Questions about O/A torch

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Hi all.  I'm getting ready to buy an O/A rig for cutting and learning to torch weld.  I don't need anything extreme, cutting usually no more than 1" but on occasion up to 4" and welding usually1/4" or less but possibly up to 3/4".  I would prefer a handle that isn't huge so I figured medium duty would be about right.  I think a kit is the way to go so I'm looking at the Smith Toughcut and the Victor Performer with a strong lean to the Smith since it is still made in the US.  Cyberweld states that the Toughcut can weld up to 7/8" but when I look it up on the Smith site it says up to 3/8".  I generally trust manufacturers specs over retailers but I trust in field users more.So now for the questions:What is the welding capability of the Toughcut?Also, would I be better off going with the american classic medium duty kit instead of the Toughcut since I would have to buy a flashback arrestor for the Toughcut?  And if so what is the difference in size between the two?Thanks in advance and any unsolicited advise is absolutely welcome!~Matthew
Reply:Welding 3/4 inch material is pretty extreme, at least to me... You might not want to overlook a stick welder for that... The capabilities of a torch change greatly depending upon what tip is on it. I don't have any experience with the toughcut, but the school where I go to has all smith torches, and they're great. They have a great feel, and are made to last. Good luck :-)[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Yeah Honestly I can only think of 3 projects that would get up to 3/8 in.  Most will be1/4 or less.  Just would be comforting to know the torch had the capability if it does.  If not then no real loss
Reply:Although it can (and has been/is still) done, welding 1/4" with OA is tough.  I use OA to weld all kinds of stuff, but I find that as I hit corner joints on heavier stuff that it just takes too long to be what I would call pleasant (not to mention a very large HAZ).I really love OA welding, but I ended up getting the Hobart Stickmate to handle the thicker stuff on my heavy equipment.I still use OA for everything under about 1/8", stick for everything else.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:X2We learned it in school as I said earlier, and we never went over 1/8, and while it was fun, and relaxing, and made really pretty welds, it took F O R E V E R to get anything done... I think that stick is the way to go for thicker stuff, but I can say from experience that a Hobart 187 works wonders on 1/4 inch steel :-)[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Best use of money would be to buy the Toughcut and the Hobart (or a stick machine) in the order you need them.  If it were me I'd get a Stickmate after getting the Smith UNLESS my main use was auto body.Stick is versatile, you can change electrodes instantly, it works well outdoors, no hassle with wire/liners/tips, and you can add leads to extend your reach vs. being tied to a MIG. I like MIGs, but I'll always have a stick machine handy.OA will do light stuff people like MIG for, but heavier work is well served by stick. The school where I maintain equipment has Toughcuts and they are well made.  The handle is a nice size for OA welding, don't buy too large a torch handle for that job.We routinely cut 1/2" plate with the Smiths. I believe they'll do more but we had no call for it. They make a fine "first" set you can keep a lifetime. Throw the horrible included goggles in the trash and buy a tinted face shield instead so you will be MUCH more comfortable.Our Toughcuts had arrestors included. I didn't order them so I don't know the specific kit part number.When the time comes you want a larger torch for cutting, I'd buy a used one since good gear is cheap.Worst case, if it needs an overhaul you can send it to OADoctor who posts here and overhauls gas apparatus. I've not needed more than seals or a valve on the torches I've gotten used.
Reply:Thanks for the advice guys.  Welding thick stuff with the torch is more of a want to than a need to.  I'm trying to run down a good used AC/DC stick welder for the need to stuff.  I find using fire to accomplish things is much more relaxing and rewarding than other methods.  I'm also a hobby bladesmith if that tells you anything lol.  I just picked up what appears to be a nice Smith Dualguard medium duty Torch set off ebay.  Now to find tanks.
Reply:most torches can cut pretty thick metal(3"?) with the right tip. look at the box and it will say something to the efefect  "cuts  to 1-1/2"; 6" with proper tip". id concur you can gasweld 3/4 but forme it stops being fun at 3/8..i have a smith torch and with my collection of tips can weld  down to 16 ga and cut over 1"...
Reply:One thing to bear in mind - might have already been covered in this thread (certainly has in other threads) is that you can not draw more than 1/7 (or 1/10 for the conservative) the acetylene tank size in CFM.  This means that most of the small tanks are really not useful for cutting.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:I have large propane tanks for my forge so I think I will probably use propane for cutting and definitely for rosebud work.  Thats what I was taught to cut with so I think I will stay with it.  Have to get new tips but long term I think it'll be more cost and safety effective.  I'm thinking for tanks I'll go 140cf at the minimum, though if I can find larger for a good deal then I'm definitely not opposed.Thanks again for all the advice!~Matthew
Reply:Smith propane tips are very well-regarded, though I've not personally used them.Those who own more Smiths than I can chime in with recommended part numbers.kswelderman lists 3 Smith OP setups in his sig.