What do you think of this torch? Victor Performer

admin

What do you think of this torch for a beginner?  Thinking about putting it on the Christmas list.   Interested in cutting up to 1/2-3/4" steel and heating for bending or pre-mig welding.   http://www.amazon.com/Thermadyne-038...s=victor+torchWrite-up:  This medium duty outfit cuts up to 1/2-Inch or 6-Inch with optional tips, and welds up to 1/4-Inch or 1-1/4-Inch with optional nozzles. Features included are ESS3 Series regulators, 100FC torch handle with built in flashback arrestors and check valves, CA 1350 cutting attachment, cutting tip 0-3-101, heating nozzle Type MFA-1 size 4, welding nozzle (W-1) 0, T grade hose 12.5 foot by 3/16-Inch, striker and tip cleaner, and soft sided shade 5 goggles.Is that the best deal?  I checked weld fabulous, and couldn't find the same package to compare.Is there anything missing besides two tanks and cart that I should get to start?
Reply:Just make sure the acetylene fitting matches what you can get from your supplier. That unit is a CGA 510 reg for acetylene. Acetylene cylinders also come in CGA 300 in the large sizes. There are also 2 smaller size CGA fittings for acetylene that are for the tiny cylinders ( those you want to avoid if possible).Off the top of my head I forget if my cylinders are CGA 510 or CGA 300's My place carry's both, and I usually have to look when I exchange them to make sure I get the one that matches what I had before to match my regs.Over all it's not a bad set. I hate Victors website. There's no easy way to compare all the different combinations that they sell, all with different names. Often names change simply because they changed hose lengths or reg styles and the working ends stay pretty much the same..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:Check www.weldersupply.com .
Reply:I bought that set a while back for the regulators and was pretty impressed. At that time it was 199.00 .  Just checked weldersupply  is $235.
Reply:Not a bad deal considering I paid $275 for my radnor set
Reply:Cyberweld is a good site to compare the options. Similar set is $270 there.   http://store.cyberweld.com/viwecuou.html You guys should quit complaining, my set was $400 on this side of the border. I think you'll like your choice, they've been really good to deal with.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:I bought mine from weldfabulous.  on sale right now.http://www.weldfabulous.com/p-20678-...0384-2045.aspxSyncrowave 210HH140Victor O/A
Reply:My son got the older Performer kit with the older style regulators a few years back.  Works fine.  The 100FC torch and CA 1350 cutting attachment have been around for years.  It's the standard small Victor torch."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by MetalJunkieI bought mine from weldfabulous.  on sale right now.http://www.weldfabulous.com/p-20678-...0384-2045.aspx
Reply:Stock number 0384-2045 looks the same for both what you originally posted and what he did. That should make it the same kit.  Whtbaron's link they have a slightly different number shown. Last 4 numbers being 2046 vs 2045. I'd have to dig more to figure out what the differences are. My 1st thought would be that the CGA on the acetylene reg is different. Edit: Actually it looks like the difference between Whtbaron's kit and the other might just be the lack of the rosebud in the kit.I know I spent quite a bit of time not long ago trying to decipher Victor's kits trying to determine what ones are set up to do Propane vs acetylene, and small model differences like that were often the case. I also found some times is was something as simple as the fact one kit came with 12' hoses and another came with 25' hoses. Everything else was the same..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:scroll down on the item descriptionSyncrowave 210HH140Victor O/A
Reply:I wouldn't be too concerned about that, they are useful tips. Once you get into it, you'll probably end up with several different sized tips anyway. I like the smaller ones for working around sheet metal and confined areas, the larger ones for heating or cutting thicker pieces.DSW... I've also seen variations in names/numbers for kits sold in Canada v.s. the US.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Originally Posted by whtbaronDSW... I've also seen variations in names/numbers for kits sold in Canada v.s. the US.
