Airco deal?

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Hi everybody. Torch newbie in your midst.I had planned on purchasing a new Harris or Victor cutting and heating torch kit tomorrow. Then I saw a local listing for an older Airco 48" aircraft style torch w/propane cutting tip, heavy duty regulators (unknown brand - the owner couldn't recall) and 100' of hose for $200. I will not know model #s until I look at them. Apparently the gentleman has a bad back and is now selling his equipment, which he has regularly used at a scrapyard.After copious reading here and elsewhere, I understand that the older Airco stuff was good, but not excellent. I also understand that my subject knowledge is woefully inadequate. Despite the fact that I barely survived thru my teen years, it didn't me long to figure ot that when it comes to the potential to explode, my preference (and self-preservation drive) is for new and American-made equipment. However, I just love great deals, and would like to know if this is one. Importantly, will that long torch too unwieldy for all-around heating? I imagine it would be great for cutting larger stock - something that I would be using it for.to fabricate excavator, truck and tractor accessories and parts. I have a DC migwelder, so I'm not interested in welding, but perhaps brazing one day. Or should I just go new with the Harris or Victor kits, but I don't think that they are even made in the USA. The supply store also has a US-made Purox GT-350 for $269.  I would probably ( and hopefully) be fixing and bending stuff a few times a year -  but one never knows. I just cranked my excavator thumb yesterday....hence the immediate need.I'd appreciate the help, even smart-alec criticism!  Thanks.
Reply:Smith, ESAB (Oxweld & Purox), Harris and Victor are all good brands. Smith and ESAB are made in USA and carry a lifetime warranty on their torches. ESAB carries a lifetime warranty on their regs, also. I don't know  anything about the Airco. I would stick with Smith or ESAB. I wouldn't be afraid of buying used on CL or ebay, I do it all the time and there are some great deals out there. Good luck and welcome aboard!PS, Post alot of pics of your work because we like pics here."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:Airco is out of business and I don't know how available parts may be. I've got an old Airco handle with one heating tip and the cutting attachment. More than 15 years ago I looked into getting either a rosebud for it or some more tips for heating and found they were either almost imposible to find, or were very expensive. It's stuffed in a drawer some where. The Airco regs I had, the acet died and got trashed, the O2 one got converted to a HP air reg so I could use it for my plasma. I simply didn't trust it for O2 after the acet one died most likely due to age. Memeber OAdoctor here may have access to some parts, you'd have to ask him. A 48" long cutting torch says gas axe to me. If you needed to do a lot of demo work or scrapping, it would be perfect. I wouldn't want to try and cut small pieces out with it however. It would just be too unweildy.To me the cost is just too high for a torch that to me would have limited use and for something that I couldn't get parts for..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:For the price you are talking the Purox would be a good pick. I really like their torches.They have a very nice "feel", it's a decent price, and buying from your local supply is good for business relations. They can cut you MANY deals if they like you.Airco stuff is fixable and rebuildable, but I sell Aircos when I get them and I buy Purox and Smith.Last edited by farmall; 10-26-2011 at 11:16 PM.
Reply:Thanks a lot guys. Hmmmm. Seems like the Purox is the way to go.  I was thinking propane because I'll be doing more heating that cutting. Is that a better choice than acet?Here's a pic for you Stick-man. Here's the excavator thumb that I modified and quickly bent. I should have welded on braces and gussets. Attached ImagesLast edited by deputyrpa; 10-27-2011 at 07:24 AM.