Habor Freight Oxy Acetelyne..bad idea?

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I'm looking for a decent OA rig, don't have a fortune to spend, but also don't want to blow myself or studio up, either!  Just got a full portable rig from Harbor Freight, but, of course, it's a cheapee.  I think the brand is Chicago.  Any suggestions for a good but  OA welding system that might not cost an arm & leg?  I am an artist/sculptor, and will be doing light to medium scale work.  I'm hearing Victor a lot...  Also, best supplier?  Lots of them in my area: Cameron, AirGas, Praxair.  I'm in  Long Beach, CA.  Thanks!Ronnie
Reply:i wouldn't own a hf rig but guys i know that have bought are happy with them. i have 4 victor sets, a smith little torch and just picked up a meco midget for my o/a aluminum that i was doing with one of my smaller victor 100 sets and what a world of difference. for what you are into i would give a look at a meco. nice light and will weld 1/4" steel easy. check it out at "TM technology" web site.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:I have one of the HF torches and it works fine, victor compatable.  I also have a Victor set,  I am using Victor gauges with the HF torchTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Whether you use them or not, the regulators will usually fail after a while, I don't know how hard it is to get parts for HF or if they can even be repaired.  I've had my Victor regs rebuilt twice in the last 7 or 8 years and it's pretty cheap.  Also, the name brands have lots of tips accessories available for them, again, I don't know about HF.Lincoln Pro Mig 180Everlast PowerARC 200
Reply:I've used many sets of HF regs on demo jobs where they get the crap beat out of them. As far as longevity goes, we never kept them that long. But they do work.As far as a good set to keep, I like Smith. They're made in USA and carry a lifetime warranty. I also bought an Oxweld torch, made by ESAB in USA, also lifetime warranty. However, the tip numbering system, to me, is very complicated compared to Smith. ESAB regs are also lifetime warranty, I think the only ones in the industry.You can't go wrong with Smith, ESAB (Oxweld or Purox), Harris or Victor. And watch ebay, lots of good deals out there now."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"
Reply:I do a lot of small work that demands steady gas pressure, and I personally prefer Victor for the regulators.  I also have the little torch by Smith, and run it on my Victor gauges.  I wouldn't get the HF regulators, if a budget has to be met,  get the Smith or Victor regulators, and the cheap torch.Just my .02
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manI've used many sets of HF regs on demo jobs where they get the crap beat out of them. As far as longevity goes, we never kept them that long. But they do work.As far as a good set to keep, I like Smith. They're made in USA and carry a lifetime warranty. I also bought an Oxweld torch, made by ESAB in USA, also lifetime warranty. However, the tip numbering system, to me, is very complicated compared to Smith. ESAB regs are also lifetime warranty, I think the only ones in the industry.You can't go wrong with Smith, ESAB (Oxweld or Purox), Harris or Victor. And watch ebay, lots of good deals out there now.
Reply:Can't go wrong with ESAB's Lifetime Warranty
Reply:Plenty of used Smith, Victor, Harris torches out there.  My LWS stocks Victor.  Buy a used set, run it into the LWS and have them rebuild the regulators.  I currently have two Victor medium sets and I think I have all of $250 into them including the cost of the rebuild and the cart to hold the bottles.  Note, its a cheap cart, should have gotten something more substantial.  I keep the cart in the shed away from the house.  I keep the regulators indoors.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX