Oxy/Acet cutting torch recommenation

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I'm looking at Miller/Smith Toughcut and Victor Performer Outfits. Both are in the $220 - $240 range. What would you guys recommend? Victor is now made in China and I think Miller/Smith is USA.I'll be doing hobby/hotrod fab work.Last edited by waterhorse; 01-09-2016 at 01:37 PM.
Reply:I think one of the very low-end Victors (Firepower?) may be China, some others Mexico. I think my son's Performance Series was made in Mexico. He was originally wanting a genuine Smith setup that was sold very inexpensively by Hobart, but they discontinued that just before he bought.  Now that Miller has the Smith stuff, there are a few reasonably priced kits.  The less expensive ones have a shorter warranty, not the lifetime warranty of the high $ ones.If you plan on welding with it, some of the Smith tips seem pretty pricey.  But the Victor tips are probably getting up there in price, too.  Not as much demand these days, I guess."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:check out craigslist or flea-bay you may find used but good quality victor/smith/air reduction equipment. i have a relatively new firepower cutting head and think it's cheaply made.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:The Smith are made in USA. If you are able to buy when Zoro Tools has their 30% off sale it would save you some money. http://www.zoro.com/miller-electric-...w&gclsrc=aw.dsZoro #: G0969586  | Mfr #: MB54A-510  $267.32 /ea then take the 30% off, around $190.00http://www.weldersupply.com/P/317/Sm...eteMediumDutyO  $249.00
Reply:Originally Posted by docweldercheck out craigslist or flea-bay you may find used but good quality victor/smith/air reduction equipment. i have a relatively new firepower cutting head and think it's cheaply made.
Reply:If you only need a cutter, I'd recommend the Smiths 229. But can't go wrong with Victor either...
Reply:I have used a lot of different brands of cutting torches . I personally like the Harris stuf. I will say that Victor seems to be the most popular. I am not overly impressed with Smith equipment but all will do the job and all will be dependable.
Reply:i like airco/cocoa they have corncob handle and stainless steel heads other torches are harder to grip handle for me
Reply:Originally Posted by 2007300Di like airco/cocoa they have corncob handle and stainless steel heads other torches are harder to grip handle for me
Reply:I believe that the Victor Journeyman series of torches are still made in the USA. Who's the guy here on this forum that repairs torches?   I forgot his user name, but he would know for sure. "Hey I didn't come to look and learn, I came to turn and burn.... If I can't light up, I'm gonna light out!"-JodyIdealarc 250 "Fatman"MM 252MM 211 "Little boy" Victor Torches
Reply:Originally Posted by ANVILWho's the guy here on this forum that repairs torches?   I forgot his user name, but he would know for sure.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumI think one of the very low-end Victors (Firepower?) may be China, some others Mexico. I think my son's Performance Series was made in Mexico. .
Reply:Originally Posted by ANVILI believe that the Victor Journeyman series of torches are still made in the USA. Who's the guy here on this forum that repairs torches?   I forgot his user name, but he would know for sure.
Reply:I have both Smith's SC-209, and MC-209 series torches and really like them quite well. The SC series stuff was purchased new by me in the 1970's and have never been rebuilt as I've been the only user. I purchased the MC series in 2006 as my wife has smaller hands than I and she likes to help in the shop, (to keep an eye on me thinking I don't know) and being this torch is physically smaller in size, is more comfortable for her. I only use genuine Smith's tips and attachments so cannot vouch for aftermarket quality. I have both used and abused these since their acquisition and if replacement or additions are needed, they will be Smith's.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:Some swear by Harris for a dedicated cutting torch.  Here's a pretty good deal on a Koike torch, $100.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Koike-Aronso...-/261844858701Five years back I passed on a Koike Silvercut 250 that was on closeout for $50, including Koike quick-connects.  Still kicking myself.  I believe their hand torches are patterned off an AIRCO torch - I think they and CONCOA bought rights to some of the AIRCO stuff.  The tips fit AIRCO and Koike torches, and are said to be high quality."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