If you had to put together an O/A setup again,...

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...what would you do?  As another member suggested in the Introductions section, [perhaps] I'm an old dog trying to learn a new trick.  Nevertheless, I'm finally going to leave my friends alone and learn to do some of our own welding work.  We own and manage timber land, so we work with heavy equipment and milling equipment that requires welding work from time to time.  It seems to me that the logical place to start would be with an O/A setup, sothe questions stands ... If you had to put together an O/A setup again, what would you do? Although I've used a [borrowed] O/A setup to cut steel in the past, I've all but forgotten the details.  Obviously, this makes me a novice who's never owned any type of welding equipment.  As our business is relativelysmall, I want to avoid any pitfalls that other board members may have accidentally come across in the past.  Any thoughts on which brands to look for and/or avoid -- or any other productive thoughts on purchasing anew O/A setup -- would be most greatly appreciated.Thank you for your time  I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. - Thomas Jefferson
Reply:buy good stuff once. my preference is victor but there's other good brands out there.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:If I were only cutting then I would have started with propane for fuel and proper setup.
Reply:If I were only cutting then I would have started with propane for fuel.  Largest tanks possible to accommodate what you do.  Long hoses and repair kit.Last edited by tapwelder; 08-19-2015 at 06:11 AM.
Reply:Oxy/propane. 3/8 hose, Victor 310 handle, cutting attachment and type 55 rosebud in your choice of size. Victor style tips are carried by almost every lws, the 310 handle and 3/8 hose allows you to run just about any rosebud you will ever need.Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:I'd agree go with a name brand vs an import. I've seen plenty of import torches that won't take aftermarket parts so if you damage something, you are buying a new torch again.I personally dislike the combo torches. For cutting I have a dedicated cutting torch. For heating I use the standard torch handle that came with the kit, plus either the welding tip or rosebud, depending on how much heat I want/need.Victor is usually the easiest to find parts for locally, but Harris and Smith also make good torches. Tech school use Smith torches and they are very nice. The life time warranty probably really pays in that environment. However very few places around me stock Smith tips, so if you go with them, you have to plan in advance and have a spare tip, or you may be down awaiting parts..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I prefer Harris for a straight cutting torch. I generally leave a rosebud on the Victor handle and use a Harris 62-5 for cutting. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by docwelderbuy good stuff once.
Reply:Since you listed heavy equipment, I'd skip buying a torch for welding - cutting and heating only.So another vote for oxy/propane.You can use a common 20 lb tank and only need the oxygen cylinder - bunch o money saved not buying an acetylene tank.Plus, running propane is cheaper, I use to cut scrap and it's all we used - I still use it.Then buy a good quality used (I'm cheap) stick welder for the shop or a quality inverter stick welder so it can be run from a common generator in the field.Then a 200 amp or more mig welder...Then....etc Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I like Smith Torches and get a whip makes the hose much easier to use.  John Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:@ johnrbauer - OAdoctor, in a related thread, highlighted the quality/performance of the Western Enterprises QDs.  Planning to give these QDs with intergraded FBAs a spin."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:It is my opinion that Oxygen/Propylene or Oxygen/Propane is best. Propylene/Propane has the follow advantages over acetylene:1- Flashback Tendency is less2- Explosive Limit is less3- Shock Sensitivity is less4- Higher Pressure Allowance5- Lower Operating Cost6- Quality Cutting7- Better Heating characteristicsThe only disadvantage  is you can not gas weld with propylene/propane. As far as equipment, Smith, Victor, or Harris are all good.  Just stay away from anything that is "Victor Style" or "Harris Style".  These are imports and are not the quality of the US manufacturers.  If cost is a concern, purchase rebuilt equipment before purchasing imported equipment.OAdoctorwww.regulatortorchrepair.com
Reply:All I can say is I would go ESAB again. Their lifetime guarantee is as good as gold. American made, and good folks to deal with.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I'm a Victor man myself for torch heads, but I've used a variety of different regulators and much prefer inline Airco/Concoa ones to anything else I've used. I have three different sets of oxy fuel rigs, all have Western QC connectors on them. Buying quality pieces used, then sending them to a rebuilder such as OA Doctor is a good value for what you spend, and you literally end up with brand new equipment at a fraction of retail. I've owned Smith, Airco and Victor. All are very good, just a matter of what you like. New Harris stuff is complete junk, at least in my experience with it at the tech school and CommColl weld lab. Lincoln provides all their stuff and owns Harris. Sorry, not a fan Buy the biggest cylinders you can store and afford. The bigger the cylinder, the higher of volume of gas output you have available to cut with. I have two medium sized sets and one big one. If you plan to do heavy cutting or long period heating with them, bite the bullet and buy the big cylinders. I've bought every set I've owned used and exchanged them at the LWS I deal with. Of course, not every gas supplier does this, so best off doing research as to their terms of business before you buy anything. Good deals can be had on used equipment and you might find something very reasonably priced if you shop around.IMHO of courseLast edited by 7A749; 08-19-2015 at 03:26 PM.Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Originally Posted by OAdoctorIt is my opinion that Oxygen/Propylene or Oxygen/Propane is best. Propylene/Propane has the follow advantages over acetylene:1- Flashback Tendency is less2- Explosive Limit is less3- Shock Sensitivity is less4- Higher Pressure Allowance5- Lower Operating Cost6- Quality Cutting7- Better Heating characteristicsThe only disadvantage  is you can not gas weld with propylene/propane. As far as equipment, Smith, Victor, or Harris are all good.  Just stay away from anything that is "Victor Style" or "Harris Style".  These are imports and are not the quality of the US manufacturers.  If cost is a concern, purchase rebuilt equipment before purchasing imported equipment.
