Cutting torch question.

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I need a cutting torch and Lowes has one for about 179. It says Lincoln on the box but also Harris. I want it for cutting and heating only and will be using propane as a fuel. It says with Acetylene its rated at 4" cut and 1/2 inch weld. Can anyone tell something about this torch and if it is OK for cutting?If not could someone give me the got-ya on buying one of these? I have arc welders for welding so cutting is all I would use it for. Never owned one before.Thanks.Roger.
Reply:For one thing, I do beleive lincoln owns harris.  For another you will need a tip thats for propane.  This torch, its the lil porta unit right?  It doesnt have a lot of time on the oxy anyway, but if youre only using it for cutting, and cutting things impractical with a saw I think it will be fine for a hobbiest.  IF you were gnna use this right with any real frequency I migt consider looking at a larger model.  I personally would go to your local weld supply first and talk to the guy there and ask him about pricing on refills, and the rental rates and the price for the cheapest torch and reg set he has.  Then make your decision  based on what you think you will need.  I personally cant use a torch this small.  Its not the torch, its the size of bottles..use them up too quick and to fill a larger botttle isnt a lot more expensive.  IMOIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Thanks TX but I'm talking about the other one here:http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...659&lpage=noneI will be buying both the oxy and propane tanks. Any input is appreciated.Thanks.Roger.
Reply:Oh that one.Looks liek a fine set up.  Wont miss an oppurtunity to share, I prefer Victor.  However, this is like telling you dont buy a lincoln I like Miller.  Harris is a good brand.  Ive used Harris.   Nothing wrong with them.  I have personally found I can go anywhere and to any shop and find Victor or have it delievered at a moments notice.  This isnt ever been a problem for me but I know its there so it makes me feel good. Now, you will need to purchase a propane tip.  No big deal, just visit your welding supply and purchase one.Or you might find sucess online.  You will purchase according to your fuel gas,  propane, the tip size, based on the thickness of the plate you plan to you, and the make.  So you will only choose harris tips.  There may be some off brand equivalents, but they will be fitted for Harris if they are to fit.  Good luck.  You should enjoy it.IF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Burning propane you also should use a hose for propane.  You might do better by pricing it at a welding shop since you are already driving up the price with a new line and cutting tip.  Also, since you only want to do heating and cutting then you don't need the "flip flop" torch.  Check pricing on a dedicated cutting torch with porper line.  Also get flashback arrestors for regulators and torch. 4 total arrestors.  You don't need the most expensive regulators, just take care of them.Finally, I rarely use a torch.  I weld occasionally, and torch cut only when my portable bandsaw or angle grinder won't do the job.  It is convient (and expensive) when you need it, but there are other ways to cut.I use propane for cutting and acetylene for welding.
Reply:I do beleive its a T grade thats good for alt fuels.  Victors come with that stock.  Double check on this oneIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Jeepnut, I have seen many many people switching from Victor to the Harris line. The prices caught their eye and were skeptical at first, because the Harris is way less expensive than Victor they think it is poor quality, normally they will try a set and give it a go to later find that its a dam good product only to buy more, only to speak what I have experienced. These welding distibutors offer both lines and tend to sell more Harris than Victor. Why do these distributors sell both lines? If they didn't, Harris shoppers will go elsewhere, and I see Harris shoppers populating.If you decide to get this kit, makes sure the twin hose is rated for all fuel gases. Also, you will need to purchase a propane cutting tip. I would always definitely recommend purchasing flashback arrestors, if your torch handle has none built in.Victor products are very good equipment, no doubt, but, the price difference to Harris, in my opinion, is not worth it. Victor in my opinion is overly priced.I like the Harris cutting torches, ever had a torch crap out on you in a middle of a job? Harris has simplified the oxygen plunger assembly, a piece unit which screws in and out in less than a minute is what it takes to repair your cutting attachment, which cost less than $15, which you keep as a spare in your toolbox. Pretty much like a battery in a flashlight, when it dies, just screw off the end and insert a fresh battery in seconds, same concept. Victor's design is not the same, you need various components to repair and is more complicating to repair. Most companies send their Victor repairs to a repair specialist. Harris also sells a "V" series line, this series allows you to use a Victor tip or allows you to attach your cutting attachement to Victor torch.Funny to hear that a rumor I heard was that Victor is making a Harris style torch to do the same. I wonder why? Once again, Victor makes good equipment. They also offer an inexpensive line called their Medalist line.Good Luck!
