gas cutting torch purchase

[cdub2010]

Im looking at getting a portable gas torch. I need to cut up an old jimmy thats far outlived its usefulness as well as some other smaller auto jobs. I checked with a rental place and it didnt make sense to rent at the high price quoted. Any one used or bought the harbor freight one? I love their tools but I have always purchased throw aways from them. I dont know enough about these things to purchase used. I have no problem spending more for a better unit if its worth it. Any product reccomendations or advise?

[cdowns]

you'd be a lot better off buyin a good heavyduty sawzall

[_Ogre]

when i started my 58 truk i bought a victor torch set with mid sized bottles and used it once
i do all of my cutting with a sawzall (10%) and 4.5'' grinder (90%) with 6'' cutting wheels
unless you have a specific future need for a torch, don't bother
i have since sold my torch set to a guy who never uses it, but had to have one

my background is pipefitter/fabricator we used a torch for 95% of our cutting
but on a vehicle use of a torch and open flame, is just too limited
a sawzall will cut up the jimmy faster than the torch without shattering glass and starting the interior on fire

if the jimmy is way out in a field, your money would be better spent on a generator to run the sawzall

[my67c20]

Find a neighbor and use his set, then just fill the tanks. Don't have to deal with storage, or having the hazard laying around. The HF sets might be nice is you need heat for small jobs, but like the other posters have said, they just create more headaches than they are worth. The tanks HF sets do not last long, so if you are truly in the market then spend the money on a descent set, from a reputable place. Also they might be able to guide you to get what you need for your application. If you do buy a sawzall, you will be spending less than a torch set.

[cdub2010]

I was able to pull the jimmy out of the weeds late sunday, its alot crustier than i remember. I ripped the rear hitch off in the process. It looks like a sawzall will be a viable option on the frame. I can buy a lot of blades for the price of filling the tanks.

[_Ogre]

I ripped the rear hitch off in the process.

that's pretty crusty

you probably have the sawzall, good call
torch is just to much flame around a vehicle with a gas tank and interior