Recommend a cutting torch

[ChallengerHK]

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?

[72cudamaan]

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.

[Skunkworks Challenger]

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. 

[ChallengerHK]

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 

[72cudamaan]

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. 

[ChallengerHK]

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. 

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?

[Chryco Psycho]

Eastwoods has a plasma cutter on sale for $549 with free shipping

[brads70]

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

[72cudamaan]

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.

[ChallengerHK]

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?

[72cudamaan]

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.

[Jesus H Chrysler]

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!

['Cuda Hunter]

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Eastwood 40 amp is up to 3/8" & is $550
 the 60 amp will cut 7/8" but is $700

[72cudamaan]

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.