A little help in choosing an OA system

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So my buddy literally gifted me an OA system with full bottles, but for some reason Im feeling guilty for the generosity.  Im considering the purchase of my own OA torch/cutter kit.  So, considering my welder what would be a good cost-benefit OA system for general purpose use?ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Check out Ebay for the Smith Medium-Duty outfits.  I've seen them sell for prices between $200 and $300 which is a steal.  The kits have almost everything you'll need except a good assortment of tips.  The kit comes with a 0 and 1 tip, but I suggest you buy a 00 tip as well.  This will cover all of your cutting needs from <3/16ths of an inch up to 1".  On the welding/brazing end, you get a #205 tip which works for 16ga up to 3/16ths.  I suggest you get a 201 tip and a 208 (this one is more of a luxury than a necessity) and this will cover just about everything you'll come across.  The quality and customer support of the Smith torches blows everybody else away.  However, Smith isn't as ubiquotous as Victor so you may have trouble finding tips in stores.  If you're internet saavy, this wont be a problem.
Reply:I purchased a Harris outfit for approximately $150.00 several years ago. I already had an old and complete Smith set up. Since then I have been given a complete Victor set up.  All things considered, I think that Victor makes the nicer torch, but I am using the Harris because the torch tips cost less than half of the price of the Victor.  For the best bang for your buck, I'd buy the Harris, I have no complaints. I make gas welds on mild steel that look as good as TIG welds with the tips included.Last edited by MJDamiani; 02-04-2007 at 03:09 AM.
Reply:MJDamiani, that looks like a squadron icon from Vietnam.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Any other ideas/considerations?I was originally looking at the Victor Journeyman 2/SuperRange, but since Im learning I dont know what Im looking for!  It will probably be used primarily for cutting.  Out of the Victor's what is the good price-point?  I will definitely be looking at the Smith system as it looks like a really nice set up!  What's the BIG differences?Im really amazed at all these "Victor Compatible" kits.  Any word on these or are they junk?Last edited by DirtyLittleSecret; 02-05-2007 at 02:31 AM.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:The difference is lifetime service, not just a lifetime waranty.  The Smith torches are completely tool-less when changing tips or changing from welding to cutting.  The angle of the tip/attachment can be changed with the torch lit.  The Smith cutting tips can be operated with a greater stand-off (distance between the work and the tip) for longer tip life.  I really like my Smith stuff, so I speak highly of it.The chinese Victor/Harris compatible kits are junk.  They may get the job done for a little while...
Reply:Originally Posted by DoolittleMJDamiani, that looks like a squadron icon from Vietnam.
Reply:Originally Posted by DoolittleMJDamiani, that looks like a squadron icon from Vietnam.
Reply:Nope, but that looks like a bomber squadron patch (I could be way off there), My dad flew f4's in vietnam and they had this little spook looking guy for the phantom 2 (he did two tours).  I was just a kid, but your avatar reminded me of it.Sorry about the thread hijack man..Last edited by Doolittle; 02-06-2007 at 11:40 PM.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:I don't have much of  any substance to add here on this sight most of the time. But when when it comes to an O/A Torch I have a little bit of knowledge. The Smith AW1A  is the one I have been using for years. It's rated for a 3" cut but will do a bit better than that. When it comes to welding it is the best I have used...I highly recommend the srew on tips. They don't get hot & pop as easy when using it in corners & such. The medium & heavy duty units are just to heavy for 95% of what I use a torch for. Most people that have a torch will never make full use of the upper spectrum of a medium duty or heavy duty torch. They are not worth the extra weight in my opinion unless you may be in the scrap bizz.One other thing, while I have been using this torch for some time I had thought it was a Victor. That after buying tips & such. The fellas at Praxair where I buy my stuff  probably think I am crazy. Like I have said  before, sometimes I am just to poor to pay attention     http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c...d_1934_1541917Last edited by RIVERRAT; 02-07-2007 at 06:24 PM.
Reply:You're right about the MD and HD kits being overkill, but the MD kits are usually cheaper which is why I suggested one.  I can weld down to 22 guage with the MD kit, but thinner than that gets real tricky.  A light duty torch would be much better suited for this.
Reply:you are exactly right from what I have seen here.
Reply:Those light duty kits, especially the ones with the valves forward on the torch handle are worth their weight in gold.
Reply:That Smith that I have is like that. I like it because it makes it easy to shut off the  Acetylene & use a welding tip to cut with...... Granted I need some practice at this to achieve what I have seen done. The Gas Torch is COOL. It will, I think always be my favorite for metal work......Just remember that's coming from an Arborist {Tree Monkey} & not an every day fab it up welder doodLast edited by RIVERRAT; 02-07-2007 at 07:52 PM.
Reply:I am assuming that this is the one you guys are talking about?http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI...m=230086627846ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:That's the one I have, that's a steal of a deal.  MSRP is in the $500-600 range.  I paid $330 after shipping for my kit.  Make sure you get a MW201 tip as well if you plan to do any sheet metal work.  The kit comes only with a MW205.For best results while welding, use RG fillers such as RG45 and RG60.  The ER70's will work, but they're harder to work with.Last edited by 76GMC1500; 02-07-2007 at 10:18 PM.
Reply:Seriously, thanks guys.  Just placed my order for the Smith.  I really like the idea of the Journeyman, but after alot of research (and your assistance) it seems to be just as good a system with better warranty, but not as nice a marketing team!  Too much beta out there to digest for even the simple stuff!ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Smith is under Miller Electric, if you're brand loyal.
Reply:Originally Posted by DirtyLittleSecretSeriously, thanks guys.  Just placed my order for the Smith.  I really like the idea of the Journeyman, but after alot of research (and your assistance) it seems to be just as good a system with better warranty, but not as nice a marketing team!  Too much beta out there to digest for even the simple stuff!