Reply:Well, I did a little more home work and I discovered that the regulator is Acetylene only. At the Lincoln site they sell the T-grade that I would need. Its getting hard to go with the Harris one from lowes. The only thing I could do is go with Acetylene in stead of propane. I'm not ready to cave to that just yet. There is an Airgas store down the street that pushes the Radnor line but I have only seen one post that mentions it. Can anybody chime in on this? I could just go with a propane setup for cutting only, still more extensive but there is service down the street. Something to be said for that.Tapwelder, I have a portaband I use and a chop saw and a saws-all. I had to make a flat plate 11x14x1/2 inch out of a BIG chunk I pick up at a steel salvage yard. I wound up using the saw-all for the most part. This made getting a cutting torch important.lolThanks guys for your help!RogerLast edited by jeepnut; 04-25-2006 at 05:27 AM.
Reply:Im familiar with the Radnor products.  They are an offbrand, I believe they are in the market similar to profax.  I beleive this is probably a fair product and I have seen better pricing.  I can tbe certain, but I personally would take a chance on them.  With any luck they will turn out good.  So far what I have bought from them, small hand tools and such, has been good quality.   If you get it let us know what you find.IF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Thanks TX, I will go there Saturday because they close before I get home from work. I will let you know how it goes. They sell Lincoln products too so I may compare them and see.Roger.
Reply:There is an Airgas store down the street that pushes the Radnor line but I have only seen one post that mentions it. Can anybody chime in on this? I could just go with a propane setup for cutting only, still more extensive but there is service down the street. Something to be said for that.
Reply:Sandy,I would this this is partly my basis for saying yeah on the Radnor brand.  partly because I think there may be merit to it turning into a good alternative brand.  Victor and Harris and Smith were once nobody.  You never know.Im hoping this will turn into a good product and a good buyIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Originally Posted by TxRedneckSandy,I would this this is partly my basis for saying yeah on the Radnor brand.  partly because I think there may be merit to it turning into a good alternative brand.  Victor and Harris and Smith were once nobody.  You never know.Im hoping this will turn into a good product and a good buy
Reply:Hi all, well I pick up the Acetylene torch set from lowes. It was getting to be a real pain to go with propane. Also in my investigation of Radnor, I found that they are made by Harris or Victor. Go figure. The set I got matches the set at Lincolns called the Steelworker - Classic here:http://www.harriscalorific.com/2003/classic_outfits.aspI made the mistake of not getting the adapter for the Acetylene tank. Its the CGA 300 and the tank is a CGA 510 I think. So I got to wait till Monday now to play...lolThanks for the help guys, I hope I added some info on the Radnor brand.Roger.
Reply:you did.  If you provide good reviews on the radnor brand, i think pros will like themIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Regarding the Radnor line, this is what Airgas uses as their private label line. Most of the stuff is built by the same manufacturer. For example Radnor tig torches at one time were (may still be) built by Weldcraft. I work for an independant distributor, and we had a private label line of torch outfits built by Smith a couple years ago, but found the private label stuff didn't sell as well as the name brands did.  If you stick with a known brand or a reputable distibutor, you'll always be able to find parts and service. The Lincoln outfits are indeed built by Harris as Harris is part of Lincoln Electric. Enjoy the new flamethrower!
Reply:Originally Posted by jeepnutWell, I did a little more home work and I discovered that the regulator is Acetylene only. At the Lincoln site they sell the T-grade that I would need. Its getting hard to go with the Harris one from lowes. The only thing I could do is go with Acetylene in stead of propane. I'm not ready to cave to that just yet.  Roger
Reply:Almost all acetylene hoses and regulators can be used with propane. I have an old NAPA acetylene regulator that I use on my propane cylinder all the time. The only thing I don't like about propane is it doesn't get as hot as acetylene and you can't weld with it. The cylinder I have holds maybe 400 or 500CF of gas. I dont know the exact capacity so don't hold me to that. It's about 1.5ft in diameter, and just a little bit taller than a 125CF oxygen cylinder and it uses a standard cylinder cap. I think my Granddad said it cost about $250 back in the early 70's when he bought it.RD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck1966 Lincoln SA200 Continental F162 1942 Lincoln SA200 Hercules IXB-51991 Lincoln LN25