Oxy/Acetylene Shopping LIst

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I will be picking up an OA setup for the garage soon and was hoping I could get some advice on what to look for at my local welding supply shop.  I plan on using it to learn basic welding and also fabrication of small motorcycle parts and possibly some frame welding/cutting.All I have is a Cobra Torch setup, so I know that I am looking at a set of bottles, gauges, arrestors, check valves, hoses etc.....Can you give me a rough price estimate along with a list of what to buy?!?  I just don't want to walk out of the shop with a bunch of gear that I don't need.  I don't mind paying for quality so the garage doesn't blow up though....
Reply:My comment is to buy a Smith, Harris or Victor. Since this is a lifetime investment, price becomes less important and you'll want to be able to buy parts. Because my previous home didn't have 220v, I lived on O/A for 16 years.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:You can't go wrong with Victor, they last forever even with a lot of abuse. You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen weldors do to a Victor torch and it just kept on going. I really prefer Harris for A/O welding because the larger diameter butt is easier to hold for me. Harris regulators are excellent, about equal to Victor which are the best in my opinion. I don't think the Harris torch would stand up to the abuse a Victor will but if you give your equipment even reasonable care it will last a long time. Can't comment on the Smith as it isn't a player around my part of the world.Victor is the king of the hill here and you can find parts in any LWS. You can replace any part on a Victor easily if necessary. I would do a little checking and see about things like tip availability, both cutting and welding, and repair service if needed in your area and go with the one that most places can take care of.Jolly Roger has a Victor setup that I purchased in 1971 and passed on to him a few years ago. He uses it everyday.
Reply:Pick up a pair of #5 lens safety specs while you're at the LWS. I hate wearing goggles.-Matt------------------------------------------
Reply:Originally Posted by ignitionI will be picking up an OA setup for the garage soon and was hoping I could get some advice on what to look for at my local welding supply shop.  I plan on using it to learn basic welding and also fabrication of small motorcycle parts and possibly some frame welding/cutting.All I have is a Cobra Torch setup, so I know that I am looking at a set of bottles, gauges, arrestors, check valves, hoses etc.....Can you give me a rough price estimate along with a list of what to buy?!?  I just don't want to walk out of the shop with a bunch of gear that I don't need.  I don't mind paying for quality so the garage doesn't blow up though....
Reply:I think i will be doing a bit more welding than cutting.  Since I have only had a few lessons in welding, that's where I plan to focus most of my attention.So it looks like i should be out the door for under $450 then?  Very cool.What is the deal with dual stage Oxygen regulators?  Makoman likes the Smith30's but i see they are offered as a single and a double.Thanks for the input!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by ignitionI think i will be doing a bit more welding than cutting.  Since I have only had a few lessons in welding, that's where I plan to focus most of my attention.So it looks like i should be out the door for under $450 then?  Very cool.What is the deal with dual stage Oxygen regulators?  Makoman likes the Smith30's but i see they are offered as a single and a double.Thanks for the input!!!
Reply:I love that Victor torch. In fact nobody uses it but me. They can use the others. I just repaired it a few weeks back. The seat let go on the cutting air. I was told by all of the LWSs it couldn't be repaired. Called Victor and they told me the part I needed that would work and where to get it. I have another Victor even older than it that I dug up out of the dirt in a salvage yard. Needed the same seat. I have a Harris that I seldom use (can't get tips for it around here), but use the regulators daily. I also have a Smith that a fellow gave me because at 81 he didn't figure he would ever use it again. I've never used it but it feels like it would be an excellent torch for cutting but maybe a little heavy for welding. I can't get tips for it either. I also have a Uniweld cutting head. It is Victor compatible and feels and cuts just like the Victor. Their cutting tips aren't worth the effort it takes to throw them away in my opinion.Like oldtimer said. Go with what is used locally that you can get parts for.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.