Harris vs Smith torch sets opion needed

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These two sets are about he same price at welding supply here (230-245 for the Smith w/rosebud) (the smith wont be in until early in the week) I'm wondering which may be the best bet or perhaps what advantage would one set have over the other? , I really only need this now for heating a frame we need to bend, I can't remember the last time I needed to braze something and now that I have the Syncrowave 351 welding with a torch rig is pretty much not a thought, , I also have a powermax 600 plasma cutter, so the torch would be used little for cutting as well unless to cut a hard to get too tab off a frame or somethingAnyhow here are the two sets they carry, I would still have tp buy the tanks (wow they are pricey too)  Harris deluxe steel worker 4403224Smith tough cut medium duty mb54-510-l  or  mb55a-510 w/rosebudThanksTom
Reply:shoot, guess I should had added the links sorryHarris deluxe steelworker kit its in the gas ap catalog it hasit replaces the old part number 4403069it has the 85 handle, d-85 mixer, 72-3 cut attach, 6290-1ac tip, 23a90-5 tip, 25-100c-540 reg, 25-15c-510 reg, goggles triker and hose  http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/e...ic_outfits.aspSmith http://www.smithequipment.com/produc...ges/page07.pdf
Reply:I'll just give you may feedback on Smith as i don't have any experience with Harris so maybe someone will jump in for that. i have a Smith WH200 HD mixing handle with a SC209 cutting head i've had it for two years now very sturdy and well made torch not to mention the lifetime warranty on it i love cutting with this unit it just "feels" right in my hands compared to some others including a Victor that i've had. The advantage i see is the warranty also.thats a nice set, quality.HOBART IronMan 230 MIGSmith Lifetime WH200 HD O/A Torch
Reply:check into the rosebuds acetylene consumption  / acetylene tank size and remember the 1/7 rule...rosebud will eat more than many acet tanks can safely deliver...
Reply:Yes be careful with RB's read up on that.HOBART IronMan 230 MIGSmith Lifetime WH200 HD O/A Torch
Reply:I'll do some checking on the Rose bud then, I know I will only be able to get the 4' tall tanks here, (i think 150Cf?)   they are not allowed to sell the full size tanks to private owners here in Ga.thanks for the respnioses, the smith does seem the way to go for the money when it includes the RB, but htat harris just looked well built with the three tubes in that triangle shapeI talked to someone else briefly and they asked about a two piece head? not sure what they meant by thatthanks,  both of you!Tom
Reply:i t hink you'll find that such a tank cannot safely run anything but the  smallest available rosebud..which   may or may not be heat enough for your project.
Reply:and you really dont want to run a "starved " rosebud..you'll think a machine gun  went off in your hand
Reply:Originally Posted by ttmI'll do some checking on the Rose bud then, I know I will only be able to get the 4' tall tanks here, (i think 150Cf?)   they are not allowed to sell the full size tanks to private owners here in Ga.thanks for the respnioses, the smith does seem the way to go for the money when it includes the RB, but htat harris just looked well built with the three tubes in that triangle shapeI talked to someone else briefly and they asked about a two piece head? not sure what they meant by thatthanks,  both of you!Tom
Reply:Originally Posted by damanyou have a mixing handle(the bottom part with the valves)then you have the top part one valve and the head /tip,thats a two piece,probably what they were asking,they do make a one piece, handle and head is all i none.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadi t hink you'll find that such a tank cannot safely run anything but the  smallest available rosebud..which   may or may not be heat enough for your project.
Reply:l like a two piece you can remove the cutting head and install a brazing small heat tip,very convenient.let us know what you settle on.HOBART IronMan 230 MIGSmith Lifetime WH200 HD O/A Torch
Reply:For heating and cutting without withdrawal rate concerns, use propane instead of acetylene. Cheaper, and the propane cylinders don't require time to settle after being sloshed around or tipped over in transport.I'd buy the Smith without hesitation. The Toughcuts hold up to student use, are high quality, and American made. Throw the goggles that come in the kit into the trash, and get a tinted face shield for heating and cutting instead. You'll be much more comfortable, better protected, and have much better visibility.
Reply:I have both Harris Pro 2500 guages with a torch handle, cutting and welding attachments. And I have Smith 1500 series guages and Smith cutting torches. I prefer the Smith, partly because of LP tip availability, but I have not had ANY disapointments with the Harris stuff. My Harris guages are very heavy duty and quality made. I don't use the Harris torch at all, but it is high quality, and I keep it for when I want to play with gas welding. All in all I would go with the Smith, lifetime warranty and an awesome product."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:Originally Posted by farmallFor heating and cutting without withdrawal rate concerns, use propane instead of acetylene. Cheaper, and the propane cylinders don't require time to settle after being sloshed around or tipped over in transport.I'd buy the Smith without hesitation. The Toughcuts hold up to student use, are high quality, and American made. Throw the goggles that come in the kit into the trash, and get a tinted face shield for heating and cutting instead. You'll be much more comfortable, better protected, and have much better visibility.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manI have both Harris Pro 2500 guages with a torch handle, cutting and welding attachments. And I have Smith 1500 series guages and Smith cutting torches. I prefer the Smith, partly because of LP tip availability, but I have not had ANY disapointments with the Harris stuff. My Harris guages are very heavy duty and quality made. I don't use the Harris torch at all, but it is high quality, and I keep it for when I want to play with gas welding. All in all I would go with the Smith, lifetime warranty and an awesome product.
Reply:Originally Posted by damanl like a two piece you can remove the cutting head and install a brazing small heat tip,very convenient.let us know what you settle on.
Reply:Originally Posted by ttmpropane.,   I saw a post about that somewhere,  I'll have to look into that, I guess you would not use a oxy tank then? thanksand it does look like smith will be fine, why is it the cutting handle is on the back of these setups instead of underneath them (tip/cutting side) so you could use them with your fingers?
Reply:Originally Posted by ChuckYou will still need an Oxygen tank, and you really should have Grade "T" Hoses
Reply:That is correct.  T grade are All fuel.Miller 250x & Lincoln V205-TSmith Oxy-Prop torch
Reply:Originally Posted by ttmThanks for all the help, I do hae antoher question thoughI see the smith I am looking at only has a 3-year warranty and does not show if it has the flashback arrestor http://www.smithequipment.com/produc...ges/page07.pdf The kit I am looking at is the mb55a-510 w rosebud  It does say a reverse flow check valve, but I see some of their other torches mention dual guard that specifically state it is a flashback arrestor?also I see no mention if this torch can be used for propane useTom