The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest ...the "small torch set"

I don't know why but after all these years and most of my projects nearing and end...(but always one coming) I have decided to buy me a torch set.
My question is: is there any need in even considering the little small torch set that you can "carry" around easily???? Or should I just go ahead and get the big tanks and be done with it.
My nephew has a set of guages/torch he will let me have but I was thinking about my own little set.

What say the Stovebolters.

I think the small bottles are for small torches which won't be using fuel as fast as a cutting torch will. If you are planning on using a cutting torch or a rosette heating torch, get the big bottles.

I've used the big sets but never the little ones. I was thinking the small hand carrying set would do the same as a big set just not last as long???
Thats why I ask the "professionals" that have actually used them.
As I understand it you can get a small set that is more economical and cut up to say a 1/2".... then there is a small premium set that will cut up to 3/4" which I don't think I'll be cutting much of!

I would like to hear of actual experiences but for now it looks like I may as well bite the bullet and go to Weldors Supply downtown and get me a set of big bottles and tell my nephew to "loan" me his guages/hose!!

i'm not sure about where you live but here you can't buy the large K size o2 bottle anymore you have to rent it. you can buy a botle owned by someone else and get it refilled. the K size bottles are the cheapest to get refilled for the amount you get. i have 3 K size and 3 Q size. i find the Q size is the easiest to move around on my wrecker unless i have a ton of cutting to do.
if i were you i would get a victor torch either of the 2 common styles. that way you can use whatever torch head, welding tip, or rosebud you need. and if you are never going to move it, def try to find a K size someone has for sale. just get a 100' hose and you'll never need to move it in your shop. then pick up a smaller bottle if you need to be on the move with it.
i would also consider using both propane for magority of cutting and still having a smaller acet tank for brazing/ welding/ heating. i would check into preowned tanks from a individual, most welding shops will let you switch sizes and you pay or will pay you difference.

sorry i just reread your post and i would not get the prestolite or heating and air style. it won't last near long enough for cutting like cletis said. i think what size bottles you buy will depend on how much you use it. if you are going to use it quite a bit i would go with the K size. if they will sit for months till they are empty i would go with something smaller.

I have the Q sized oxygen bottle and the larger sized acetylene bottle. It seems like I am always running out of oxygen. If I could find a larger bottle I would go for it. Other then being able to move them around easily, I think that the small sets would be very limited in what you could do.
Just my thoughts.
Jim

Alvin,

Got my tanks from the welders supply on asheville hwy across from the old flowers bakery. Bought the smaller tanks and they gave me the roll around caddy for them. They will negociate a little on price and I like that. Stop by the shop if you wanna check out the setup.

Hank

..... thanks Hank. I was going by there today but had to get back on the bus early. Maybe I can check your out later this week or early next week.
Stay warm!!

I understand Alvin, I had to stand guard over the bus riders till about 12:45 today myself. Hope the two hour delay gives you some rest. Give me a call later this week and stop by.

I have the large bottles that I rent out at the shop and I also have one of the little suitcase sets at the shop. It's really handy for making a small cut and just being able to carry the torch right out to it. The oxygen doesn't last very long if you can''t try any serious cutting. I have the largest bottles I can buy at the house and a rather large torch. I would recommend this to anyone who works at home to go that route. I bought the tanks from Indiana Oxygen and I trade them for full ones at the local welding supply. I have 2 oxygen bottles because I usually use the torch after hours and o2 always seems to run out right before I'm done.

Hank, dropped by Weldors Supply earlier this week and walked away with a SMITH torch outfit. They did "work with me" a little on the price. I bought a Medium set that comes with the cutting tip, brassing head ect and talked him into cutting me some slack on a hose and got me a 25 footer. I know a lot had been said about the Victors but after talking to a couple of welders and a couple of guys at the store it seems in our area the Smith's are prefered 25-1 over the victor. The victor had a 12 foot hose with the kit but not as many attachements ect ect ect.

Needless to say I have it hidden in the shop right now

The two tanks can be rented for $5 each per month, or you can pay $349 for a Lifetime Lease.....meaning no mater how long I keep them I never have to pay for them again... I'm trying to get my nephew to get the tanks in his name, lifetime lease because he is younger than me and can keep them for years!!!
To refill them is $29 for one tank and 16 or maybe it was 19 for the other tank.
He didn't want to figure much on the cart. The smaller cart was $70 and the big cart with the "tray" on it was $90. He finally offered me the big one for $80. It was nice but I think I can look around and do better, even if its a used one!

Oh....got my new booster,master cyl and residual valves from Pirate Jack this week. I got a hell of a deal with the dicount they're offering right now and the shipping was only 12 bucks.
Drop by the house and lets chat.

The small sets are indeed handy for moving them around.However,if you use them a lot you will spend a lot of time going to the welding shop for refills, on oxygen and acetelyne.I have owned a set of the larger tanks for 40 years,and if they are shut off properly after each use they will not leak out.So the decision is stricktly up to you and how much you plan on using them.

Great deal Alvin, refills are not a problem with those folks at all. I got, like Smith too. If you didn't get one, check out a rosebud tip for heating up those contrary bolts and such..love that thing. I will keep my eyes open for a cart for ya. I went tray less because I have a nice plastic tool box that the torch came in from smith. Just give me a call at the house if you are not too busy later and we can chat....take care buddy!
Hank

ive got owner bottles from california tool and welding and got no complants so far five years and lotts of refills later and my victor torches are still doin fine never tryed smith ill have to research hmm tax return willl be here soon