Looking for an all around oxy/fuel torch

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Hey all,I'm looking for a swiss army knife torch. I want to cut 1/8" - 1/2" steel, I want to weld up to 1/4" steel, I want to braze bicycle frames, and I want to have a rosebud that is sized around that "level" of work.I'd like to buy something decent, first... but I don't expect to buy the top of the line torch.Eventually I'll try my hand at aluminum welding, but I feel that's probably a different subject.Any suggestions for a both used and new torches?
Reply:I like the size of my Harris 85. I don't have a lot of experience with torches, but this has been good for me, I like the offset valve design and size. The separate mixer and tips makes having an assortment of sizes much cheaper than victor style tips. They are often seen on the used market very lightly used as they are sold in the lincoln port a torch kits at Home Depot and such. I have the 72-3 cutting attachment as well, and it works well.
Reply:I bought an Esab Prest-o-lite torch setup.  Just so you know, I have not used it yet, so I can't comment on that part.  Too many other things keep getting in the way.  I'm looking forward to when I finally get a chance to try it as it seems to be a nice piece of equipment. It can weld up to 3/8" and cut to 2".  I think I bought it through Indiana Oxygen Co.  It was about $275.  I plan on welding and brazing with it more than cutting.  Here's a link to a bunch of pictures of it. http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=76821By the way, I did pick up an adapter so the regulator can hook up to a full size acetylene. I also have some gas welding rod and brazing rod.  Still need to get flashback arrestors and gas tanks.  Are you right in Portland?  I used to work up in South Bristol.
Reply:A victor 100 mixing chamber and 1350 cutting head used.Such as...http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewi...d=390610384460Personally I prefer the larger one but for home/hobby use it would be great.In the fab shop, the 100 series is all they use, so they will last
Reply:I would get a Victor 100 off of Ebay and then put in new O-rings. Hope that was a missprint about brazing bicycle frames. Weld them.
Reply:Not sure if the regs are the right CGA connection for your tanks, but $200. for a new Victor Performer kit:http://www.weldfabulous.com/p-20678-...0384-2045.aspxhttp://www.weldfabulous.com/p-297-vi...ch-outfit.aspx"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 have an older one of these that I picked up for a song and a dance off of CL. Great torchhttp://www.weldfabulous.com/p-94290-...ii-outfit.aspxMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Welderskelter Hope that was a missprint about brazing bicycle frames. Weld them.