. So it's a quick exchange. Every time you get different bottles.

Sometimes the gas bottles have knobs on the, someitmes it's the old square thing that you have to use the special wrench for. They said eventually all the gas bottles will have knobs.

I asked about buying extra bottles, but they were more expensive then the whole kit, so I decidided against it.

I usually only use mine for repairs on the tractors. I had to cut off some bolts the other day to get to a cylinder on my dozer. Otherwise, I cut most of my metal with a 14 inch chop saw.

They last a fair amount of time, but with heavy usage, I had to refill them every day when I was cutting up a trailer I found.

I also like how portable they are. I can put the set in my front seat of my truck, drive to the back of my land where the promblem is, cut what I need to cut, and bring it back. Real easy.

For me, it's been a huge plus having it. I have no need or desire for a full sized setup since the compact one works so well.

Eddie

westbrooklawn · Nov 17, 2005

Eddie -

Thanks for the reply. The set I saw at SAM'S did not include any tanks. I have seen the portable outfit you are talking about, but they were in the $400 range. I think I want full size tanks... I think I can just rent them from a local welding supply shop and have them refilled.

RonR · Nov 17, 2005

How old are you? Don't laugh--its important! A decent set of gages and tips will last a lifetime.

I bought my set USED in 1975; it is Craftsman set that someday I'll replace with victor gages. Years ago, I bought the victor handle/tips, so that's common to all now. If you have the time and watch for auctions and estate sales, you might find one like I did. What I paid at auction was equal to about the actual cost of the 15 yrs remaining of the balance of a 20 yr bottle lease. The gages/handle/tip didn't cost me anything!

If you contact a welding supply place, they can steer you to bottles. Here, you lease the bottles for like $200 for 10 yrs, then pay to have them filled each time (exchanged).

If you start cutting a lot of 3/8 or 1/2 stuff, you will use a LOT of oxygen.

Happy cutting!
ron

MadReferee · Nov 17, 2005

Large tanks over 80cf are leased, usually on a yearly basis. You might find a rent-a-center that has some for rent. Check with your local welding supply store.

By the time you get done leasing or buying smaller tanks plus the cost of the torches/valves you are probably looking at $400 or more for an initial investment.

westbrooklawn · Nov 17, 2005

RonR -

Can't help it... you did make me laugh!! I am old somedays, and a young buck on most days! The number (and never forget, it is only a number) is 56 yrs.

I understand your comments about good stuff lasting a lifetime, but my needs are so infrequent that I want to buy something that is "not the cheapest... but certainly not the best".

I'm almost thinking I could get away with one of the small portable sets which I see online for as little as $250 range. I don't want to take the time to wait to find one at an auction or estate sale, although I certainly understand the great deals that can be had by doing that.

CFHartman · Nov 17, 2005

That $140 sounds like a reasonable amount. around hear you can rent tanks the larger size. for $25 each a year + fuel or ox. I bought my own which are much smaller for $200 . I didn't get the smallest tanks. If you do you should get Two ox. if your going to do a lot of burning. Tractor supply sells tanks and fills them. If you own your one tank you can have it filled anywere. They are all close the same price.
Charlie

Farwell · Nov 17, 2005

Don't know if you have a Tractor Supply in your area, if you do, they are now dealing with gas welding tanks and supplies. Not sure of their costs but may be worth checking out.
Farwell

keeney · Nov 17, 2005

I find that my porta-band hand-held bandsaw does a fine job on cutting steel even over an inch thick.

It won't be as versatile as a gas torch in terms of what you can cut - you won't likely fit it in the place you need to cut off a rusted bolt, for example, but for light fabrication in the shop, it makes a cleaner cut and is a bit less expensive to run (assuming you don't abuse the blades too much).

Another alternative to look into would be a plasma torch. Again, no gas to buy - just electricity to run it. With a generator or 110v supply and a tank compressed air (150 psi, not high pressure), you can even be somewhat portable.

