Cal-Hawk Torch from eBay Question - Victor Knockoff

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I am a newbie to this forum and metalworking who has recently purchased an inexpensive (cheap?) oxy/acetylene welding torch from ebay. I am going to be doing some simple brazing tasks in an attempt to make some horseshoe nail crosses.Anyhow, I was hoping I could get some feedback on this torch that I have already purchased. Yes, I know I should have come and asked first, but you know how newbies are - spend first, ask later....Anyhow again. I have purchased a "Cal-Hawk V-Type Welding Kit". It is a Victor knockoff that seems to be a pretty complete basic kit. I paid very little for it - only about $80 including shipping. And while I know you generally get what you pay for, I think that this will probably be sufficient for my small bits of work.Here is a link to an ebay auction for the same product that I purchased. I'd send you the link for the one I bought, but this has more pictures.http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Oxy-Acetylen...QQcmdZViewItemI would like some input and advice on what I have bought here. Will this likely be a sufficient tool for a newbie who is just trying to learn to build some simple things? Are there any "gotchas" with a knock-off kit like this? For instance, if I need a different welding or brazing or cutting or something tip, I would assume that I can use any "victor compatible" tips, etc. Is this likely true?Anyhow. Thank you all for the time, advice, and any thoughts you might have...Last edited by captbunzo; 04-02-2006 at 11:07 PM.Paul Thompson
Reply:Another question. When this sucker arrives sometime this week, I am going to have to get some oxygen and acetylene to give it a try. So two parts to this question.1. What is the best way to go with this as a newbie - rent or buy for the tanks?2. And how much more is this going to cost me, approximately?Thanks again!Paul Thompson
Reply:My advice....lease the tanks. Two reasons. When the tank is empty, they swap it out like for like. If you own, you have to wait for a refill. In my town, they don't refill, they ship the tank out and ship it back by truck. LONG wait. Second reason, when the tank needs to be serviced or hydro'd you just swap it out like for like, the dealer eats the cost. If you own, you pay for it and it means down time. I started out owning my tanks and thought it was great. But gas places are territorial as this is a large part of their income. It was a hassle dealing with them when I owned. Now, some other members may have exactly the opposite advice for their areas. It's going to depend on where you are and what resources you have. Also, try to get as big an oxygen tank as you can afford. The bigger the tank, the less often you have to refill, and the cheaper it is in the long run. I have mutliple tanks and I bought an adapter so that my very largest tank can refill my smaller tanks. I get volume and portability all in one.
Reply:Very cool. The research I have done seems to indicate that leasing is the best choice as well.Buying is REALLY freaking expensive, especially considering how little I put into the torch itself.  Leasing is not too bad. Renting is great for short bits of work, but about twice as expensive as leasing, in the long run.I will probably rent for about a month or a couple weeks or whatnot, while I am getting started. And then consider the leasing option for the long term.Any thoughts on my knockoff victor torch?Paul Thompson
Reply:i just bought one on ebay.buddy has one its a good set for a newb comes with every thing,regs,torch body,cutting attachment,3 weldin tips and a rosebud,hose,goggles,striker all for 85 shipped