Torch Handle selection

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Hello,I am new to welding and this forum.  I hope to post my introduction soon. Currently I am looking at purchasing an oxyacetylene outfit.  The intended use is in an agricultural setting (farm in SE PA).  Mostly cutting (up to 8", but very rarely), some brazing and possibly a little gas welding.  Any suggestions?I have been looking at the Victor 315FC and the H315FC handles (the 100FC model could be a little "light" for my applications at times).  They appear to be very similar (comparing things in the Victor Catalog).  Am I missing something do to a lack of experience?   In reality, how are they different (with respect to use, not price)?  Homard
Reply:Homard,you should go for the journeyman(315)size. I have the 100series Victor and like it for light duty, but would not have bought it had i known it was made in Mexico,If i was buying now id buy a Smith equipment that is made in the USAVictor SuperRanger O/A                                         Solar migLincoln Powermig 140Southbend 9in lathe350# kohlswa anvilMiller Maxstar 150 stl etc....
Reply:better to have a bigger torch
Reply:Hey Homard, I met these guys at Fabtech. I don't know them otherwise. Attachment 14547They sure have some nice products and prices.Check 'em out, decide for yourself.   http://www.flametechnologies.com/products.htm Would that small 60" cut do you any good? Or were you looking for more than a soldering tip? Last edited by denrep; 02-22-2009 at 07:50 PM.
Reply:Homard,What do you plan to cut (even infrequently) that's 8" thick?A cutting torch with that capability, I think you'll find, will be a little unyieldly for normal shop/farm use.  Plus, you'll need a "LARGE" acetylene bottle to feed it (1/7 rule).A better evaluation of your real needs will result in a better selection of the "right setup".Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Like has been stated, figure out your needs and size is then a known factor...as for brands, SMITH is MADE IN AMERICA, that's all that needs to be said.Anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT
Reply:olddad, what about Harris and Uniweld as American Mfg.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by weldgaultolddad, what about Harris and Uniweld as American Mfg.  John
Reply:I have a Victor 315 set, and 2 Oxweld W-300 sets. They are both top quality torches and will do whatever is asked of them. I regularly cut 6"+ with my Victor running Propane.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."