- Rick

BobReeves · Nov 17, 2005

My setup was cheaper than the SAMS outfit but has done everything I asked. If I were starting from scratch I would go with the deal from SAMS, have looked at it and it seems to be a step above the one I have. The only real issue with mine is the need to keep a close eye on the O rings on the torch and cutting heads. If these O rings start leaking it mixes in the handle which can get real exciting real fast.

I lease the bottles from a local welding supply house and pay by the year, can't remember how much but it isn't a whole lot.

MossRoad · Nov 17, 2005

I have a set of Craftsman regulators from the mid 80s. The Oxygen regulator stopped working so I took it to Sears for repair. They do not repair them anymore. I have to check with some local shops to see if anyone will repair it. If not, I'll have to buy new. Won't be from Sears, though. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

TechJ · Nov 17, 2005

If you're only going to cut a few times per year, why not either have wherever you're getting the steel cut it for you or just go slow and burn through a few blades?

Last 2 projects I had, the metal supply company that I went to made each cut for $10 (a lot but don't do it that ofte) and more recently I had to cut through 1/2 steel -- 4 pieces. Just used the receprocating saw and went through 3 blades (the heavier metal cutting demolition ones).

KubotainNH · Nov 17, 2005

Although torches are a nice versatile thing to have I find a cutting disk on an angle grinder will out cut a sawzall. The disks are about $3 and depending on what you cut last as long as a metal sawzall blade. Plus you have the added benefit of being able to grind things smooth and bevel edges. My inexpensive Craftsman is holding up very well. Just watch out for dry leaves... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

bobholland · Nov 18, 2005

Another avenue for "cheap" tools is to check out your local pawn shops or Buy & Sell stores. They often have pretty good stuff; Know your brands (Victor, Miller, Hobart) and know what it costs new. Don't be afraid to dicker on the price! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Bob-Oregon

bobodu · Nov 19, 2005

I've been eyeing this set.
I like the angle grinders.Get my 7' disks from Grainger and when they get smallish,I run them in the 4". Harbor Fright cut/weld set

AntrimMan · Nov 20, 2005

I have that exact H/F kit.
I had to change the acy regulator spud because it comes set up for the bigger (lease size?) cylinders. I bought my cylinders in stead of leasing.
I use a pair of Victor goggles with magnifiers instead of the set that comes with the kit. Just more comfortable.
That H/F kit will do everything that I need.
I don't think you will be cutting 6" thick HY100 with it, the reg's seem a little low on flow capacity for that, but again, it does everything I need and it's only for occasional use.
If I had to use it every day and depend on it for my living I would choose a better kit, but for $100 bucks? Go for it.
BTW, you may be amazed at the things you can set on fire accidentally, so be careful out there.
Here's the sad thing, every buck that goes to China lowers our standard of living, sad but true. We are all guilty in some manner.

All the best,
Martin

bobodu · Nov 20, 2005

Thanks for the input of the HF torches AntrimMan.So far,I haven't failed to be able to get around NOT having torches!! But I get silly thinking about what I could do if I DID have them.My home delivery route nets me some dandy tips come Christmas time and I think I will grab some torches and get my bottles from TSC.For some weird reason,the welding shop guys like to go home at noon on Saturday and we all know you run outta gas at 12:03!

MarkStewart · Nov 20, 2005

I bought a set of Firepower torches from TSC. They are made by the same company that makes Victor(present day products) from what I understand. Come equipped with Cutting and welding Torches. Also built in flashback arrestors.

Have worked well for me so far with no problems. About $150.

Maine_Polack · Nov 20, 2005

( BTW, you may be amazed at the things you can set on fire accidentally, so be careful out there.
 )

Good advice!

I once set myself on fire while grinding. It was cool out and had three shirts on, the outer one being a sweatshirt. When it reached the inner-most one it got my attention. I am now very mindfull of where those sparks are going.

This incident gave my wife a chance to whoop, holler, and laugh. I think she quite enjoyed it!

Jagmandave · Nov 20, 2005

I've found the angle grinder to be a great solution for almost any metal cutting need, as long as you can at least get to what you need to cut, and you have electricity handy................
That said, I've had my bottles (well, exchange) and Victor torch for about 30 years now with no problems. In your (our) kind of use, they'll last pretty much forever...........