Need help finding tortch set up

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I need to set up something to heat flat bar stock to bend.And also want something that will cut up to 1/2 inch.Even though I could ask this from the local gas supplier what is the rules on owning or renting tanks.Will they still fill tanks if you own them.Any suggestions what  brand to buy.I am not doing any production.But I want something that will work for both cutting and heating.Any tips on gauges or tank size.I do not want to run back and forth filling those mini tanks.I would appreciate some help.I am finding many times in my project where this would come in handy.I just had a guy come out and cut my old dodge frame in half.He took cab and I made a nice trailer.Most just keep enough frame to bend to make reciever.We cut it off right at front of box.I had some beefy rect and square tubing.I just did a lot of grinding to clean up frame.And welded 1 1/2 x4 tubing to frame.I used a heavy cross member and cut a square hole on both sides and put a 2 1/2 sqare tube through for tounge.This way I welded the tounge on two sides of cross member.I also used some heavy 2" for angle support.I was just going to use this for hauling wood at cabin but it turned out so nice I am going to license for road use.I tossed a plastic truck tool box on frount toungue frame to drop my chain saws into.I also drilled 3 5/8s through tubing and bolted welded tubing to frame for extra strength.
Reply:I have victor100c,smith 509 and firepower I like them all.my tanks are 80 cf and I own them.I dont use them every day so smaller tanks work best for me,and are lighter to load if want to take with me.
Reply:I own several tanks and have others that I'm not sure about.  In any case, I never get the same tank back when I go to Airgas. They just exchange them. It doesn't seem to make any difference, except I never have to worry about things like hydro-testing or valve condition since the tanks I get are all checked when they fill them. I guess, strictly speaking, you could ask to have your "customer-owned" tanks refilled but I'm sure there would be a delay and possible confusion since they seldom fill the tanks where they do business. I like the smaller Oxy-Acetylene sets for general use. A Victor 100c as mentioned above is a good size.
Reply:Any torch will do what you listed.  I suggest you get something in the medium duty size if you're going to be heating and bending with it.  There is no need for a heavy duty torch.  A typical medium duty handle can move enough gas to cut steel 6-12 inches thick.  As for brand, again, they'll all do what you want.  I personally prefer Smith because I believe they weld better and they cut better.  They do cost a little more and it might not be worth it to you if you're not going to use them very often.
Reply:Originally Posted by gnm109I guess, strictly speaking, you could ask to have your "customer-owned" tanks refilled but I'm sure there would be a delay...
Reply:I own my tanks but they exchange each time I get refilled so I dont have to worry about those things.I go through mitler supply which is big supplier in west mich.have done this since mid 80's with no problem.
Reply:Thanks guys I bought two tanks today.They are not the largest size.The oxygen is about 48 high  6 dia. to top of cap and 6 inch dia.The acyt is 40 high and a little wider at about 8 dia.I am a little embarrased describing them by inches.Are they measured by cu.ft of pressure.I see some advertized as size 3 and 4.Now I need the torch reg and hoses.I got them from a distributor who is going out of business and he gave me the proper paperwork.I think I got a pretty good deal as I just swapped him for 2 of my compound bows.The bows were nice but of lesser value than tanks so I thought it was a great trade.I get buy using my chop saw.When I saw the guy whack of my truck frame with a torch I said "I Want One"lolStill apreciate any tips on gauges etc.Thanks I just found this forum and love it!!Last edited by welditnow; 12-10-2006 at 04:53 AM.
Reply:Thanks guys I bought two tanks today.They are not the largest size.The oxygen is about 48 high 6 dia. to top of cap and 6 inch dia.The acyt is 40 high and a little wider at about 8 dia.I am a little embarrased describing them by inches.Are they measured by cu.ft of pressure.I see some advertized as size 3 and 4.Now I need the torch reg and hoses.
Reply:Thank the reasurance is great.We used the large tanks at work and changed every day or so.But thats nonstop welding and sometimes on two shifts.We figured out one medium size project and calculated the distance we welded  and converted it to miles.Each of us was welding a mile and a half.And thats never good enough on  a production line ya give em a mile and a half and they whip you cuz they want 2 miles.I am trying to make a deal on some gauges torches and hose.Does anyone know a chain store that sells a kit ample for my needs?This looks like a fair set.Is there anything out there a little cheaper?I got the tanks and I want to cutitnow http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...3416_200313416
Reply:You can buy a Smith medium duty tool box kit on Ebay for the same price.  The quality is far superior and you get a lifetime waranty and service.
Reply:Thanks 76GMC1500 I will check it out.
