Need opinion on O/A welding kit

[blackie65]

Found this on sale at HF and was wondering if it would serve my needs. I have acquired a O/A kit from my FIL and the torch has a missing knob. It is the one that turns on the oxygen. This is in the open position and I just use the cutting head knob to adjust. I don't really know alot about this subject and maybe what I have now is just fine but this kit seems like I could start with all new gear. I might add that I will use it around the farm for cutting, heating metal for bending, and will probably have a go at some welding with it.
Oxygen and Acetylene Welding Kit

Thanks for your input

 

[blackie65]

Is there somewhere else this should be posted? I notice I have had several view it but none reply.
I guess my question should have been, has anyone had experience with this kit/brand and what do you think. I believe you can buy a Hobart set for a little over $200 but no more than I think I will use one..........

 

[J_J]

I think you are posting in the right area. I believe that missing knob won't make any difference, and the knob on the cutting torch adjust the flame. The volume of oxygen from the gage, will flow when you press the cutting lever. The oxy gage will set the pressure.

Others should/will chime in here with more knowledge than I.

 

[shade tree welder]

You are really asking 2 questions...

Found this on sale at HF and was wondering if it would serve my needs... kit seems like I could start with all new gear. I might add that I will use it around the farm for cutting, heating metal for bending, and will probably have a go at some welding with it.
Oxygen and Acetylene Welding Kit

Thanks for your input

I am a bit of a snob when it comes to tooling in particular, welding equipment.
I have purchased from HF in the past and likely will in the future but the
questionable quality of the imported goods from HF, would make me VERY
leary of putting a potentially explosive gas like Acetylene through them.

I would strongly recommend you look at a lighter duty set from Smith or
Harris. I prefer Smith for A/O equipment but Harris is quality also.

Older Victor stuff is good the newer equipment from them has been cheapened
up quite a bit.

...I have acquired a O/A kit from my FIL and the torch has a missing knob. It is the one that turns on the oxygen. This is in the open position and I just use the cutting head knob to adjust. I don't really know alot about this subject and maybe what I have now is just fine...

Concerning you FIL's set, what brand is it? If it is Harris, Smith or Victor
I would get it repaired and have a qualified tech rebuild the regs if they
need rebuilding. You will have a much better set for similar money then
the HF Imports. Better quality A/O equipment is designed to be able to be
repaired and rebuilt and parts are available.

 

[MBDiagMan]

I agree about the Victor comments. I have a pretty old Victor set that was my Dad's and it's top notch quality and in great workable condition in spite of the fact that it's as old as Methusela. We had a brand new Victor torch at work that by looks and feel was nothing compared to my Dad's old rig.

Maybe it's nothing more then sentiment since my Dad passed away in January and I still haven't gotten completely over it.

 

[yomax4]

Actually, If you do your homework. Victor is the only torch with Flash Arrestors and Check Valves built into the Handle to protect you whether you cut or braze. It is also Made in Denton TX. and has not cheapened in quality but has got better. Harris is made in Poland and Smith is now only "assembled" in the USA. Victor is by Far the most widely copied torch on the planet and that may explain why it is also way way ahead of all competitors in yearly sales. Have you looked at a Smith Regulator Lately? they weigh about 1/3 of a pound. Pick one up and pick up a Victor. Then re-post on quality. Check in with the RailRoads and real pipe fitters and see what torch they use. There is not 1 Harris or Smith in the Alaska Oil Fields. Funny too that the Hobart torch is a Victor style copy and Hobart is an ITW company and ITW owns SMITH. LOL.. Homework guys....

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Yomax,

I have no issues with Victor Torches, quality is good, and like them quite well, but...
You keep saying made in Denton TX, but every Vic torch I have found lately is made in either Mexico, or China...at least that is what is written on the box. There is the home office address of Denton, but the fine print says something else for place of manufacture. What gives?

 

[yomax4]

Victor has a Low Cost CutSkill kit made in the China Plant to compete with the Gypo look a likes but the Genuine Victor is Assembled in the Mexico plant. Valves and tooling are still done in Denton.

 

[Redneck in training]

If you get new kit get one with hoses compatible with both Acetylene and Propane as well.

 

[shade tree welder]

Actually, If you do your homework.
Victor is the only torch with Flash Arrestors and Check Valves built into the Handle to protect you whether you cut or braze.
It is also Made in Denton TX. and has not cheapened in quality but has got better.
... and Smith is now only "assembled" in the USA.
Homework guys....

YOYO why don't you do your homework...

Smith Equipment. Cutting and Welding Equipment: Cutting Torches, Welding Torches, Brazing Torches, Gas Pressure Regulators.

All my Smith torches came with Flash arrestors.

When Victor moved to Mexico their quality when to poop, that is when I
changed to Smith, far better torch and regulators.

BTW, I was in the Smith factory in SD earlier this year, they are still quite
busy machining all their own components.

Oh and quit with the Alaskan oil field crap trying to sound like you know wtf
you are talking about you just make yourseld sound like a ******* pinhead.