Portable Torch Kits?

[Timbow]

Anybody purchase or own a Chicago Electric Welding Systems, Portable Torch Kit with Oxygen and Acetylene Tanks for use heating frozen nuts and bolts and very minor welding repairs and fabrication around the farm and have comments they would like to share. I can get the tanks filled at Tractor Supply. Any problem with this welder?

 

[monckywrench]

I strongly suggest avoiding cheap offshore OA kits. I destroy them if I get them in an Ebay lot. I've seen enough bad seals and poor workmanship that I don't trust any of them and will not inflict them on anyone else.

If seals or diaphragms fail, leakage can cause fire and that ain't good.

I took some pics of the last combo torch to cross my path:

Why I buy US-made torches! - Shop Floor Talk

I've used, maintained for students, and recommend the inexpensive (but made In USA) Smith Toughcut outfits with a CGA-510 fitting on the regulator. They are "entry level" but reliable for many years and you may never need to exceed their capacity. If you do, the regulators will support a much larger torch.

If you get the Acetylene kit you can then get a LP cutting tip and use either gas. Throw the included goggles in the trash and get a tinted face shield instead. Goggles are uncomfortable and don't protect your face.

Tanks are exchange items, so I buy those used off trade papers or Craigslist making sure they are ones I can exchange at my local welding supplier. There are articles on tanks on weldingweb, the Hobart forums, and the Miller welding site so I won't repeat them here.

Portable outfits are handy, but the small cylinders don't last long so I suggest getting the largest you can comfortably roll around. A modified hand truck works well. You can carry a BBQ LP jug for cutting and heating fuel, and save acetylene for welding if you like.

 

[Timbow]

Monckywrench
After your advice and second thought on Acetylene gas welding equipment, my primary concern needs to be safety, reliability and then cost. There are times where the consequences of failure due to going cheap far exceed any possble cost savings. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
Timbow

 

[monckywrench]

Happy to help.

I wish I'd gotten into Oxy-Acetylene and Oxy-Propane years before I did since it's extremely useful. The equipment pays for itself very quickly.

Irish Fixit just posted these outstanding torch cutting videos, and note he's using a small combination torch. I can't cut near as pretty as that, but the vids supply info that's hard to get except in-person:

How to use a cutting torch - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

 

[Soundguy]

i'm currently using the HF HD torch kit ( not the bottles.. just the gauges and manifolds ) that I got? a couple ys ago. working fine..

soundguy

 

[monckywrench]

I'm sure most of them work. If the seals ever mess up you can use O-rings from other makers. I used Victor seals to test the example I put to death and they fit fine.

I still like myself too much to take the chance. Fire is hot, and if a leak oxygen-saturates your clothes that can get real ugly.

I'd nail a used or new entry-level set of US gear instead. For example easygo got a nice deal for $120, and I know from experience selling torches he could get a nice chunk of that back and keep one set.

For no fiddling the Smith outfits are around two bills and good for decades. They have nice precise regulators and are a pleasure to use.

I'll save money somewhere else, like with the stuff I make with quality tools.

 

[Soundguy]

I didn't know if I was going to really 'get into' using a torch.. I used a 20% coupon one day when the manifold set was already on sale. back when you could do that. got them cheap... I do like having a set of torches now.

If they ever have a problem. I'll get a victor set.. I see them for about 200$. the set i have is a victor clone anyway.. same tips..e tc..

my bottles are tsc / thouroughbred / gas pony. owner bottles.

soundguy

 

[Shield Arc]

For no fiddling the Smith outfits are around two bills and good for decades. They have nice precise regulators and are a pleasure to use.

Does Smith still require using their cutting tip? Or is there a newer version where you can use the Victor style tips?
I bought a Smith 3-hose machine torch, and 3 or 4 tips about 10-years ago, and haven't used it yet.

 

[monckywrench]

Does Smith still require using their cutting tip? Or is there a newer version where you can use the Victor style tips?

Smith require the excellent Smith tip-mix tips. Generics exist too. Examine your Smith to ensure it doesn't take the old LC tips as opposed to the recent style. If it does, there is a conversion kit for those tips which I've used on a Smith LC and on a Meco Cutmaster torch. Both go cheap on Ebay because folks don't know you can still get conventional tips (with some searching) and this adapter system.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=49243

Victors have an internal mixer in the tube which feeds the preheat holes in the their tip so "no swappee" even if the heads were magically switched.

Plenty of tips to be had on Ebay and online for both styles. Do a "best prices" Google search for vendors.

We had students beating the guano out of the small Toughcut kits I recommend, and the tips lasted an impressive amount of time. A user who actually cares about not beating on the equipment will get excellent life.

Smith resale is excellent too, not that you'll want to unless you accumulate too many to use. Check what their torches go for on Ebay. I wait until someone takes poor photos which drive down the price.

 

[Shield Arc]

I've had my Victor torch for about 30-years now, still works great! But I don't use it for a hammer, I have a lot of hammers. :laughing: