Time to build a starter cutting outfit

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I've decided to build my cutting/heating outfit with propane.  I know I won't be able to weld, but that's okay right now and for the foreseeable future.Here's where I need help:Which outfit would you buy if you were getting someone started as a hobbyist/garage/newby?The caveat here is quality with price in mind.  I realize it won't be 'cheap', but if I can start under $240 it would be awesome.Please include links and model numbers.Thanks
Reply:Does that $240 include tanks?  You can find Smith medium duty setups on Ebay well within your price range.  Grab yourself some propane tips and go propane for the fuel.  It will save you a ton of money both in the fuel and the tanks.  All that's left would be to find a deal on an O2 tank.
Reply:Propane tanks are even expensive. My 100 lb. tank was $110 or $120. I think the little BBQ tanks - 20 lb'ers are $40 ?  The fill on my 100 lb. is another $50 but I am lucky to have a local agriculture store near me. It was $11 to fill my 20 lb. BBQ tank. Hope that helps you. It might be easy to get the torch and stuff but you may end up stretching your budget for a complete O/P setup.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I've got a couple of 20# propane cylinders that I can make do with for some time.  The price is just for the outfit minus tanks.  If I have to, I will rent an oxygen tank for a short time until I can buy one or whatever.  I'd just like some real item numbers and such from guys who know what the heck they are doing.  I've been looking at stuff like the Victor Advantage II, and the Harris Classic stuff, it's just so many different choices that it's tough to decide.  I do know that I won't be cutting anything thick like over 1"--at least not for quite some time.  I really want it for heating/bending and maybe a little cutting on thinner stuff almost certainly less that 3/8", maybe 1/4"This is worse than going to the gun store, except there I know what I want, just gotta afford it.  This I can afford, just gotta figure out what I want/need.Please keep posting I can use all advice.
Reply:Really in that price range (like I was) the Smith MD is UNBELIEVABLE.  I'll actually be ordering another set (long story) to replace my recent purchase.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:I know the major brands are Victor, Smith, and Harris.  What do you guys think about the other stuff like GenTec?
Reply:You'd be supprised how long those little 20# propane tanks last while cutting, much longer than a comperably sized acetylene tank.  They will work just fine for you.As for other brands, I don't really think much of them.  You won't get the customer support/service or quality you will with a name brand.  And, with the prices of name brand kits on Ebay, there is aboslutely no reason to buy a generic/imported kit.
Reply:Originally Posted by TealGunnerI know the major brands are Victor, Smith, and Harris.  What do you guys think about the other stuff like GenTec?
Reply:Just bought a W300 torch set up.  I think its ESAB.  $252.  I have another 20 year old set exactly like it that will now live in my truck.  Everything is interchangable for me.  It will cut 2" with the right tip no sweat even with 80 size tanks.  It comes with a cutting tip for up to 1.5".This came from my local welding supplier.  I like to keep my money local.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:ive just been using a little propane torch. i got a bunch of little tanks from my dads work. can turn iron red/orange