?best Oxy-fuel setup per $$?

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Howdy Howdy Everyone!!  I'm getting into the market for an awesome heavy duty oxy-fuel setup for cutting and heating use. everything from sheet goods to 3/8" commonly, up to 1" rarely.  I wish to make farm implements, or customize them at least, some day that is. For now, am building up my shop.  Not welding, all that will be arc processes....maybee a hint of brazing sometimes.  SO!  My ideal setup would be a 4 1/2 acetylene and a 250 Cu Ft K size O-2 tank, and a Victor journeyman HD set...the newer model with higher volume flow (not that I would ever nead it, but it's nice to go big).  But, it's very $$$., around 500$ local, 400$ online.  I know that there are good Victor TYPE copies out there, but which are any good?  there are so many manufacturers of these styles of torches.  What are your thoughts?  Another idea, is to get all victor regs and torch body but go no-name tips/rosebuds, like the GOSS brand or what not... any and all ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!  Brian Lee  Sparkeee27
Reply:I have been looking at torches also....the radnor 350 deluxe seems to be a good value....$285ish it has the large handle and 350/360 regs its not a bad product from what I have been told....good for guys like us ......I would like to get the Victor journeyman but unless I can get a smoking deal on ebay I don't see it happening....good luckMartyFuture ProjectsEnglish WheelPlanishing HammerRing Bender[URL="http://www.strombolis.com"http://www.strombolis.com[/URL]
Reply:You don't want the smaller 350/360 regs, stick with the 540/510 so you can use larger cylinders with them.  If you want a good deal on a starter set, look on Ebay for Smith.  You can get a medium duty starter set for around $200 and I believe the Smith torches to be of better quality than Victor.  The tips will kill you, though.  They are hard to find here on the west coast and cost $25 a piece for a welding tip and $12 for a cutting tip.  Despite the cost of the tips, they are a good deal.  I have yet to burn one up.Here, ends tommorow for $195:  http://cgi.ebay.com/SMITH-DUAL-GUARD...QQcmdZViewItemAnother one with a little more time for $250:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Smith-Dual-Guard...QQcmdZViewItemLast edited by 76GMC1500; 02-27-2006 at 03:50 AM.