Brands of oxy/acetylene torches

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Just trying to get a better handle on real quality differences between oxy torch brands.  I see a lot of people recommending Smith, Harris, Victor, etc., but then there are comments about Victor being imported now so it might be best to buy an older one or about Smith having a lifetime warranty.  Is the quality difference in the actual welding performance, or is it more about parts and support?I personally have one of the Harbor Freight torch sets I bought when I first got started, and I've seen negative comments about them but most of those comments seem more emotional than factual (i.e. - cheap Chinese garbage, etc.).  Almost all of my tools are high-quality name brands, and mostly all I buy from HF is stuff like caster wheels, sanding sponges, etc.  The HF torch seems fine though, but I'm really inexperienced with these (I've never used a name-brand for comparison).  It welds and cuts, body is solid brass, tips are Victor-compatible, it runs quietly, and it has built-in flashback arrestors and check valves.  Am I missing something that Smith for example would provide?The only thing I noticed with my torch is that sometimes the flame will be split into two or three streams, but cleaning the tip with one of the little cleaning files seems to clear it up.  The regulators seem fine, but I have noticed the hoses starting to crack a little.  How long does a high-quality set of hoses usually last?I've thought about replacing the torch with one of the quality brands, but it's confusing on what to choose.  There are a lot of older models that come up on eBay, but I know that would be risky for a novice.  Looks like most of the new name-brand torch kits start at around $400, which for my level of use seems high.I appreciate whatever opinions you guys might have.Hobart Handler 210Lincoln AC-225Smith Torches/Regs
Reply:I recommend the Smith Toughcut outfits for hobbyist use which are only a couple hundred bucks online, are USA made, and work very well. Throw the included goggles in the trash and get a tinted faceshield instead. They survive student abuse quite well.Smith regulators are compatible with LP, a consideration if the acetylene shortage affects you or if you just like to save money. Smith tips, both cutting and welding, are precise and pleasing to use. (The English language is short on adjectives for flame quality...)My reservations about HF torches are that I have no idea what went into the plastic and rubber parts and don't want a surprise regulator failure.  Hose lifetime varies. If they dry rot and start cracking (usually around the crimp fittings) I replace them.  Hose is reasonably priced so you could just buy some R-rated hose and keep using your HF outfit if it does everything you want of it.
Reply:+1 on the tinted faceshield. I also use my speedglas in the off condition for torch work. Personally, if I were happy with the HF torch I wouldn't run out and buy another brand if it is working properly. We use Smith's and I like them because I'm left handed and the O2 knob on the cutting head is ambidextrous.
Reply:Thanks, the Toughcut does look like a good setup.  It has a 3-year warranty versus lifetime, but that's probably not a big issue.  Their website is pathetic though...My hose is 50 feet and I was hoping to not have to replace it, but if the cracks are a safety issue then I'll do it.  Do the hoses have some kind of inner liner, or are they just rubber all the way through?  I had assumed the rubber was just a protective cover and the cracks wouldn't result in a leak, but maybe this is wrong.I would like to use a different torch brand for comparison, and I know it's hard to describe things like flame quality.  The HF torch seems OK, but again I don't have a basis to compare.Hobart Handler 210Lincoln AC-225Smith Torches/Regs
Reply:The HF goggles are actually pretty decent (not the included goggles, but the ones with the flip-up lens).  I have a Miller Pro-Hobby auto-darkening helmet also that I've used occasionally for torch work, but the goggles are of course less bulky.  The face shield sounds like a good idea.  Any particular brand?I'll at least start looking for a deal on a Smith outfit.  My HF kit is still in good shape, and it probably wouldn't be too hard to sell it to offset the new torch cost.  I haven't heard of any big safety issues at least, so I won't rush to replace it.Hobart Handler 210Lincoln AC-225Smith Torches/Regs
Reply:Any particular brand?
Reply:I love smith stuff... The first torch that I ever lit was a smith, and thats what I learned to weld o/a with. So, I'm kind of biased. In all honesty, I think this is a chevy vs ford issue, mostly just personal preference. I like smiths because thats what I'm used to, and to me, thats how a torch should "feel". They also cut like a dream.I couldn't buy a smith set around here, and so I bought a victor from the local TSC. It too, is really nice. However, the smiths have square shaped adjustment knobs, and the victors have round ones. Can be an issue when wearing gloves (the extra bulk makes it hard to get a grip), and when not wearing gloves (the victors knobs are sharp and kind of hurt to turn by hand, the smiths are smooth). It does, however cut really nicely (I think the smith cuts better), however the regulators have a plastic bonnet which just looks cheap, and the oxygen one came with a bad gauge. Aside from that, I'll still take a smith. But, thats just me.[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:I couldn't buy a smith set around here, and so I bought a victor from the local TSC.