Reply:LOL....musta been metric!I just talked to a garage owner recently that bought another Chinese look alike. All kinds of issues with bad valves right out of the box and nobody knows how to deal with it. When I had issues with a Victor it was a simple case of "get it back here" and they're dealing with it. That 5 yr warranty is worth money in this market of questionable quality control.Last edited by whtbaron; 12-08-2014 at 01:36 PM.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Mike,I have the same torch and I love it.  I bought some different sized tips for cutting and welding off amazon for like $4.00 each.  they are victor clones and seem to hold up fine for hobby users.  I weld, cut, braze, and heat and bend with mine.  Actually it's my favorite way to weld.  It's nice and slow and you can really see what the puddle is doing. My acetylene tank is ~75cf and my O2 tank is ~130cf.  I just bought the cart and did'nt make my own.  All you need is the torch, bottles, and a cart.  Have fun!harrySyncrowave 210HH140Victor O/A
Reply:Thanks for the insight guys.Metal Junkie, we aren't far.  I'm in Cedar Creek outside Austin.  If you would like to get together for a beer or need help with a project, let me know.  I don't know what I'm doing, but always anxious to learn.
Reply:Mike,Even though the kit says "will cut up to 1/2 inch with included tip''or whatever it says, you will be much happier if you buy the sizes of tips for the thickness of metal that you will be working with whether it be cutting or welding.  a 1/2 inch cutting tip will cut thinner metal but will be cleaner if you use the correct tip.  Also, if you weld you will need the correct size tip for the thickness of metal.  They are cheap enough on amazon and seem to work fine for the hobbyist.  Make sure that you don't have any leaks at the connections.  I had to put teflon tape on my connections cause I didn't want to crank down on fittings too much.  Also, start looking at youtube videos on cutting, brazing, and welding.  Back in high school all we had was O/A and stick welding.  The O/A set is very capable and will keep you entertained for a long time.  I am re-learning too but really enjoy it.  If you have any questions PM me and I will try to answer them. Praxair distributors seem to have the best gas prices in our area.Syncrowave 210HH140Victor O/A
Reply:I'm researching oxy-fuel torches and found that George Goehl has a YouTube video regarding choosing a torch and in it speaks a lot about the Victor Performer. He recommends it. It has put the Victor Performer on my short list although right now I'm wrestling with the oxy/acet  oxy/propane decision.Last edited by JimboTN; 12-09-2014 at 08:00 PM.Dillon/Henrob/Cobra 2000, Victor 100FC, Meco-N-Midget, Hobart HH187, Miller Thunderbolt 225AC, Razorweld Vipercut 30A Plasma, and lots of grinders
Reply:Originally Posted by MetalJunkieMike,Even though the kit says "will cut up to 1/2 inch with included tip''or whatever it says, you will be much happier if you buy the sizes of tips for the thickness of metal that you will be working with whether it be cutting or welding.  a 1/2 inch cutting tip will cut thinner metal but will be cleaner if you use the correct tip.  Also, if you weld you will need the correct size tip for the thickness of metal.  They are cheap enough on amazon and seem to work fine for the hobbyist.  Make sure that you don't have any leaks at the connections. I had to put teflon tape on my connections cause I didn't want to crank down on fittings too much. Also, start looking at youtube videos on cutting, brazing, and welding.  Back in high school all we had was O/A and stick welding.  The O/A set is very capable and will keep you entertained for a long time.  I am re-learning too but really enjoy it.  If you have any questions PM me and I will try to answer them. Praxair distributors seem to have the best gas prices in our area.
Reply:pipeliner,Thanks for the info.   I had to exchange my acetylene bottle today and noticed a small dent on the mating surface on the valve stem of the regulator.   This is my first exchange and I treated the regulator like it was made out of glass so I'm not sure where the dent came from.  I guess I'm out of luck on the warranty because I can't prove who caused the dent.  Hopefully changing the stem is a user serviceable item.  I guess this is a lesson learned.  It sucks none the less.Syncrowave 210HH140Victor O/A
Reply:Shop around you might find it cheaper. I like the hard hat regulators.
Reply:Just changed one out last week on mine. One drop on the floor and they're done. It was a stuff happens moment. About $4.