Reply:Originally Posted by docwelderbuy good stuff once. my preference is victor but there's other good brands out there.
Reply:@ HandLogger - answering your question to me.  I would purchase the HEAVY DUTY Smith/Miller torch Outfit.  HandsDown.  Not interested in owning any high-value tools that are not manufactured in USA."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by OAdoctorIt is my opinion that Oxygen/Propylene or Oxygen/Propane is best. Propylene/Propane has the follow advantages over acetylene:1- Flashback Tendency is less2- Explosive Limit is less3- Shock Sensitivity is less4- Higher Pressure Allowance5- Lower Operating Cost6- Quality Cutting7- Better Heating characteristicsThe only disadvantage  is you can not gas weld with propylene/propane. As far as equipment, Smith, Victor, or Harris are all good.  Just stay away from anything that is "Victor Style" or "Harris Style".  These are imports and are not the quality of the US manufacturers.  If cost is a concern, purchase rebuilt equipment before purchasing imported equipment.
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ HandLogger - answering your question to me.  I would purchase the HEAVY DUTY Smith/Miller torch Outfit.  HandsDown.  Not interested in owning any high-value tools that are not manufactured in USA.
Reply:Watching this because I may end up getting a torch kit of my own in the not too distant future.Currently working as a Paralegal, but still interested in hobby welding.Miller Bobcat 225ntOne- Character Fractions: ¼ ½ ¾ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞
Reply:Sorry I didn't explain myself I run 3/8 hose from my regulars and use 1/4 hose with Western discounts on everything. The 1/4 inch whip is easer to move around then the 3/8 and if I get into heavy cutting I take the 1/4 inch off. Sorry for not explaining.   John Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by HandLoggerNice post, Dave.  I'm seriously looking into O/P -- now that I've read all of these great replies -- but I want to ask you how you move the O/P setup around...I mean, the propane cylinders I'm used to seeing are short and squat.  How the hell do you cart the entire setup around?
Reply:Victor and SMITH. I like SMITH because it is shinny !    Not really , but 90 % of the torch sets in shop are SMITH and balance victor. The Victor sets have a nice small rosebud which is really nice for silfossing. I would consider the SMITH LIFETIME warranty set. http://store.cyberweld.com/smwecuouamcl.html  Cyberweld Price: $387.35Mfg Industrial Price: $774.70http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.co...cker=3573-3171            Medium-Duty Cutting and Welding Outfit.Sign up for price alert$774.70$365.00+ FREE Shipping!  **** While supplies last, order a Miller Medium-Duty Combination Torch Complete Acetylene Outfit (MBA-30300) and we'll include additional MC12-1 and MC12-2 tips the your order!Last edited by BD1; 08-19-2015 at 08:18 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by teh603Watching this because I may end up getting a torch kit of my own in the not too distant future.
Reply:Originally Posted by johnrbauerSorry I didn't explain myself I run 3/8 hose from my regulars and use 1/4 hose with Western discounts on everything. The 1/4 inch whip is easer to move around then the 3/8 and if I get into heavy cutting I take the 1/4 inch off. Sorry for not explaining.   John Sent from my XT1254 using TapatalkI hope it came out OK I have trouble explaining sometimes.    John Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveThat's what you own welders for - making stuff the way you want it I've seen some guys make a wider torch cart, others made narrow ones with the propane in front of the o2, or you can use an upright/horizontal forklift cylinder (I do sometimes).Some propane tanks are tall and skinny.But mostly I just use the standard 20lb tank.Good luck in your search for more tools and equipment
Reply:You seem to be closest to us, Louie, so I want to ask you which ESAB location you're dealing with. We've got an Airgas location in West Springfield, but it reads as ifyou've had very good luck with your location, so ...
Reply:FYI, this is what I have...  http://www.bakersgas.com/ESA22450.ht...6_4aAtGA8P8HAQMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Victor and SMITH. I like SMITH because it is shinny !    Not really , but 90 % of the torch sets in shop are SMITH and balance victor. The Victor sets have a nice small rosebud which is really nice for silfossing. I would conside the SMITH LIFETIME warranty set. http://store.cyberweld.com/smwecuouamcl.html  Cyberweld Price: $387.35  Mfg Industrial Price: $774.70http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.co...cker=3573-3171 Medium-Duty Cutting and Welding Outfit.Sign up for price alert$774.70$365.00+ FREE Shipping!  **** While supplies last, order a Miller Medium-Duty Combination Torch Complete Acetylene Outfit (MBA-30300) and we'll include additional MC12-1 and MC12-2 tips the your order!
Reply:Originally Posted by HandLoggerI'm gleaning another vote for Victor here, DSW.  Please elaborate on the difference between a "combo torch" and a "dedicated cutting torch."
Reply:This video will explain better then me. As a reminder, torch cutting heads can be ninety degree or a seventy five degree head. The angled head is perfect for cutting pipe and leaving a bevel without much hand movement. To bevel pipe with a straight torch just takes more practice and more hand movement. Oh MICK, ''My OA setup sits gathering dust in the corner''. THAT sounds like a personal problem .
Reply:Like yourself I own and repair heavy equipment.  A "gas wrench" (O/A torch ) set is essential, you will wonder how you ever got along without it.  Get a cylinder of acetylene, this allows you to braze, silver solder or fusion weld as well as cut metal.  A combination torch, a few welding tips, a cutting tip and a rosebud (heating tip) are what you need.  The big dedicated torches are nice if you only use your torch to cut heavy thick steel but otherwise the combination torch is what you want.  Propane is OK and cheaper than acetylene for just cutting steel but you can't weld, solder or braze with it.My personal favorite is Purox and Oxweld torches and gages, which are now sold under the ESAB name.  Purox models are excellent small to medium size torches and the Oxweld stuff is great for real big heavy duty jobs.  Victor, Harris and Smith are also good.You can buy quality used torches and gages inexpensively on Craigslist, Kijiji etc., if they are in good condition they will last a long time and repairs are not that expensive."The reason we are here is that we are not all there"SA 200Idealarc TM 300 300MM 200MM 25130a SpoolgunPrecision Tig 375Invertec V350 ProSC-32 CS 12 Wire FeederOxweld/Purox O/AArcAirHypertherm Powermax 85LN25
Reply:Victor, purox, Liquide air, smith, Harris, unwield in order!Do not cheap out on chinese equipment, trust me, i repair oxy fuel equipment as a part time job, the chinese offshore junk may look good new, but don't be fooled.Propane for cutting, acetylene more or less for both cutting and welding, propane is cheap and is readily available!... Extra hose would defiantly be in the consideration, as well as hose couplers (maybe a mounted hose reel). at least 2 welding heating tips. including rosebud (more heat) and a medium welding tip. various sizing of cutting tips in addition~For the regulators, buy a tried and true reg. since the newer ones are anodized aluminum and plastic adjusting knob and gauge cover. So think about a Victor SR-450 or something like that!Good luck!Last edited by IslandWeldingKid; 08-19-2015 at 10:24 PM.VictorPraxairAir LiquideMillerLincoln Electric
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961All I can say is I would go ESAB again. Their lifetime guarantee is as good as gold. American made, and good folks to deal with.
Reply:Another vote for oxy/propane if you don't need to weld. I wouldn't go back to O/A myself. And another vote for Victor torches either way you go.
Reply:Originally Posted by crazyjake8493Another vote for oxy/propane if you don't need to weld. I wouldn't go back to O/A myself. And another vote for Victor torches either way you go.
