The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Cheap torch kit

I was on Amazon and saw this the other day.

I've been thinking of purchasing a torch kit. I don't need anything fancy, just something to heat som nuts and bolts up every once in awhile. I'm going to use LP instead of Acetylene, since I already have a couple tanks.

Any thoughts.

http://www.amazon.com/Victor-Weldin...?ie=UTF8&refRID=0MHBHK7EBB6R6R6FZZRQ

It looks like the same POS I bought from a co worker. I suggest you save and buy a better setup. I found a set of oxygen and acetylene tanks in a pawn shop, so I dragged them home and hooked up the valves and hoses. To put it mildly the gauges are cheap and poorly made. I needed to heat a piece of metal, so I put the rosebud on, and when I lit it, flames went everywhere. I fooled with it and fooled with it and never did get it to work. Fortunately the tanks came with a set of Proweld gauges, and a Victor Journeyman cutting tip, and a 106 body. So all I had to do is purchase a #6 rosebud tip. For what it is worth It looks like the same setup you can buy at Harbor Freight and other discount sellers.

It is possible that "Victor style" means Chinese Junk.

"Victor style" = Chinese junk??--Not necessarily (but probably in this example).

"Victor style" is a brand that has been copied and sets de facto industrial standard for torches and accessories to fit that style http://victortechnologies.com/victor/

I think the other main one is "Harris style" http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/en/Products/Equipment/Torches.aspx and also I think there is a "Smith style"...

Of course the real name brands are always better than the knock-offs, but the only thing "Victor style" is telling you is:

A. It is not a real Victor
B. Parts will interchange when using "Victor style" parts

I think you have to get tips for LP that are different than acetylene. I suggest doing some more research on it, these things can be dangerous.

Yeah, I found out that you have to get an LP/propane kit. Not what I was hoping. We used a propane setup at a shop I worked at, I never realized you needed a different tip and regulator.

The kit at Tractor Supply says LP compatible, not for sure what that means.

I don't know what an Acetylene bottle goes for, but it might be a better deal than having to buy extra equipment.

It is not only possible, but anything that is advertised these days as a name brand "style" IS a Chinese knock off. This includes a lot of our old standbys products because the patent expired and the Chinese are at liberty to copy them. We use a torch a lot in our shop. I would buy nothing less than a genuine Victor.

agreed. There are knockoffs of tools that we can use just fine. I don't think a torch is one. Japan went through this years ago. Copied our stuff without the quality. It was junk. Now their electronics, cars, machinery, appliances and other items are seen as top of the line. China does make some very fine quality items right now. I can't think of any right now.

I can attest to this issue and its very clear. Chinese Junk and Victor Style are one in the same. So not be deceived into thinking this is something that will last. I like to purchase something like this knowing I wont use it a lot figuring it will last the next 30 years. NOT the 'Victor Style' ones.

http://www.amazon.com/Thermadyne-03...-1&keywords=victor+welding+torch+kit

That is what you need. If its too expensive, purchase a bottle torch kit and wait until you can. I mean no disrespect here. There is also a safety issue.

About 3 years ago I purchased a Smith set from Weldors Supply. Around here that name brand is considered good. I paid $260 back then and they threw in 25ft of hose.

I have some Harris and some Smith gauges and they are fine and I wouldn't have any problems buying their product. However, it is the Victor "style" equipment I am criticizing. I am not aware of Harris or Smith "style" equipment offered. The Chinese knockoffs usually copy the best known brand and then call it the name brand "style". I find it very disgusting that Amazon has lowered themselves to selling name brand "style" stuff. eBay is merely an advertising medium for sellers and they have no control over who sells name brand "style" stuff. But Amazon ships this junk from their own warehouses.

Amazon was really nice, now raising shipping, and a store front/commission taker for everybody. I hope they lose favor. I sure have to add a lot of American words to our spell checker. Did we not win our freedom over Briton? Where is the Tea Party on this?

I think we answered the question and beat the topic pretty well. Locked.