[AndersK]

Thx, I'll be looking for a propane reg then.
I'm out of acetylene now but I don't have a contract on the bottle so they will take it back if I try to change it.
Don't use it often enough to justify the cost so oxygen propane looks like a better option.

[Louie1961]

I believe you can use the same regulator. What you can't use is the same cutting tips. You must have cutting tips designed for the gas you want to use. And you want to make sure you use T rated hose otherwise the propane will degrade the R rated hose. To the OP, get a good kit from Smiths, Victor, Harris or ESAB (Purox, Oxweld). Don't buy Harbor Freight, anything Chinese made or anything that says Victory style or Harris style...those are knock offs. if you stick to the four mainstream brands, you will be fine. Purox and Oxweld are going the way of the dinosaur since ESAB bought Victor. The main concern is that your LWS has tips to sell you when you need them. That would be my biggest concern if I were you. I think you are best off going with acetylene at first. You never know if the bug to gas weld will hit you. Acetylene is certainly more versatile in the shop.

[dgapilot]

Years ago I picked up a set of Goss regulators. Must have been in the '70s. I've done lots of weld repairs on steel tube fuselages over the years and they have served me well. The Goss torch is ok but to big for most of what I do. I've got a WWII vintage Smith Airline that I use most of the time.


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[Chips O'Toole]

I wonder if people could revisit this thread for me.

I put the whole torch idea away because I was busy with life, but now I'm looking at it again. I have learned that flame-straightening is a valuable tool, and I have read that propane is sub-par for this purpose. Right now I'm working on a project which may need to be straightened eventually. For these reasons, I plan to go with acetylene. I wouldn't use it much, so the price of gas would not be a problem, but I don't want to run into difficulties caused by a propane tool that won't do what I want.

It's very hard to choose an outfit. Every company makes a confusing array. I rooted around and came up with a couple. Wonder if anyone could advise me as to which is the better choice.

Victor Performer medium duty:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003G44RTM/?c ... _lig_dp_it

Victor Medalist heavy duty:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BYH4KHC/?c ... _lig_dp_it

[Oscar]

I have a "knock off" of the heavy duty 350 kit, made by Techniweld. Got it at my LWS for about $150-$200 a few years ago, can't remember. Anyways, it's worked great the few times I've needed it, uses standard size tips you can get pretty much anywhere. I use generic tips from HTP for it, and it just works
MFA for heating nozzles
1-101 type for cutting
300-series for Welding (or even small localized heating)

I also had a 3-tank manifold kit made by OA Doctor, so I can link up three acetylene tanks together if I ever need the flow for a good size rosebud heating tip. Cost about $175 with built-in check valves.

Here are some charts I have downloaded.

Victor Chart 1
Victor Chart 2
Victor Chart 3
Victor Chart 4
Victor Chart 5

[Chips O'Toole]

Now I'm even more confused. I see people saying that I can use an acetylene rig with propane, as long as I switch the tips and make sure I have type T hoses. Is that correct? That seems like the way to go. Heat and cut with propane, and flame-straighten with acetylene.

[Chips O'Toole]

Thank goodness, I found a way to make it even more complicated. I have to choose between CGA-510 and CGA-300, and I don't know what the difference is.

[Louie1961]

CGA 300 is for very large commercial tanks...you don't want that. You want CGA 510, which crosses over and works with propane tanks as well. I wouldn't over think your choices here. Victor and Smith are both high quality brands and you will be able to find tips locally for these two brands no problem. Pick one and run with it. I would personally go with the Victor Medalist 250 for $233 at Amazon. I like the new ergonomic handle, the torch has built in check valves and its inexpensive. I think the medalist 350 is a bit of a rip off in comparison. It is the same torch and tips, with different regulators.

https://www.amazon.com/Technologies-038 ... 148&sr=8-4

[Chips O'Toole]

I think I'm getting the Journeyman Edge 0384-2101. Thanks for the tips.

[Louie1961]

cool!

[Chips O'Toole]

Now I have to figure out what size tanks to get. I figure most of what I'll be doing will be heating metal to bend it. That would be propane. Second comes cutting, which propane will do. After that, I supposed flame-straightening with acetylene is next.

It would be neat to try a little welding, but I can't imagine myself doing it often.

I can put a 125-foot argon tank in my truck without too much trouble, but I'm not eager to try to lift anything bigger.