Oxygen/Acetylene Torch

[dragginmetal]

I've been needing a torch for a while now. I'll be using it for basic farm use. I'm looking at three different ones. Anybody have any opinions? I'm leaning towards the Lincoln. Only because it's the cheapest and i own a Lincoln welder. So what do y'all think?

Lincoln Ele. $184.00
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

Victor firepower $219.99
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...7990_200357990

Hobart $199.99
http://www.tractorsupply.com/hobart-...ch-kit-3810496

[dragginmetal]

** Let me add that, "basic farm use" would be cutting maybe 3/4" steel bar or 1/2" to 5/8" steel, as well as working on my truck. I'm just looking for a general purpose torch like you would have in a shop.

[ETsC10]

The Lincoln Elect (Harris) appears to have 12' (the ad says 12"
hoses vs 20' on the other two.

IMHO--choose a brand that is Victor compatable. I believe the Hobart is...
don't know on the Lincoln.

[fishingjred73]

You may also want to look at running it on propane if you don't already have an acetylene bottle and are going to use it for just cutting.

[dragginmetal]

Originally Posted by ETsC10

The Lincoln Elect (Harris) appears to have 12' (the ad says 12"
hoses vs 20' on the other two.

IMHO--choose a brand that is Victor compatable. I believe the Hobart is...
don't know on the Lincoln.

I didn't notice the Lincoln's hoses were only 12'. I might just spend the extra 20 bucks and get a Victor instead of the Hobart(Victor compatable).

Originally Posted by fishingjred73

You may also want to look at running it on propane if you don't already have an acetylene bottle and are going to use it for just cutting.

I don't know anything about using propane. I'm gonna do some reading about that and see if it would be a better option for me.

[donut]

Personally I'd check out your local welding shop, sometimes they have "re-man" that run fine. Also gives you the option to price check the consumables tips, cleaners, more hose (personally I won't even bother to hook up 12' of hose, I prefer more distance between my hot work and the tanks. Then again, I run flashbacks at home too.)

Some shops will also have off brand kits that work fine and use OTC parts.
On the job I've used Airco, Victor, Harris and some off brands. Torch tip style is different with the Victor and Airco styles common

[fishingjred73]

Originally Posted by dragginmetal

I didn't notice the Lincoln's hoses were only 12'. I might just spend the extra 20 bucks and get a Victor instead of the Hobart(Victor compatable).





I don't know anything about using propane. I'm gonna do some reading about that and see if it would be a better option for me.

Only thing you have to change to run propane is the tip in the torch. Everything else will work. I like that if I run out of propane I can just run down the road to the Dollar Store exchange the bottle and get back at it. Don't have to worry about the welding supply being open on weekends and the propane is cheaper.

[dragginmetal]

Originally Posted by donut

Personally I'd check out your local welding shop, sometimes they have "re-man" that run fine. Also gives you the option to price check the consumables tips, cleaners, more hose (personally I won't even bother to hook up 12' of hose, I prefer more distance between my hot work and the tanks. Then again, I run flashbacks at home too.)

Some shops will also have off brand kits that work fine and use OTC parts.
On the job I've used Airco, Victor, Harris and some off brands. Torch tip style is different with the Victor and Airco styles common

I haven't had a chance yet, but i'm gona try to get to the welding shop today. I'll see what they have.

Originally Posted by fishingjred73

Only thing you have to change to run propane is the tip in the torch. Everything else will work. I like that if I run out of propane I can just run down the road to the Dollar Store exchange the bottle and get back at it. Don't have to worry about the welding supply being open on weekends and the propane is cheaper.

So, it runs off propane and oxy? Is it a special propane tip, or just a different size tip?

[fishingjred73]

Originally Posted by dragginmetal

I haven't had a chance yet, but i'm gona try to get to the welding shop today. I'll see what they have.





So, it runs off propane and oxy? Is it a special propane tip, or just a different size tip?

Yep propane tank off the BBQ pit and oxy. I have a Victor torch and it's a special propane tip I had to buy.

[crushermechanic]

propane uses 2-3 tip sizes larger than actylene because it doesnt burn as hot. get the longest hoses you can. make sure you use a flashback arrestor on both hoses and find a good torch cart.

[dwcsr]

The Lincoln set is for small tanks like the portable carrier type. The Hobart has the big gauges and back-flow prevention valves which is nice when you over heat he torch head and it burns back into the hoses.