Reply:The Smith Dual Guard has a built in flash suppressor in the torch cutting head. The Smith preheat flames heat up the steel faster then Victors and you don't need a wrench to change tip.
Reply:I have two smiths with dual guard and lifetime warrant.  Used warrant 1 time in8 years as someone cooked the head.  Sent it in and they sent a new one no questions
Reply:Harris.................
Reply:I like victor, lighter and more compact than smith. Most shops and construction companies use victor what does that tell you.thermal arc mst400, va4000 feeder, lincoln 175 min, victor torches, miller s32p feeder, air arc k4000 for work.
Reply:I like victor, lighter and more compact than smith.
Reply:Originally Posted by adam21584I like victor, lighter and more compact than smith. Most shops and construction companies use victor what does that tell you.
Reply:i have owned and used smith ,victor and purox with good results.but i prefer oxweld. over the years,i discovered ,that i can cut a littler finer with the oxweld . maybe its just in my mind . my oxweld torches are  30 + years old. i know they are u s made.when you get them rebuilt or need a part it is real expensive. all my torches are older ,so i do not know about newer torches .
Reply:I prefer Smith, USA made and lifetime warranty. I will have to admit, most wrecking companies I have come across use Victor. But I have heard the statement that "Victor is not what it used to be". But then I just found out that a steel mill in N/W Indiana uses hundreds of Oxweld, which is also USA made and lifetime warranty.Smith, Harris, Oxweld, Purox, Victor. Pick any one that feels comfortable. I like the idea of USA made and lifetime warranty."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:yep, whatever feels comfortable.I own a Victor and a Purox Metal Master, I prefer the metal master.  I like the smith but I think the purox cuts finer.Oxweld is also owned by ESAB, and they, along with the Metal Masters are made in the USA.I also like the Purox drag tips better.Last edited by Hank33; 04-23-2011 at 12:15 PM.Reason: misspellTB 302 EFIESAB Migmaster 275MM 211 w/Spoolmate 100Hypertherm PlasmaMetal Master, Victor, and Smith TorchesUnihydro 45Wells BandsawArcair K2000Weldcraft Tig rigMiller 12VSLincoln PT 225No one can say I'm brand biased.
Reply:Has anyone owned or tried a torch setup from UNIWELD?They say made in the USA and are also compatible with Victor, huh, now that I think about it if companies are claiming to be compatible with Victor...........then wouldnt the winner be Victor? loland I dont know where UNIWELD stands on warranties, that would also be a deciding factor. SQUARE WAVE 175 TIG   DUAL MIG 151
Reply:I like my Uniweld handle valves somewhat better than my Victor 315 handles and the current 315FC (same thing with internal flash arrestors) handles I had at work. No cutting head or tips came with it, so I use my Victor CA2460s. They work. I think about it if companies are claiming to be compatible with Victor...........then wouldn't the winner be Victor? lol
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallIf you look at old Linde and Oxweld welding handbooks, many of those designs haven't changed in a LONG time. Oxweld gear "feels" industrial, in the way that Snap-on feels different than Craftsman.  Get some of each. Torches are like Doritos. Why stop at one?
Reply:I just bought this Victor set as my first torches, bought here.  I also picked up a #2 tip.  I went back and forth for a long time deciding which set to get and narrowed it down to the Smith medium duty & the Victor medium duty.The MD torch handle is a piece of cake to use compared to the industrial Airco torches we use in class.  It's smaller, lighter and much easier to maneuver.When I was deciding I talked to Victor tech support and they told me that the torch itself is made in Mexico, but the regulators & hose are made in USA.
Reply:But I'm stuck on this thing about only wanting to keep one brand of tips
Reply:my oxwelds are w-17
Reply:Ok farmall, I pulled the trigger on an Oxweld C-66! Man, does this thing "FEEL" great and industrial!!! I can't wait to get some tips and try it out.Man, if you get a REALLY nasty PM from my wife......"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"