Which outfit? Choice between Victor & Smith

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I have never welded before but will be buying an oxy acetylene kit and mig (Lincoln 180C) in the very near future (Monday hopefully) for some projects that I want to build over the winter.I have read everything I can and due to support by my LWS I will either be using a Smith or Victor outfit. I understand Smith is argueably the better equipment but there is still more to figure out. There are so many outfits and price ranges I am not sure what is needed for the hobbyist.It appears the more expensive Victor units are in line with the lesser expensive Smith units.What does everyone recommend? I don't like buying equipment more than once and if I need to spend the extra to get something and be done so be it.Also, what size bottles for the hobby user?
Reply:some smith is lifetime guarantee, the more hobbyish  smith is 3 year guarantee. compare victor. i think victor is made in china and smith is made in us.get the biggest bottles you can get. remember besides convenience you must not overdraw the acetylene, so if youre gonna use a rosebud plan accordingly.be careful, learn from someone who you are sure knows what he is doing, this stuff is serious. and enjoy.
Reply:I like Smiths sensitive cut lever. You can gently start a cut with out blowing metal all over the place.  Some of the victors are not as sensitive.But a lifetime warranty says it all.  Some people do not like the oxygen adjustment under the torch handle on a Smith, but you get used to it.Nothing wrong with Victor as parts are available everywhere, but it is just a matter of personal preference. I like the chrome finish of Smith, others like the brass of Victor.  Its just tit for tat.I'd look at warranty, parts availability, price, and dealer support to make your decision.  Performance figures can be misleading.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I like victor. I have used both quite a bit and victor feels better to me.
Reply:Thanks guys. Which outfit in each brand for a good hobbiest set? Is the Smith medium duty good enough for a home setup or is it worth it to step up to the Heavy duty series? Looking at the MC-510TAs for Victor will the Contender series work well or should one step up to the Journeyman series?
Reply:What is your primary use?The smith medium duty is good enough for 2 or 3 inch cuts...Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:typically a set is sold with a one cutting tip, and you may buy several more to have a large range of thicknesses...
Reply:I own a Smith set.  We use Victor at work.  The Victor stuff is tough and gets the job done day in and day out.  The Smith stuff is of very high quality and has great customer support.  Our welders prefer Victor because there are a few things that make the Smith torches more finicky like the graphite seats for sealing the cutting tips.  Of course they use a 36 inch pipe wrench to tighten their tips which destroys the seating surfaces.  I never use anything but hand tight and they work fine (I've had one bad tip that would mix acetylene into the 02 cutting jet).  I like the more refined feel of the Smith torch and because I use mine for welding as well, I like the heavy walled tips on the Smith torches (they don't heat up as fast when you work yourself into a corner).
Reply:i like victor cyberweld has the victor jourenyman II for $444.48 and thesmith dual guard for 411.50 Attached Images
Reply:If you are considering the Victor,  there are generic Victor torches available from China at a fraction of the cost.  Truth be  known, it is likely to be from the same factory.  If you have good warranty support from the sales point, then I'd consider that since the parts and tips will interchange readily.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadi think victor is made in china and smith is made in us.
Reply:Fairly recently, Victor has gone Chinese.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Guy at my LWS had a nice Victor set, used, that I got a great deal on. It looks brand new, the hose is still tied in the bottom of the tool box. Nothing in the box looks like it has ever been used but they said it was. It is a Cutskill set and gave $100 for it. I would have rather had a Smith unit but could not pass up the deal.Now I have to start figuring all of this out.Thanks for the input guys.
Reply:I have a Lincoln PM180c and a Victor Firepower. I have purchased many tips for the Victor so now it is more or less a versatile package. I like it.I run 80cf mig gas, and 80cf o2, the ace is slightly smaller? Cant remenber the exact size.I am merely a hobbyist and neigborhood metal fixer dude. The tanks last anywhere from 4mos to a year for my use.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500I own a Smith set.  We use Victor at work.  The Victor stuff is tough and gets the job done day in and day out.  The Smith stuff is of very high quality and has great customer support.  Our welders prefer Victor because there are a few things that make the Smith torches more finicky like the graphite seats for sealing the cutting tips.  Of course they use a 36 inch pipe wrench to tighten their tips which destroys the seating surfaces.  I never use anything but hand tight and they work fine (I've had one bad tip that would mix acetylene into the 02 cutting jet).  I like the more refined feel of the Smith torch and because I use mine for welding as well, I like the heavy walled tips on the Smith torches (they don't heat up as fast when you work yourself into a corner).
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldFairly recently, Victor has gone Chinese.
Reply:Wear ear plugs when you light that thing, especially when you do it in an enclosed space.  When you hit it with the O2 they tend to blow out with a bang.
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500Wear ear plugs when you light that thing, especially when you do it in an enclosed space.  When you hit it with the O2 they tend to blow out with a bang.
Reply:i agree smith is the way to go. the warranty alone has saved me hundreds already. without the warranty the hundreds would have went to buying another crappy torch without a warranty.BTW if you were ever thinking of running propane the smith is awesome with it.MM 251MM 135Lincoln Pro cut 55Bobcat 250Miller Thunderbolt ac/dcolder ac forneyJackson nexgen 3n13-Smith OP setups97 Dodge dieselMakita chopsawJet swivel head bandsawlincoln tig 300/30030a spoolgunpuma port. gas air comp.