Need Veteran Advice Please - Torch

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I currently have a "plumber's torch", which consists of a small acetylene cylinder, regulator, and "Prestolite" torch.  I want to upgrade to a complete oxy-acetylene outfit for welding, heating and cutting.  Should I get a complete outfit (which would duplicate the acetylene regulator that I already have) - or buy piece-meal the stuff that I need?  The company that I work for is owned by Sears, which means I can purchase a Victor 0384-0539 outfit for $119.99.  I have seen the made-in-China outfits for $80-$90 at swapmeets and at harbor freight, but my instincts tell me to stick with a name brand.  Any thoughts and advice would be most appreciated.  Thank you.-- Ken
Reply:scoostraw, your instincts are correct. It's hard to go wrong buying quality tools. Oh, Welcome to the zoo!!!
Reply:go with the victor and you won't go wrong. try to avoid mix and match if possible. just my own rule of thumb.
Reply:I have attached here an image of the setup I am looking at:  I have a question regarding the overall length of the torch with the cutting head attached.  It seems overly long to me.  Is this considered an "amateur" version?  The cutting torches I have seen and used are not this long.  I would be concerned about being able to get it into tight areas on a vehicle etc.  Can anyone help?-- Ken Attached Images
Reply:Howdy! Howdy!  The porta-torch style is a great setup for on the go use, and getting around small tight areas.  This setup would be great for you.  most pictures you will see, won't have both the handle and cutting torch head together, so it looks long, even though that seems to be an average length to me.  The only thing I really don't like about this setup is the size of the tanks.  It's a catch 22.  Do you want portability? or do you want economy?  Bigger tanks are far far more economic, smaller ones, much easier to get around.  Regardless, the price is a good deal, and Victor makes great stuff.  Hard to go wrong.  Brian Lee  Sparkeee24
Reply:Thanks Brian.  Even though they are pictured, the outfit I am getting does not come with cylinders.  I expect to pick this up this weekend!-- Ken
Reply:Just don't skimp on your tanks. You really can't do much with the M cylinder size, a B tank is the smallest you should consider. One nice perk of the victors is that you can pick up generic tips. On something more exotic those will cost $$$-David
Reply:Thanks David.  I have a "B" acetylene tank and will get an oxygen tank of the same size.  It should be delivered this week.  I am psyched.-- Ken
Reply:AIRGAS has the best stuff.