buying a cutting torch - never used one before

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what is the drawback of an inexpensive kit like this for use a couple times a year?http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...9400_200349400online reviews were all good and no results searching for it here. probably use this 5 times a year for heating/cutting a rusty bolt and once a year for cutting thin metal. i do all automotive work. not interested in putting more than $100 in it. i won't be using it for welding at all, i have a welder. i have a cart, tanks, regulators, hoses, torch - but it's an obsolete torch i can't get Propane tips for so I'm looking for another torch i can get propane tips for.   i just need the torch but that kit is so cheap....
Reply:If you have regs etc you could maybe get a new cuttinghead for your handle for less moneyMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Run down to your LWS and see what they offer for the replacement torch. I agree with Farmshop, better to use what you have. If you have never used a cutting torch before, ask the LWS to give you a primer. Cutting torches are lethal. And cheap imported cutting torches are twice as lethal. And try to download some type of instructions. My Victor kit came with an instructional guidre some 40 years ago that I lost during time. After reading the warnings I gave the cutting torch some huge respect.Good luck.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:Irish Fixit did  a great thread on adjusting and using cutting torches. be sure to go thru the whole thread as he added videos throughout.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=63275I'd have to agree looking for a quality name brand torch is worth the money, unless your plan is to try and sell off the rest of the new parts with your old torch on CL. Note that many of the import torches have a spotty reputation for taking "aftermarket" parts. You might find down the road that replacement tips and all do not fit well. This is because when they copy the originals they dn't exactly match the tolerances. If their copy unit was close to max or min specs and then the production units varied even farther from spec, you might get a copy that will not take "standard" parts. I've seen guys who bought two cheap sets at the same time. One set would take "standard" parts, the 2nd wouldn't. There's no way to tell until you go to instal the new parts unfortunately. Plan to treating the cheap sets as disposable. if anything breaks, expect to toss the stuff and buy again. Not the best cost savings plan in the long run usually..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:In recent years I have seen a number of new people who have not used a O/A torch before. The one big thing they forget about it is they forget where there hoses are, weather they are cutting or heating or just holding and moving about with it. An Idea where ever you working have plenty of room for working so nothing drops on them(ie. a hot cut off piece of slag or metal) and if you need to move out of the way your first step isnt going to trip you and cause a big problem with a lit torch. just a little tip, good luck
Reply:I second the trip to the lws and see about a cutting head for your existing torch.I would think that your tolerance for frustration would dictate how well the china torch will work for you.Rich
Reply:Post clear PICS of the old torch! There are LP tip adapters to fit most older cutting torches.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=49243I'd rather have a quality old torch than a cheapy new torch.