which of these oxy-acetylene setups

[amashinga]

Hi,

I want to buy my first oxy-acetylene set. I am unsure of what to get due to lack of experience. I have a choice between a medium duty new set, or a second hand probably higher quality set at my price point. Any suggestions on which way to go ?

The new set is by powerweld, medium duty made offshore
MEDUIM DUTY TORCH KIT - Busy Bee Tools

The used set is an l-tec set, probably made in the USA and is likely higher quality. They appear to be 2 stage regulators as well
Cutting torch w/regulators and hose West Shore: Langford,Colwood,Metchosin,Highlands, Victoria

Any advice is appreciated, as I stated, this is new territory for me.

 

[yomax4]

Many Import sets are not repairable. But. If you plan on marginal use and not a lot of Scrap Cutting. They all work. Being that the top brands last 30 or more years, You might do ok with a good looking used set. It's whats on the inside that counts. Set your price and buy the best you can afford.

 

[PANHAPP]

The seconed one looks like junk. First first one looks like a Victor clone. Find a set that says Victor on it. I've had good luck on ebay.

Pan

 

[DanD78]

I would find a good used Victor, Harris or Smith outfit before I would buy an off brand that is not servicable. You need to get a brand that is supported by your loacl welding supply house. Just my thoughts...

Dan D.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

I'm a LONG way from being an expert so my advise is only worth about half the price.

I'm with panhapp, the used one doesn't impress me looks wise. From the description, looks more like it is set up for cutting than welding. What is your intended use? Did a search on L-Tec and got a lot of hits but not for a oxy torch. That may say something about age.

I'm with Dan on looking for a used Victor. If welding is the principle use, I'd make sure it came with several tips of various sizes. I have a Victor and it came with 4-5 tips including a rose bud for heating large sections of metal.

 

[Beltzington]

I would find a good used Victor, Harris or Smith outfit before I would buy an off brand that is not servicable. You need to get a brand that is supported by your loacl welding supply house. Just my thoughts...

Dan D.

+1 on buying used - I bought a full size Smith setup with cart and a gas tank for sale on Craigslist for $175. Had to buy an Oxygen tank from the gas supply house but since they will only refill certified tanks this could be necessary regardless. Good Luck!

 

[monckywrench]

I'd offer about seventy bucks for the L-tec which is in the long and distinguished line of Oxweld/Purox/Linde/L-tec/Prest-O-Weld equipment.

It's top-quality gear and I have their torches from the 1930s and '40s which work very well, but it's used and an unknown quantity.

The acetylene regulator isn't an L-tec (looks like an Airco, also still rebuildable and a good brand) and the seller won't move them fast since almost no one not into OA equipment knows anything about those brands.

I'd inspect in person since the photos aren't good.

I recommend you get this quality Smith Toughcut instead. Right at your price range and ready to go. You can add an LP tip and run either fuel. They survive welding student abuse and are a good basic set. The regulators are used on more expensive Smith sets too and can supply larger torches if needed. Throw the included goggles in the trash and get a tinted face shield instead.

Smith Equipment MB55A-510 Toughcut Cutting, Welding Outfit

I destroy cheap offshore torches when I get them in Ebay lots. I refuse to inflict them on anyone else.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

L-Tech is now ESAB.
Likely its a pure ox or prestolite torch.

Both are outstanding, but not widely available. ESAB original regulators are the safest in the industry...But it looks like these are replaced.

Moncky is right.

Smith is a good torch. Use one myself. I prefer the Smith over other brands, and most have a lifetime warranty.

Out of the top three, I prefer in order 1) Smith 2) Harris 3) Victor. Yomax, sorry, but I have my own experiences and find that the Victor just doesn't have the feel I like. The smith to me is better balanced for my use.

 

[monckywrench]

The smallest Toughcuts aren't Lifetime (they are 3-year limited) but are so well built that from my experience I don't consider it a problem.

 

[deereman75]

One of my torch handles is a smith AW-1. I held the victor closest to it today at a tool store, and I wasnt a fan. My smith has the valves on the front, right by the tip, and it is so well balanced, no matter that tip it has. The victor has the valves and a build in flashback arestor on the back. Even with the cutting attachment on it, it was back heavy. Anyways back to the OP. I have an air liquide blueshield torch kit, it is the DUO-2 industrial. It was about $400-$500 on sale with a discount, and I got a real good deal on the tanks. I live in the same area as you, and I recomend you go to the air liquide downtown, they have the best service ever, and will set you up with a good torch at a good price.