thinking of buying smith gas axe cutting torch...

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So ive decided on buying a smith gas axe cutting torch part#sc929. But ive noticed that it doesnt come with flashback arrestors. Im worried that i wont be able to get any for it afterwards. Are the flashback arrestors interchangeable between victor and smith torches? What about cutting tips?  Seems like airgas and praxair only sell victor parts. Would my quick connects from my victor torch work with my smith one? Any input/info/advice would be greatly appreciated.Ranger 305gMillermatic 140 AutosetDewalt Chopsaw2 grindersMy Fists
Reply:The connections to the torch should be the same regardless of manufacturer. So your flashback arresters should work fine as well as your quick connects. The tips can be hard to come by in the sizes you need, but I have had no trouble getting them ordered through a welding supply place. A gas axe is a big torch. What are you cutting that requires something like this?
Reply:The cutting tips is what im concerned about. Special order item gives them a good excuse to jack up the price. Im a diesel mechanic/heavy equipment mechanic/welder for a construction company. And i never know what i might be welding or cutting out in the field.Ranger 305gMillermatic 140 AutosetDewalt Chopsaw2 grindersMy Fists
Reply:That torch uses the SC tips, same as the heavy-duty Smith torch.  http://www.bakersgas.com/smith-sc-se...ting-tips.html"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 bp626indamixThe cutting tips is what im concerned about. Special order item gives them a good excuse to jack up the price. Im a diesel mechanic/heavy equipment mechanic/welder for a construction company. And i never know what i might be welding or cutting out in the field.
Reply:The local Praxair and a local supply shop stock the tips here. Sometimes the tip sizes I want aren't in but they have ordered them for me. I just make sure to get extras of the sizes I use most. Are you looking for propane or acy. tips?
Reply:Originally Posted by hobohilton---------------If tips are a concern you should go with the Victor torch. Those tips are everywhere.... Garage sales, swap meets, Craigslist, etc.
Reply:I worked on heavy equipment of all sizes for many years and never needed any more toech than my victor combination. I regularly cut up to 3". All you need is a bigger tip.  You must remember what you cut or melt apart as is usually the case with a real big torch you still have to put back together. You might save an hour on disassembly but add several hours to the other side due to clean up and poor fit up because of a 1/2" or bigger kerf.
Reply:I have a slightly older version of the Gas Axe called the Dual Guard, DG929. Looks identical, except all chrome and built in flashback arrestor in the head. Very nice torch, with a capacity up to 20" or 24". The SC229 has a 12" capacity. Both will work for what you're doing, but the SC229 is a lot lighter. I wouldn't worry about tips, Smith are available from many online sources. Just get a couple extra of the size you need."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"