Reply:Hey welditnow,Your looking for a cheaper set right? Buy used. Buy separate components. Buy old and ugly. You can buy used equipment that is cheaper and better than some new stuff. Mix and match this set together you can probably be up and cutting, with high quality equipment, for a little over a $100.00 or less.For your described use of heating and cutting, a cutting torch only would work just fine. Torch head -  Buy any major brand, like, Victor  Airco  Harris, Smith. Unless parts are stocked locally you may want to skip some of the lesser known like Rego Oxweld Purox. No other reason than parts support, any age, any major brand will be fine for this cheap set.Oxygen regulator - Any brand, your not going to repair them anyway. Beware of “line” regulators, they can not be used on a tank, they are designed for low pressure distribution line input. Fuel regulator - Use cheap, stable, propane fuel,  Buy an inexpensive 20# tank and an adjustable regulator at your local home center.Inspection - Pay much less for the beat look. Pliers marks on nuts, bent levers, knobs, tubes. Don’t buy, evidence of leaks or abuse at torch head, except as cores, to be traded in. Look for clean seats under the torch tip. Check oxygen lever for smooth feel and tight pin.Buying - Pawn shop, flea market, ebay, garage sale. Get it while you can.  Best deal from seller who has no idea what that thing is. Separate  components probably cheaper than set. Cracked gauges and  worn out hose are good, cheap to fix, brings selling price way down. Most suppliers offer reconditioned or trade in deals once in a while. At that time you can parlay this in to nice shiny new equipment. (That may end up stolen, to start the vicious cycle again!)I have put together dozens of sets this way, it works. I believe that this cheap used set will outperform and outlast a new set, from, you know where.  Good LuckLast edited by denrep; 12-10-2006 at 02:37 PM.
Reply:76GMC1500Thats great imf.I like the specifics so I can find something.I could type all day talking about great deals I have bought used.I have been watching e bay.I see a lot of nock off? kits for about 80 bucks that  have no name brand they just say they are victor compatable.Sometimes you get what you pay for so if the 80 dollar stuff is no good somebody shoot me some red flags with feedback.You jogged my memory.I have a good friend who owns a large pawn shop.He has a big rack full of shop stuff.Your suggestions will put me on the right path.I have to admit though I am a little confused about the propane thing.I have did some reading on oxy acet welding do you need some kind of check valve in the gas line system?As I also have seen a couple advertised with them??Love the feedback from all.Thanks much
Reply:The Smith kit comes with the check valves.  You screw them on to the torch.  Most people put them on the regulators, but if you put them on the torch it will protect the hose and regulator against fires instead of just the regulator.
Reply:The safety thing is a priority.Its been so long since I have been near a torch I will have to do some thinking to get right set up.Glad many here are willing to help.We had a local guy here run out of propane in his home heating  tank.So he grabbed a 20 lb tank cuz they were freezing.He hooked it up without a regulator and that warmed things right up.3rd degree burns all over.He had a long recovery and pain.About a year later I saw him at a bonfire he must have had a thing for flames he was walking right thru the fire to impress the ladies.
Reply:Originally Posted by welditnow76GMC1500Thats great imf.I like the specifics so I can find something.I could type all day talking about great deals I have bought used.I have been watching e bay.I see a lot of nock off? kits for about 80 bucks that  have no name brand they just say they are victor compatable.Sometimes you get what you pay for so if the 80 dollar stuff is no good somebody shoot me some red flags with feedback.You jogged my memory.I have a good friend who owns a large pawn shop.He has a big rack full of shop stuff.Your suggestions will put me on the right path.I have to admit though I am a little confused about the propane thing.I have did some reading on oxy acet welding do you need some kind of check valve in the gas line system?As I also have seen a couple advertised with them??Love the feedback from all.Thanks much
Reply:You need special tips for propane.  It's a little more difficult to light the torch which is what turns many people off to using propane.  It cuts exactly the same as acetylene at a fraction of the cost.  Propane brazes and heats fine as well.  If you plan to do any welding, get acetylene.  If not, propane is by far the most economical choice.
Reply:Thanks for help everyone.I traded 2 compound bows for my own #4 tanks.Then I found a victor torch with gauges and hoses on e bay for slightly over 50 bucks.I was delighted as the torch was in very nice shape.I set it up and just did some heating to bend some brackets.Man they bend much straighter and accurate with heat than pounding cold steel in a vice.After a couple lights lighting it up and adjusting came easy as I remembered a little from before.If you look back at my thread I even learned how to spell torch I was putting in a t.LOL