Inexpensive Cutting Torch setup?

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I think I need to invest in a cutting torch, guages, tanks, etc. The sawzall is great for lighter metals, but I'm looking at a few projects that will involve 3/8 steel and thicker.My question... since this is a hobby for me, and I might only do some cutting 2 or 3 times a year, I don't want to put a lot of money in an outfit. Can anyone advise me of the least expensive way to go? I have looked at a Lincoln (or maybe it was a Victor) torch/guage combination that SAM'S sells for around $140, but don't know if it is adequate.Also any ballpark figures on tank cost, etc.? Just trying to pick knowledge from everyone before I go any further. Thanks in advance for any help.
Reply:It depends on your area but often a small oxygen cylinder can be purchased outright to eliminate rental charges.  If you don't intend to weld with the torch then a small barbeque tank with propane will do.  You will have to purchase propane cutting tips.  Over the years the tank rentals can cost a lot more than the torches.  A small torch outfit will do.  Most people do not need torches capable of cutting three inch plate.
Reply:check Ebay there is a Victor kit for $60 + $25 shipping (By it now) This means no bidding.Last edited by KEENAVV; 12-12-2005 at 11:53 PM.
Reply:Give me some info on using propane rather than acetylene for cutting.  Can you get LP cutting tips and use a standard A/O torch and get good results using LP and Oxygen?  Does it cut as fast?  What thickness steel will it cut? Is there a brand of torches that is better to use either LP or acetylene with than others?  This interests me, as I need something to cut steel with to repair farm equipment but I don't want it to cost an arm and a leg--and LP is readily available.
Reply:To use propane you need to purchase the two piece fuel gas tips.  You are restricted to cutting and heating with propane.  You will use slightly more oxygen than if you were using acetyelene.  Your cuts will be cleaner with less slag.  The torch is not as height sensitive as acetylene when cutting.  It does take longer to preheat the plate before cutting can begin.  I find I can cut as fast if not faster once I get started.  The propane is cheaper and safer than acetylene by a wide margin.  There is some arguement that one should change hoses that are rated for propane.  I have used propane at work and at home since the early 1970's.   You need special torches if you intend to use natural gas but any standard brand will operate on propane.    I have lost count of the number of gas salesmen who have objected to me using acetylene.  Today it is very rare that you see a commercial operation use acetylene.  It is just too expensive and dangerous.  All large burning tables cutting plate use propane or natural gas.
Reply:i use propane it is ok and i use actolene the propane is fine and it keep the cost down i have cut one inche plale and 2 inche bar with propane you see a lot of propane being used in salvge yard and anywere where they have to run on a budget the only  actolene i see used now is where they are welding with it or where money is no objet big company or TXXts with more money than sence living live learning the hard way ..Drive it like you stole it                 spot
Reply:Will propane torches connect to a barbeque grill (20 pound) tank or does it require a special tank or fittings?  H'mmmm, we use propane for heating and I have a 250 gallon tank for that.  Wonder what it would cost to plumb in access to use it?  And it sits under pecan trees so it would be cooler to work  in the summer.  Is there any limit to the length of hose you can use with it?
Reply:I use a twenty pound barbeque tank.  I am drawing off at the top taking vapour.  Be mindful that on  large tanks and vehicle tanks you often have the option of drawing liquid or vapour.  You want to draw off vapour!  The fitting on small tanks is the standard left hand thread which your regulator will fit into.  I would hestiat to have extremely long runs simply because it would be an unprotected line.
Reply:I am only interested in something to cut and heat with, so it sounds as if propane would work fine for me.  I assume standard Victor or Smith A/O torches work fine with it by just changing to the right tip.  Is there a specific name or description used for those type tips?The hose run I was thinking about was from one end of my house to the other across the back yard, since the big propane tank is out there and the breaker box my welder is tied into is on the other end.  Is there any pressure drop that would be detrimental on longer hoses?I have four new 20 pound propane tanks with the new valves on them that I keep around to use for cooking. I had about six of the old style valve that I had to replace since I couldn't get them refilled.  I bought them for under $22.00 each at Sam's Club.  I could and did buy the tank, valve and all,  cheaper than I could buy just the valves locally and replace them myself.  I will be back in there before long and may take a look at them and buy more if they are still that reasonable.  If the 20 pound tanks will work I won't worry about hooking up to the big tank.  We have a couple of places locally that refill 20 pound propane tanks, and they are certainly more portable than a big acetylene tank.