Oxy?aceytelene Welding

thegrouse · May 7, 2012

I have brazed copper with a cutting tip so I figured I could try welding the steel. I am going to play with some steel this weekend. I need to get a grinder first to clean the dirty metal up. I looked into a community college for a basic welding class but they do not start until September. They only teach oxy cutting and stick welding. I could probably get some instruction in the lab. For the 500 dollars I spend on the class I could but a lot of gas to practice and watch a bunch of videos.

yomax4 · May 7, 2012

Did you mention what Brand of torch you have? Maybe someone on here could help you out with tips.

thegrouse · May 8, 2012

I have a victor 100 torch

IslandTractor · May 8, 2012

thegrouse said:
I put a number 1 tip on the counter but quickly put it back when he told me it was 30 bucks. Gonna check Craigslist

Check Harbor Freight too. Their welding tips are compatible with Victor style handles. I know they sell a #2 individually for $10. Not sure if they have a full set of tips unless you buy one of their kits. The medium duty kit plus a #2 would be fine for your purposes.

monckywrench · May 22, 2012

Check Ebay and learn the tip interchanges to save money. For example Goss etc make tips which fit Victor.

I've ended up with plenty of OA gear for little cash.

A bit of patina doesn't matter, because when you use a pretty new torch the shiny tends to go away.

Also, ALWAYS check online prices. I like dealing with ATL:

ATL Welding Supplies - Surplus & Discount Welding Supply Dealer

Know WHICH Victor "100" model torch you have when ordering. They are helpful over the phone.

Iplayfarmer · May 25, 2012

crash325 said:
Trying to weld with a cutting torch just isn't going to work. They are not designed to burn clean.

A few tips to fit your handle is not that costly. Or buy a Harbor Freight welding set for less than $100 and you get an assortment of tips, cutting torch, even a rose bud, plus hoses & gauges.

Groo said:
just because it has fallen out of favor because there are easier methods, doesn't mean it doesn't work.

Groo,

I think crash was referring to a cutting attachment vs. actual welding tips for a O/A setup. The welding tips provide a much more focused heat and a cleaner flame that will make welding easier.

crash325 · May 25, 2012

Iplayfarmer said:
Groo,

I think crash was referring to a cutting attachment vs. actual welding tips for a O/A setup. The welding tips provide a much more focused heat and a cleaner flame that will make welding easier.

A cutting tip due to its design burns fairly dirty. As in too much O2 and rarely gives a clean weld. Seems to suck in air as it burns. Having the weight of a cutting attachment and the distance from the torch body to the tip makes it hard to control.

A welding tip gets rid of the weight and distance.

Generally speaking the flame is also spread out too much for a good weld.