Torch Purchase Help

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Hey guys,I want to purchase a torch. I have never used one and really don't know much about them other then they can weld cut and heat. I primarily want it for straightening metal that has warped from welding. I dont really see myself using it for cutting or welding. But you never know...I am looking at this one http://victortechnologies.com/victor...odID=0384-2045or possibly a smith. The smith looks american made, the victor i am not sure about...I have seen some guys say they use propane instead of acetylene for heating/cutting? The victor kit comes with a T grade hose which from my understanding is all gases. But what about the regulator in the kit. Its for acetylene, will it work for propane? Like from a 20lb BBQ cyclinder? Victor makes a propane kit as well. But i would like the option to use acetylene if i wanted. So i figured might be better to kit acetylene kit, then just buy a couple propane tips for the torch....
Reply:Unfortunately Victor is making a lot of their stuff in China...like the lower grade hobby level torches. Don't know about the heavy duty ones. We use the 315FC for welding/brazing at school in our individual booths and Smith cutting torches (worn out/beat up) in the cutting stations. I like the 315FCs a lot. Don't forget to consider a Harris brand torch, too. Still made in the US as I understand it. I highly recommend that if you have never used one to get some instruction in the use and care of one. They can be very dangerous if used improperly.
Reply:I have the Victor Performer outfit and love it. I bought it some 20 years ago and never had a hickup with it. For the most part I use it only for silver brazing and flame bending with the rosebud.Mine is US made, and too bad if they are made in China, but that is the trend I guess. But you can find parts in every LWS around the world.Smith makes an excellent outfit too. Parts are a bit harder to find.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:The 100FC Torch Handle and CA 1350 Cutting Attachment are currently made in Mexico.  I just called Victor and asked.  It is a nice torch kit, though."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Here's my local suppliers site for a price comparison. http://www.weldersupply.com/products...ipment|OutfitsWe use to use victor and then went to all smiths . Shop purchaser got a better deal on the smiths. Seems like guys take better care of them since they are chrome plated.
Reply:I have 2 Smith lifetime and love them. Have warranted them twice when people over heated the cutting head as long as it has a Smith tip it gets fixed or replaced. As far as lp most you can use lp  in acetylene but should not us acetylene in lp because lp regulators are capable of pressure over 15 psi where acetylene becomes unstableMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Victor is probably the most wildly used."At least in my area" We have Victor setup at work and it works well. At my personal shop I have Harris. They are both great setups although I do like my harris torch better just feels better in my hand it is a little tougher to get tips for in my area than victor. Cant comment on smith as I have never used one I'm its very compairable though.
Reply:I'm a fan of Smith torches.  Not a fan of propane for heating.  Propane is cheap, but it takes three times the oxygen to produce an equivalent amount of heat as acetylene.  It makes sense if you're cutting . . . the amount of oxygen used in preheat is minor relative to that used to make the cut.Dynasty 300DXSmith He/Ar gas mixerMM350PHobart Handler 120Smith LW7, MW5, AW1A
Reply:I got a new purox(owned by esab now). Still made in the U.S. though and if I am not mistaken it has lifetime warranty. My local matheson told me that the Harris torches are made outside of the U.S. now.
Reply:Originally Posted by 4sfedNot a fan of propane for heating.  Propane is cheap, but it takes three times the oxygen to produce an equivalent amount of heat as acetylene.  It makes sense if you're cutting . . . the amount of oxygen used in preheat is minor relative to that used to make the cut.