Oxy-Fuel Torch selection help.

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I have added an Oxy- Acetylene torch to my list of needed tools.  I'm sold on the victor torches.  Well I have no idea which torch set to get.  The victor firepower 250 I think its called.  Will cut anything I will need to cut.  However I'm trying to decide if I would be better off saving a little extra cash and getting something with the edge series regulators.  Or maybe heavy duty kit.  I've alwasy been of the mindset when it comes to tools always buy the best quality and heavy duty is usually better because you never know.  But in some cases its a major waist of money or its just too good for the job.  I am also thinking about buying an LP regulator and hoses tip ect to go with the torch kit.  Acetylene is difficult to get here well you can only get it in #4 bottles you must rent the bottles and pay a premium or at least I think.  They want 70 something to fill the tank (exchange) Oxygen is 18 bucks a bottle not sure what the size is they said its like 200 cubic feet.  I can fill or exchange a 20 lb propane cylinder for 20 bucks.  I want to learn to oxy-fuel weld so what I want to do is set the acetylene aside for welding and use propane for general cutting.  What I need to figure out is will it be worth it to buy the propane regulator ect.  Can anybody give me an idea of what sized propane bottle I would need to get to have similar torch time to a #4 bottle of acetylene.  I know there are a zillion variables. I'm just looking for a general idea.
Reply:Not saying their is a 1:1 correspondence, but a #4 acet is about 145 cu. ft. and 20 pounds of propane is about 170 cu. ft.Edit:  If you want the medium size Victor 100FC torch with the 3 series Edge regs and a heating tip, $200. - $206. isn't bad:http://www.weldersupply.com/productd...t&ID=5&pID=332http://www.bakersgas.com/VIC0384-2045.htmlIf you want to go propane, it would be probably cheaper to get that kit at $245. if you want the heating tip.  The cutting tip is for propylene, so you'd need propane cutting tips.  http://www.weldersupply.com/productd...&ID=14&pID=464Last edited by Oldendum; 10-25-2012 at 01:49 PM."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:Even if it was a 1:2 ratio I'd still save a lot of money over time.  I'll have to do the math and see which way is going to be the best to purchase the equipment.  My understanding is the victor torches work for both.  I've also been reading that the acetylene regulators work for LP but not the other way around.  I'd still like to have a propane specific regulator as well as the acetylene.  Which valve connection is the most common?  Thanks.
Reply:A regular propane tank should have a CGA 510 fitting, which is what the Victor alt fuel regulator has.The medium-duty Victor kit with the heating tip and one propane cutting tip is the # 0384-2047.  (The 0384-2048 is the one with the propylene tip.)  The FC100 torch is a nice size.  If you are doing huge stuff, then get the 315 torch.Here's the Victor alternative fuel equipment flyer:http://thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads/Doc...re_5-15-11.pdf"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:I like victror and an Edge Performer will do what you want.  I do however like Chemetane as a fuel gas it burns hotter than propane and runs about the same volume lb for lb.  Regulators need to run over the 15 psi red line on standard Acet guages for most all alternative fuel gases so make sure your's will.Standard propane style recessed tips work but be sure and buy the Victor Hi-Heat tips for a better start and pierce.Chemetane has been called "Propane on Steroids' try it.
Reply:If you want to buy one torch for the rest of your life look into the ESAB Purox Elite 4200.  Made and assembled in Florence SC USA.  The regulators are also excellent and the oxygen regulator has regulator burnout protection.  Look up regulator burn out and this will cause you to buy an ESAB regulator any day.  All that with a lifetime warranty is very hard to beat.Victors are made in China BTW.I play with Robots and do some welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by 85cj7boyIf you want to buy one torch for the rest of your life look into the ESAB Purox Elite 4200.  Made and assembled in Florence SC USA.  The regulators are also excellent and the oxygen regulator has regulator burnout protection.  Look up regulator burn out and this will cause you to buy an ESAB regulator any day.  All that with a lifetime warranty is very hard to beat.Victors are made in China BTW.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbayI like victror and an Edge Performer will do what you want.  I do however like Chemetane as a fuel gas it burns hotter than propane and runs about the same volume lb for lb.  Regulators need to run over the 15 psi red line on standard Acet guages for most all alternative fuel gases so make sure your's will.Standard propane style recessed tips work but be sure and buy the Victor Hi-Heat tips for a better start and pierce.Chemetane has been called "Propane on Steroids' try it.
Reply:Originally Posted by 85cj7boyI will run the Purox Elite torch at 8 psig and below all day long on alt fuels.  It's a bummer you waste so much of that awesome Chemtane running over 15 psig (which I like BTW).
Reply:Originally Posted by 85cj7boyI will run the Purox Elite torch at 8 psig and below all day long on alt fuels.  It's a bummer you waste so much of that awesome Chemtane running over 15 psig (which I like BTW).