Oxy Acetylene torch question

[Scott K]

I am looking to get a new set of oxy Acetylene torches for a auto shop. I used to have a decent set, but never used them, so I sold them. Now I have been needing them lately.

Anyhow, my questions.

Just for typical automotive work, heating nuts and bolts, torching exhaust, clamps, exhaust studs, and such, should I go with a medium duty? Or heavy duty?

Doing some research online, I see a lot of deals on Hobart medium duty sets, and Victor "like" sets. I looked at places like Northern tool, and they seem to have some decent deals, but they are off brand stuff, will they hold up to shop use?

Now they wont get used daily, I wont be cutting truck loads of iron with them, I was told to just buy a Harris set, but they are a little out of my price range, and I dont think I would be putting it through any tests or anything, just the couple times a week, to heat up a bolt, or torch off something.

That also brings up the portable sets, does anyone use them? How long would the tanks last for just normal heating rusted bolts, and torching off a clamp here and there? Are the portable sets junk? Is there a good set to get? Are the small portable tanks exchangeable at your average place, or do they need to be sent in to be filled? Are they expensive to fill, or exchange, compared to the full size tanks?

I would like to keep the cost below $400 for the most, $300 would be much better.

[SwivelDigger]

I think if it were me I would try to find a used set of better quality than go with a new set of cheaper material.

[Scott K]

What do you think of the Victor 0384-2646 kit?

Seems to be in about in the price range I am looking for.

[fishing tech]

Have you checked with any of the local suppliers? Our dealership decided to go cheap and with so many different people using it, well it seamed like every month or so we were needing replacements. If it is just you using it it might last longer. Watch the list site, there are deals on there sometimes.

[wyonative]

if it was me i would look at using a mepps gas torch if all you want to do is heat nuts etc. much different than the propane torches

[delcecchi]

I have also seen a mapp/oxygen set at fleet farm.

But I think acetylene is the best solution. And the smaller tanks should do the job fine.

[Whoaru99]

Oxy/propane I think is a very viable option if your use is mainly heating with some cutting and little, if any, welding.

[magnum mike]

Before you settle on the torch, check on the prices and availability for the tips. A cheap torch that burns through expensive tips is no deal.