Need help picking out a torch outfit

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Okay, here's the deal, a member on this board said he wanted to sell me a brand new torch outfit, but he's not returned any PMs and hasn't been around in awhile.  I hope all is okay, but regardless, I want to start shopping for a torch outfit.  Here are my personal specs or at least wishes.  Please help me out.  I'm asking for web links, item numbers, etc.  I'd rather just buy it new or almost new rather than get a bargain and rebuild or whatever--I just don't have the knowledge and wouldn't be able to shop around for that stuff either.Here goes:I'm a new hobby welder.  I plan to use propane as my fuel--no welding, just heating and cutting.I will probably not be working with anything thicker than 1/2" plate.I will get my bottles from a local place, Airgas, Matheson, whomever will give me the best deal on oxygen.I'm going to turn a Harbor Freight or other cheaper dolly into a welding cart for the bottles, maybe a little more effort, but basically something that I can roll around the garage or maybe even onto a trailer or truck for the occasional trip.I know I need special propane tips for cutting and possibly heating.I know I need T grade hose for propane.So:My request is for outfits from some of the big names:  Victor, Harris, Smith, whomever. I'd rather not do the Ebay cheapos.Thanks for the help and patience wading through this long post.
Reply:Check eBay for the same names - Victor, Harris, Smith. I have the Smith unit.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Use the victor, harris or smith but by all means go with acetelene and get a two stage outfit.  As for the cart why not make that your first project?  That is what I did.  Do not lay acetelene tank down.Thermal Arc 185 TigHTP 200 MigCraftsman O/A1942 Bridgeport Mill12 Ton Hyd PressConsew Walking Foot
Reply:Originally Posted by wojeepsterUse the victor, harris or smith but by all means go with acetelene and get a two stage outfit.  As for the cart why not make that your first project?  That is what I did.  Do not lay acetelene tank down.
Reply:I think he's talking about TWO stage regulators. 2 stage regs. keep accurate pressure till the cylinders are empty. But, they are more expensive .as with anything , the good stuff costs  more  $...... P  S :  unless you buy a complete outfit, i would concentrate my money (if you have a budget you have to stick to ) on the TORCH. I have several, but seldom use a combination torch, i mostly just burn, so i use a cutting (only) model - a super range Victor. i have some Journeyman combo torches and some journeyman burning only torches , and almost never use any of them. (too big for average work, and too clumsy)Last edited by Roy Hodges; 05-10-2007 at 09:05 PM.[SIZE="5"Yardbird"
Reply:The medium duty Smith cutting torch is an excellent choice for a hobby welder. Smith, Victor, or Harris are all top of the line sets, you won't go wrong with one of these three. I also use a Smith torch.Clarke 130EN C25Lincoln 225 AC Stick(1968)Smith O/A RigHF 4X6 Red BandsawBlack & Decker Pro Chopsaw16 Speed Drill PressSpeedglas XL HelmetHarbor Freight Stuff