Author Topic: Recommend a cutting torch  (Read 1109 times)

Offline ChallengerHK

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Recommend a cutting torch
« on: November 19, 2012 - 12:17:35 PM »
My connectivity is still iffy. While I'm getting that sorted out...

I'm thinking about getting my brother a cutting torch for Christmas. Who has good recommendations? What types of things do I need to look for and to look out for?


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

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Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2012 - 12:31:05 PM »
My connectivity is still iffy. While I'm getting that sorted out...

I'm thinking about getting my brother a cutting torch for Christmas. Who has good recommendations? What types of things do I need to look for and to look out for?

Stick with a name brand ( Victor or Harris are good brands) as parts are not readily available for the cheapo's.
 Size of torch head depends on size of work. A standard size that is on a roll around cart is about 120 c.f oxy and 80 c.f acty. This size
is normally good for hobby to average work. If he needs bigger, chances are he woulda already had a set.
If I cant fix it, it's broke
 
Andy  (phukker whither)

Offline Skunkworks Challenger

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2012 - 12:46:19 PM »
Depends on what he is cutting and other needs.  I have a medium sized Victor Oxy/accl set that I use a lot but what I really would liked to have had  for my Challenger resto is a plasma cutter. 
The Brewmaster

Offline ChallengerHK

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2012 - 02:15:41 PM »
He operates a mowing and bush hogging business. Typically, he'd be cutting things like expanded metal (I'm guessing somewhere around 3/32"), parts of the mower frames (probably about 1/8" or so), and bolts pieces to add threads to other parts. He has a mig, but told me that he's been wanted a cutting torch for a few years.

Can't afford a plasma cutter  :grinno:


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

- Han Solo, Star Wars

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Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2012 - 05:11:32 PM »
Are you just giving the torch set? Or are you gonna include the tanks too? Tanks get pretty pricey unless
they are rented. Even rented tanks are expensive over a long term. What I am getting at is this, if you are supplying the tanks full of
gas and the torches, then you're getting close to a mid grade plasma cutter.  :2cents:
If I cant fix it, it's broke
 
Andy  (phukker whither)

Offline ChallengerHK

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2012 - 11:15:11 AM »
Are you just giving the torch set? Or are you gonna include the tanks too? Tanks get pretty pricey unless
they are rented. Even rented tanks are expensive over a long term. What I am getting at is this, if you are supplying the tanks full of
gas and the torches, then you're getting close to a mid grade plasma cutter.  :2cents:

Good to know. I had planned to give him a set with tanks, yes. What's a good plasma cutter run, and what are some good names?


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

- Han Solo, Star Wars

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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2012 - 05:46:54 PM »
Eastwoods has a plasma cutter on sale for $549 with free shipping

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Offline brads70

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2012 - 05:50:22 PM »
I like smith's , don't know if that's available in the USA or even if they are still in business?  I was renting tanks about 10 years ago. Never used them much so I took them back almost full, just wasen't worth renting them. Other people who knew I had them used them more than I did! LOL
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2012 - 06:28:40 PM »
Hobart makes a decent unit. Miller also has one but that runs bout 950.00. I think Tractor Supply
 sells the Hobart for around 550.
If I cant fix it, it's broke
 
Andy  (phukker whither)

Offline ChallengerHK

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #9 on: November 21, 2012 - 08:26:30 AM »
Eastwoods has a plasma cutter on sale for $549 with free shipping
Hobart makes a decent unit. Miller also has one but that runs bout 950.00. I think Tractor Supply
 sells the Hobart for around 550.

Any idea how thick these units will cut?


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

- Han Solo, Star Wars

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Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #10 on: November 21, 2012 - 05:25:08 PM »
They will cut 1/8" to 3/16 easily. 1/4" is doable but unless you're real good, will have quite a bit of slag.
If I cant fix it, it's broke
 
Andy  (phukker whither)

Offline Jesus H Chrysler

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #11 on: November 21, 2012 - 07:16:49 PM »
I got my cutmaster 38 off craigslist in nearly new condition for $600.  Eastwood has some deals but I have no idea what their quality is like.  Just like welders, stick with a name brand because you need consumables and oddball ones are hard to find.  That being said I've used mine for everything from sheet metal to 1/4 in plate and it cuts like a dream if you set it right.  The only thing it hates is aluminum.  The down side is you need a compressor to run it.  I've seen some units with a built in compressor, but again I have no experience with them.  Good luck!
Yes I own a 1972 Dodge Challenger Convertible T/A S/E with a 440 Six Pak. Can it get any more wrong?

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Greg, in the middle of MA has:
1970 Dodge Coronet 440 "Zom Bee"
1972 Dodge Challenger convertible 440 5 speed.
1973 Dodge Challenger 318 "Brown Bomber"
2012 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Blackberry Pearl.
2001 Jeep Wrangler locked, lifted and lighted.  "Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Corporation"

Offline 'Cuda Hunter

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #12 on: November 21, 2012 - 08:21:40 PM »
 :popcorn:
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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #13 on: November 21, 2012 - 09:19:34 PM »
Eastwood 40 amp is up to 3/8" & is $550
 the 60 amp will cut 7/8" but is $700

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Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: Recommend a cutting torch
« Reply #14 on: November 21, 2012 - 09:32:02 PM »
Eastwood 40 amp is up to 3/8" & is $550
 the 60 amp will cut 7/8" but is $700

This is true but all manufacturers call this a rated cut. In actuality the 3/8 cut is with optimal
conditions and cutting very slowly. If you really need to cut 3/8" on a regular basis then you should
be looking at a larger unit. The more expensive units come with a built in compressor, which is nice
if you need portability.
If I cant fix it, it's broke
 
Andy  (phukker whither)