worth it?

By drewP Date 01-06-2007 03:30

hey - new guy here. i'm starting a beginners class real soon so i don't know too much,but....i found an old torch(cutting?) at an antique store- didn't buy it,yet. i was wondering if it would be smart to get and refurbish it? the store was closing so i don't have specs. xcept = it's dirt cheap,it's brass and steel(alum?), and has 3 tubes in a triangular shape going to the head. i see new units can cost as much as $400-$500!? should i or there too much trouble?thanks so much!

By flatwins (*)

Date 01-06-2007 13:17

Welcome aboard. I'm a newbie but I could offer you at least one opinion. Unknown oxy-acet equipment scares me. First check to see that it's a well known brand, i.e. Victor, Harris. If so then take the model numbers to a welding supply and see if you can still get rebuild parts for it. With a O/A torch that you don't know the history of it's safe to assume that you will need to rebuild it with new o-rings, etc. If you still can get parts for it then consider the price. Also factor in that you'll need bottles and regulators. After you take your welding class you'll have a better feel for what type of equipment you'll want to buy for your home and\or shop but anyone who does even a small amount of metal fab work can benefit from having a O/A cutting rig handy. Be sure you end up with a safe piece of equipment otherwise you'll have a timebomb sitting in your garage. Be warned-I just took a welding class and ended up buying a Lincoln Precision Tig 185. My $200 welding class got real expensive real quick. ;-)

Steve

By aevald

Date 01-06-2007 14:21

Hello drewP, that was very sound advice that Steve gave you in his post. Even though you might think that this is a good deal on a torch, and it may well be, it is very likely that there will be better possible deals out there on equipment that has a traceable history and is more complete, ie.: torch, hoses, flashback arrestors, regulators, bottles, cart, tips, etc. After you have taken a course or two in welding you may also find that you might develope a preference for some other specific brand or type of cutting/welding equipment. You very well will end up getting the welding bug as so many of us others have, have fun and be safe. Regards and Good Luck, aevald

By drewP Date 01-06-2007 16:10

hi sorry i was in a hurry and replied to the wrong email-i'mma dumbass, the torch is the range of $25 so being so cheap i thought why not but i don't need another paper weight,i'll just have to go back and get details-thanks!

By Sourdough (****)

Date 01-06-2007 18:03

I would chance 25 bucks all day if the torch looks decent. Get on ebay and look at those torches. I just got a 2460 head for 34 bucks that worked good.