Reply:Originally Posted by johnrbauerI like Smith Torches and get a whip makes the hose much easier to use.  John
Reply:No I use acetylene never used propane very much .   John Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by johnrbauerNo I use acetylene never used propane very much .   John
Reply:That propane tank would work fine, Just heavy, but can be filled at any propane station. But they usually charge less per LB when filling larger tanksMiller 180,Esab 300I TIG Lincoln Stick [1950's} Victor Torches, Dewalt chop saw, Enco 9x48 Mill,  48x60 home shop with Gantry crane and Pit.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jo DieselThat propane tank would work fine, Just heavy, but can be filled at any propane station. But they usually charge less per LB when filling larger tanks
Reply:I believe it is priced by the cubic foot I have the standard size calendar not sure what size and for price it's been a while since I have purchased any it uses about three tanks of oxygen to one tank of acetylene and the draw back is I have to guy it at my local welding supply store which is ok.  John Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:Torch head - For HandLogger's described application, cast one vote for Harris 62 handle and propane.IMHO, Harris has:Best mixer design.Slender head design, often fits where others won't.Strong rugged (can double as hammer) design .Great tip seat/nut designReliable trouble free oxygen valve, and lever.Readily available inexpensive tipsPropane Cylinder - 100lb cylinder will probably be years worth of cutting fuel.Which is fine, but if size and portability are concerns, go with a common 20lb "barbecue" cylinder.Regulators - (yawn) I like gaugeless Harris for the roughNtumble, but run whatever. If somehow oxy-fuel equipment apocalypse arrived  and I had to buy regulators I'd probably end up with whatever USA brand was available at the next Craigslist post or flea market.Although a $15 "cheapie" universal propane regulator does fine as a cutting fuel regulator.Last edited by denrep; 08-21-2015 at 12:18 AM.
Reply:Smith/MILLER MB-30510LP.  Scored.  Our awesome LWS matched within 5% the best cost of rip'n the outfit online.  We have a great business relationship with the LWS.  No head games and excellent customer service.  Prefer to help these guys out when we can.  Mahalo loa nui to OAdoctor and MinnesotaDave for the sage advice and illuminating the pros of O/P.  Really looking forward to some preheat'n & cut'n ops with the Smith torch. "Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKaiSmith/MILLER MB-30510LP.  Scored.  Our awesome LWS matched within 5% the best cost of rip'n the outfit online.  We have a great business relationship with the LWS.  No head games and excellent customer service.  Prefer to help these guys out when we can.  Mahalo loa nui to OAdoctor and MinnesotaDave for the sage advice and illuminating the pros of O/P.  Really looking forward to some preheat'n & cut'n ops with the Smith torch.
Reply:@ HandLogger - Smith/Miller.  Excellent product, Outstanding service.  Designed in the USA.  Built in the USA.  Supported in the USA.  Used many varieties of BLUE (Miller) welding equipment and interacted (face-to-face....phone-to-phone) with Miller technical/sales/customer service staff. Concluded that Miller Electric will always have our business.  As many others have stated above, there are other excellent quality torches available.  The choice on a rig is, as always, up to you.IRT your question if many parts are readily available....our LWS carries Victor and Smith/Miller parts and consumables.  Sourcing parts for a S/M and Victor O/P or O/A shouldn't ever be a problem for you.   YMMV.Last edited by ManoKai; 08-21-2015 at 05:39 PM."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ HandLogger - Smith/Miller.  Excellent product, Outstanding service.  Designed in the USA.  Built in the USA.  Supported in the USA.  Used many varieties of BLUE (Miller) welding equipment and interacted (face-to-face....phone-to-phone) with Miller technical/sales/customer service staff. Concluded that Miller Electric will always have our business.  As many others have stated above, there are other excellent quality torches available.  The choice on a rig is, as always, up to you.
Reply:Hi, Don't mean to hi jack your thread But when everyone is talking cutting torches, I have been wondering about this question?  I'm looking to buy a Victor heavy duty cutting torch, And wondering is there an advantage to the three tube torch over the twotube model?  What if any is the difference.      Thank's.
Reply:Originally Posted by HandLoggerAs I don't foresee gas welding in our future, OA Doc, your words on O/P -- either type -- are well taken.  As I'm a do it right the first time around kind of a geezer, I will definitely stay away from non-US equipment.  Do you have any thoughts on the differences between using propane versus using propylene in a heating/cutting setup?  Does the propylene come in regular-sized bottles, which would facilitate easier carting?I'm gleaning from this thread that you work on gas equipment ... Do you sell US made components or rigs or, conversely, do you limit your work to rebuilding the used stuff you receive only?