propane torch for heating/bending

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What do you guys recommend for a small farm shop to use for heating/bending?  I have an O/A kit but was thinking it would be nice to use cheap propane.  I saw this rig for $99, has anyone tried it?http://store.cyberweld.com/wehoprprtowb.htmlHobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:OK for preheating a part for welding and killing the weeds in the driveway but not really hot enough for forming steel.  Use O2 and propane instead of acetylene if you want to save a little."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:Can I use a grill bottle of propane for oxy/propane?  Maybe a better question - is that a good idea or am I going to find that it makes more sense to just stick with acetylene?Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:From what I have read you can buy a torch head that will have a propane inlet and an O2 inlet just how your O/A torch does.  As far as i know this can draw off a 3 gal propane tank and works well for heating.In regards to the weed burner, that one looks identicle to the one of got from Harbor Freight (with the orange tubing and all).  If you want to go that route do NOT get it from that website because they are ripping you off.  That was on sale a week or 2 ago from HF for $13.00 and full price it runs about $25... so they are just stealing your hard earned money if you pay them $100 for that!!!!!http://www.harborfreight.com/propane...ter-91037.html
Reply:Thanks for the warning.  My goal is really to use this for bending/forming so it sounds as though I should get the oxy/propane setup.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Most likely, you can just get a heating tip for the welding handle you use with the ox/ace and it will work just fine.  If you need help,  send me a PM or contact me through my web site.JimOAdoctorwww.regulatortorchrepair.com
Reply:I recently used map gas to bend some steel rod.HomeDepo has it with head and all for around 30.00
Reply:oxy-propane is the way to go for shaping, cutting, bending...cheap and does a great job!
Reply:Great to see the replies to my post.  I am going to find a propane tip for my existing victor torch and will swap out my "R" fuel hose.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Sure you can use the BBQ tanks.  Here's my torch rig with my home-made cart. Attached ImagesMiller 250x & Lincoln V205-TSmith Oxy-Prop torch
Reply:Chuck, which regulator do you recommend for the propane (my current Oxy/acetylene is victor).  I want one that has fittings for the BBQ bottles.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:I bought a Smith Kit that was for Propane, but I didn't already have an acetylene torch.  I was starting from scratch.  The internal thread on a BBQ tank's fitting is the same as the threads on an acetylene tank.  You can use acetylene reg's for propane, but not vise-versa because the propane regulators will allow you to release gas at a pressure that is unsafe for acetylene (over 15psi if i remember right).  I'm not sure why you'd need propane over 15psi either though, I think my reg will go to 40psi, but I've never used it over 15... more like 10 max.Miller 250x & Lincoln V205-TSmith Oxy-Prop torch
Reply:Chuck, I like your cart setup.  I know a new project for me to start on now.  Well, someday.  One of these days.  All I did was get some Type T hose and a couple of propane tips.  Used my acetylene regulator on a 20 lb. propane tank.  Cuts a little different than acetylene but works great for everything except welding.  But that's what my tig is for."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:Don't use your acetylene hose with propane.  It's not compatible.  There are other mated hose pairs for oxy/propane that have a different material for the flammable hose.HH187Harris O/AInfrared thermometerHalf a dozen angle grinders
Reply:Originally Posted by gwileyWhat do you guys recommend for a small farm shop to use for heating/bending?  I have an O/A kit but was thinking it would be nice to use cheap propane.  I saw this rig for $99, has anyone tried it?http://store.cyberweld.com/wehoprprtowb.html
Reply:By paulinkansas;Don't use your acetylene hose with propane. It's not compatible. There are other mated hose pairs for oxy/propane that have a different material for the flammable hose.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob the WelderChuck, I like your cart setup.  I know a new project for me to start on now.  Well, someday.  One of these days.  All I did was get some Type T hose and a couple of propane tips.  Used my acetylene regulator on a 20 lb. propane tank.  Cuts a little different than acetylene but works great for everything except welding.  But that's what my tig is for.