New need torches, recommendations ?

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Well, it’s time to replace my setup I think. Have a victor head, harris regualtors and the hoses are probably 35 years old.  Regulators and the head have been rebuilt a few times over the years but thinking a whole new setup. Stay with Victor ? I hear Smith is the way to go. Do mostly cutting up to 1/2 sometimes but mostly run of the mill and blowing off rotted bolts etc. i do braze from time to time.Lincoln Ranger 8Lincoln 140c MigLincoln Tombstone(doesn't everybody have one ?)Miller 200Diesel/Heavy Equipment MechanicLead Plant Mechanic Municipal Water
Reply:I cannot particularly recommend a specific brand because everybody has their own favorite.  What I am willing to recommend is that you get just a one piece dedicated cutting torch instead of a torch where you can swap different attachments based on your description of what it will be used for.  I would recommend a smaller torch if you are not doing anything large, but that is just my preference.  You really need to find something that you feel comfortable in hand.  Torches have a great deal of variety on how they sit in one's hand from one brand to another.  Find something that you are comfortable with from 1 of the well-known brands.  IMHO
Reply:I have own the same Victor torches for over 40 years . They can be rebuilt it needed. regualtors do need to be rebuilt .Dave

Originally Posted by acesneights1

Well, it’s time to replace my setup I think. Have a victor head, harris regualtors and the hoses are probably 35 years old.  Regulators and the head have been rebuilt a few times over the years but thinking a whole new setup. Stay with Victor ? I hear Smith is the way to go. Do mostly cutting up to 1/2 sometimes but mostly run of the mill and blowing off rotted bolts etc. i do braze from time to time.
Reply:keep (rebuild)  old victor would be my vote.   i  think smith might be better, but my hands like victor better
Reply:This might be a bit of a thread hijack... Not sure if this option is available from those manufactures: my older Craftsman torch has an on/off switch. So I can set the flame how I need it, and then just flip the switch off when I'm done with the cut. Next cut just flip it back on, light it, and back to work. No messing with the little knobs on the handle every time I light it. Is this a common feature?GlenRed-D-Arc EX300 (Miller XMT304)Hobart Champion 16Hobart Hefty CC/CVHobart Handler 140Lotos LTP5000D
Reply:

Originally Posted by ArcTan

This might be a bit of a thread hijack... Not sure if this option is available from those manufactures: my older Craftsman torch has an on/off switch. So I can set the flame how I need it, and then just flip the switch off when I'm done with the cut. Next cut just flip it back on, light it, and back to work. No messing with the little knobs on the handle every time I light it. Is this a common feature?