Lincoln Porta Torch

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Has anyone here purchased the Lincoln Porta Torch, and if so, is it worth the $264.00 they are asking for it at Lowes? Attached ImagesMiller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:what do you intend on cutting / doing with it?Me!
Reply:I've got a portable set just like the one in the picture.  Not the Lincoln brand but the same set up.  They have very limited application primarily because the cylinders are so small.   The cylinders are expensive to fill and give very little cutting or welding time.Unless you have a specific use for this type set up where being portable is the most important feature I would suggest you buy larger cylinders.
Reply:Well, its a pain to remove and re-install my plasma cutter from the plasma cam, so I am looking for something to do the occasional cutting job without having to mess with my machine. I rarely work with anything over 1/4", and do not oxy weld. I figure for 264 bucks, it will work for the occasional cutting requirement, or the stubborn stuck bolt. What are we talking to fill these tanks? I believe the Oxy tank is 20cuft, and the acet is 10.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:I started to buy the same thing. Instead I got the Harris cut master torch set ~ $150.00 from HomeDepot. The same store sold gas from praxiar, I got a B acet. for ~ $70.00 and a Q oxy for ~ $125.00. I still wish I had got bigger bottles but HomeDepot said they would trade up when I bought them, I found out later that they would not. I have not visited a Praxair industrial supply to ask if I can trade up yet, this is fine for me. I would say get bigger bottles if you can afford them. If I could do it all over again, I would visit my local welding supply and pay the extra$$ for the better equipment and service. My LWS said he would exchange the bottles and the price was less than PraxAir at HomeDepot. The only problem is when I run out of gas is usually late Saturday or Sunday when the LWS is closed and HD is open.o.c.d.Last edited by o.c.d.; 02-28-2008 at 10:55 PM.
Reply:If you are going to use torch more than just a very little cutting or welding definitely go to your LWS to get your bottles and gas. My LWS rents bottles for $6 a month, any size. The larger the bottle the cheaper the gas in it. I'm not sure about acetylene as that is sold by the cubic foot. He will also sell you bottles that you simply exchange for full ones, no bottle charge. If you have two bottles of his and exchange two bottles a month there is no charge. Don't have to be the same kind of bottles. Change two oxygen bottles and no acetylene, still no charge. He lets me use a 244 cu. ft. oxygen bottle instead of the the 112 cu. footer I own to get the oxygen cheaper. Nice guy but I've also traded with his company since 1966 when his dad owned it.
Reply:Well, I dont want to spend more than 300, so that limits me quite a bit. Decent sized tanks alone will cost me more than that. Ive been looking for a decent used setup. I can find used torches all day long, but folks like to hang on to thier tanks.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:The reason larger tanks save $ is there is usually a flate rate to " Fill " a bottle plus the charge for product itself.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:I have that same setup except I made a homemade carrier for it. It's great if you need a little heat in some place that is hard to access. For instance, I used to do a lot of emergency generator work for the city. Lots of times these generators were in the basements of police stations and city offices. Sometimes you needed a little heat to get something loose or to burn off a bolt or something. It was great because you could carry it right through the offices and down the basement steps.But I wouldn't try to do any serious burning with it.Joewww.CummingsHauling.com
Reply:Well guys, I went and took a little different route, and spent about $50 over my $300 limit. I took a trip down to Lowes, and checked out the Porta Torch. The parts are made by Harris in GA, but if you read the fine print, it says made in USA with imported parts. The quality didn't quite seem to equal that of a nice Victor setup, but it wasnt bad. The "imported parts" factor made me think its all just china stuff with a Harris brand on it. So, instead of the porta torch setup which comes with everything minus gas, I took a trip down to Harbor Frieght, and picked this up for $99 bucks http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=36983I then cruised over to my LWS, and bought a 40cuft oxy tank, 40 cuft acet tank and regulator adaptor for $250. Thats for full tanks BTW. The guy at the desk took a look at my regulators and asked what I paid. I told him 99 for everything including torch, hoses, etc. He was shocked. Said good find, and that the china stuff does the job.  Going this route, I have twice as much oxy, and 4 times as much acet for only 50 more dollars. Ill take close up pics of the Harbor Frieght torch stuff in a bit to show the quality. Its about the same as the entry level Harris stuff they have at Lowes, but more affordable.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Here are those pics I said I would post.All I need is a small cart for this stuff. Im about to slap one together real quick.QMiller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:I think you will be a lot happier with that rig for your purposes than the porta torch.  Good solution to the problem.I only paid $10 for mine at a garage sale so I certainly can't complain but it is of very limited use.
Reply:As long as the torch setup doesnt crap out on me too quick, then I think you are right. You cant beat 10 bucks though, thats a steal.Well, I slapped a quick cart together, nothing special. I will put some pnematic tires on it later, and a bag or something to hold the torch stuff. For now, it is better than nothing.BTW, the handle is recycled from the air tank I am using to make my smoker. I try to recycle anything metal that i can. Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Ok, its done. Slapped somet tires and some miller blue on it. Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:wow that looks nice
Reply:Thanks. The wheels really help, those small tanks with regulators probably weigh 50 pounds.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2