Reply:One question here. If you are looking to just cut steel, why not consider a plasma cutter. I know it's more money to start but with no yearly contracts and gases to keeps replacing, I think it might be a good thought. Also you can cut alot more types of material. Just a thought.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Plasma cutters aren't as flexible as an OA setup.  You can't burn bolts out with a plasma cutter or peel away metal.  Plasma cutters are harder to use in the field/less portable.  Reasonably priced plasma cutters have limited thickness capacity.  With the OA setup, you have the option to do more things.  Also, if the cost of OA tanks is an issue and the torch is not going to be used for welding, using propane for fuel cuts down significantly on costs.  Smith suggests the use of propane if the kit is not going to be used for welding and has a full line of special cutting/brazing tips.  Propane costs about 1/10th the price of acetylene.
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500Smith is under Miller Electric, if you're brand loyal.
Reply:To run propane, you need only propane tips.  Propane burns more slowly and requires a special tip design.  Your brazing tips can be converted to propane by countersinking the hole at the end.  The cutting tips are a special design.  Your acetylene regulators will work with propane.  Your hoses will work for a while, but the propane will eventually cause them to deteriorate.  Propane performs just as well as acetylene while cutting and some say it's better.  The preheat time is only slightly longer.  The trouble with propane is that it's VERY hard to light.  With the Smith torches, you light it and bring it up until the flame moves away from the tip.  Back it off a little and add oxygen until neutral.  Repeat this 3 times until you hear the tip start to whistle a little.  This is its optimum setting.  It is frustrating for most people to light a propane torch, but you'll get the hang of it after a while.
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500Plasma cutters aren't as flexible as an OA setup.  You can't burn bolts out with a plasma cutter or peel away metal.  Plasma cutters are harder to use in the field/less portable.  Reasonably priced plasma cutters have limited thickness capacity.  With the OA setup, you have the option to do more things.  Also, if the cost of OA tanks is an issue and the torch is not going to be used for welding, using propane for fuel cuts down significantly on costs.  Smith suggests the use of propane if the kit is not going to be used for welding and has a full line of special cutting/brazing tips.  Propane costs about 1/10th the price of acetylene.
Reply:An acetylene bottle is expensive to rent, but if you run propane you just use those tanks you use with your BBQ.  The only thing you need to rent/buy is the O2 tank.  Sounds like DLS already has tanks, though.I havent seem what a plasma cutter can do but have seen  good cutting  with O/A - If the torch is run right it makes as good  as a hack saw.Im learning myself but most people learn to burn off a chunk that falls and think its a good cut .Great globs of gunk on the bottom or the top melted isnt a good cut.O/A cuts like a champ if done right maybe someone will show some good cutting-I have a ways to go still working on my speed but getting there.
Reply:Your travel speeds are correct when the sparks un the underside exit at a 45 degree angle to the work, not straight down.  How steady can you hold your hands?  I will actually run myself through the entire motion of the cut before I do it to make sure I'm not going  to bind up anywhere.  I do the same while welding.  Jigs and fixtures will help you to cut like a machine.  I just lay or clamp a piece of angle iron across my work to hold my torch straight while I cut when doing straight cuts.
Reply:O/A can cut very well and do great work in the hands of a good operator. Done allot of cutting myself and pretty happy work my cuts. Need to use a straight edge or something sometimes as I got shaky hands. I think I need to take some meditation classes or something. Anyway I was just bringing up the idea of a plasma cutter. Each have there place and both work equally well in their design specs. I think the plasma can do a better job of cutting when used right though, but a A/O is a nice thing to have on hand to. Just thinking out loud.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamlitO/A can cut very well and do great work in the hands of a good operator. Done allot of cutting myself and pretty happy work my cuts. Need to use a straight edge or something sometimes as I got shaky hands. I think I need to take some meditation classes or something. Anyway I was just bringing up the idea of a plasma cutter. Each have there place and both work equally well in their design specs. I think the plasma can do a better job of cutting when used right though, but a A/O is a nice thing to have on hand to. Just thinking out loud.
Reply:I'll definitely be looking into the propane. Are there special hoses that dont deteriorate?
Reply:Here we go."R" is for acetylene."T" is all gases. I believe you can get specific hoses in specific colors coded for specific gases if a guy wanted to all tecky about it.http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldit/...egulators.html
Reply:They do sell special regulators for propane, but they are not necessary.  The only difference is the markings on the guage.  However, everything you need to do with propane can be done within the same pressure range as acetylene.
Reply:Even better beta for us newbies.  Got the Smith kit in the mail a little while ago and am impressed at the quality that went into these.  NOTHING like the cheaper kits at the local shop.  You guys were right in that it was worth EVERY $.  I also called up Smith to discuss the hoses, and they told me that while they arent "rated" for propane they would work just fine for about 5-10 years of use.  I think I'd be changing hoses in that amount of time anyhow, so I'll look into some propane tips and see about figuring out the correct propane settings...make it just that much more adaptable.Last edited by DirtyLittleSecret; 02-15-2007 at 03:20 PM.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Sweeet.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Victor / Victor / VictorMikeHH210Hobart Champ 10KLincoln Buzz BoxCampbell Hausfeld 115Victor JourneymanMilwaukee 14" Chop Saw7" Chop Saw4/12" horz band sawmetal benderother toys forthcoming.
Reply:can you just use your acetylene regulator on propane/LPG?
Reply:Yes, you can use your acetylene regulator with propane.  They do make propane regulators, the only difference is the markings on the low pressure guage.  Acetylene is unsafe above 15 psi so the guages are only marked to 15 psi.  Propane guages are usually marked to 30 or 60 psi.  For most applications, 15 psi is more than enough pressure so you don't need the special guages.