Choosing equipment - O/A regulators

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So as I'm looking at picking up some basic equipment, and trying not to bust the budget too bad, I'm beginning to wonder about oxygen and acetylene regulators. Looks like the cheaper basic models run around $90 each, but the welding shops are suggesting that the torch kits that come with everything are a much better deal. Are the kit regulators a cheaper model or the same as what they sell separately? What I'm looking at now are the Victor Medalist 250 kit($240 locally, I saw it online for $195), or the Lincoln Cutwelder at Home Depot which is $184. Another LWS carries Uniweld, I forget what the price on that kit was. Or would I be better off buying individual regulators? I have a torch coming from eBay(Victor J-27 for $100 - but it never hurts to have a spare if I get a kit), and have most of the other stuff in the kits aside from the hose.
Reply:I think you've already answered your own question.... regulators $90 each so that's $180 or the Victor Medalist 250 for $195 with the regulators and much more... buy online and save the money and tax...Lincoln Weldanpower A/C 225 D/C 210 /6kw auxiliary (code 9113 & 9108)Lincoln Weld Pak 100 MigMiller Maxstar 150 TigLincoln Scratch Tig 200 ampMiller 8-VS Suitcase Flux CoreHypertherm Powermax 30Victor Torches / Regulators
Reply:I my self would avoid buying knock off or import torches and regulators.  I believe good quality used equipment is better than new cheep stuff.  I have a set of Harris regulators that are going on 40 years with out an issue.  Be ware of Victor look alike torches.  As long as you buy known, name brand hardware, you should be able to get support through a local welding supply.  I don't know anything about Uniweld or Cutwelder and don't shop around for this equipment.  If you can afford it, buy quality parts once (even used) and they will last you a lift time with proper care.  JWIT http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?27598-Oxy-FuelCheck out this thread for more torch and regulator information.Dan D.Last edited by DanD78; 01-01-2016 at 06:23 AM.Manipulator Of Metal
Reply:OK, I picked up the Lincoln Electric Cutwelder kit at Home Depot. Contains a Harris 85 torch and a pair of Harris 601 regulators. So looks like it's time to save pennies for a set of tanks... And once the mailman arrives today I get to check out the condition of the eBay Victor.
Reply:One thing to consider, before you open the package, what tips are available in your area. Smith and Victors are pretty much available everywhere. Harris is also very popular. Take a trip to your local welding supply (lws) and see what they carry. Home crepot will probably carry the smaller stuff, but if you want to cut or heat thicker steel, they might not have what you need. Just some thoughts."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:Home Depot doesn't carry much of anything in the way of accessories. Nothing for gas aside from some brazing rods and goggles(aside from the Cutwelder and Port-A-Torch kits), everything else they have is mig wire. I should know, I work there I got my eBay package and noticed that the J-27 has two compatible tips, but the rest of the stuff is much larger. Looks like I got a #2 and #4 tip for the torch, and then the other items are a DA-1050 cutting attachment with a 0-1-101 in it and a spare 1-1-101 tip, a 1-T-4 and 5-T-4 welding tips, and a 8-T-11 rosebud. Hard to find much info in a quick Google search but it looks like they would fit a 300-series torch handle? I'll probably just sell them and buy some more tips for the torch I got.Last edited by CatCow; 01-02-2016 at 02:42 PM.
Reply:Just avoid any accessory that says "Victor STYLE."   Buy genuine Victor tips and accessories for your torch.  You get what you pay for.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:I've seen the inside of the standard Victor and Smith regulators...and I would go for the Smith brand, for similar money.The Victor J-27 is one of those torches I've been looking for.  It sounds like you may be planning to do smaller stuff or sheet metal.  I currently use a Meco Midget torch for similar small objects and a Victor 100 for larger stuff.I purchased an older Victor 100 torch handle for about $15 and sent it to a refurbisher...about $75 later I has an essentially-new torch.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:My Victor 100 series is probably 35 ish years old. Its awesome. I have an old Smith SC209 setup that needs a rebuild in my toolbox. Some day...lol