Acetylene torch sets can be a great addition to someone’s workshop or set of tools. They are capable of cutting or welding certain materials based on the specific torch’s specifications and capabilities. In this article we have five different torches that we will be reviewing for the best acetylene torch set.
We will be looking at various aspects of each torch set and discussing features such as Fuel, Material, Cutting Attachment, Torch Handle, Standards, Installation Type and Item Thickness. A buyer’s guide that discusses what a buyer may look for in their kit will also be included near the end.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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Victor 0384-2101 Journeyman Edge
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Torch – Oxy-Acetylene Tough Cut Outfit
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Harris Ironworker 510 DLX Oxygen Acetylene Torch Kit
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ZenStyle Oxygen & Acetylene Gas Cutting Torch
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Hobart 770502 Medium Duty Oxy-Acetylene Kit
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CHECK PRICE ▼ |
Specification
| Max Cut | 8 in. |
| Max Weld | 3 in. |
| Hose Length | 12.5’ |
This kit is capable of welding, cutting and heating with everything you would need to do any of these three. It uses acetylene as the fuel, which has been known and stated to have rougher looking cuts. It is made out of HAWA material and has a CA2460 cutting attachment capable of cutting up to an astounding eight whole inches. The H315FC+ torch handle is capable of welding up to 3 inches. It also contains an 8-MFA heat nozzle.
This kit would be your most expensive option out of the five we are reviewing, but this can be justified by a lifetime warranty and high quality equipment. The hose is 12.5 ft and along with the three capabilities, also comes with goggles, tip cleaner, striker and more.
WHAT WE LIKE
I like this kit because it is capable of the highest max cut. It also comes with a wide variety of great equipment as well as has the three capabilities of cutting, welding and heating. I think the manufacturer did a good job with creating something versatile and heavy duty.
PROS
- Complete kit
- Two 2.0 regulators
- Includes goggles
- Heavy duty
CONS
- Pricey
Specification
| Max Cut | 6 in. |
| Max Weld | ⅜ in. |
| Hose Length | 20’ |
The Smith brand, owned by Miller, is known as another top brand for kits that contain cutting torches. Similar to Victor’s Journeyman, it also has the capabilities to cut, weld and heat with three different types of tips included in the kit.
The cutting tip is capable of cutting up to six inches and the welding tip is capable of welding up to ⅜ of an inch. It uses Acetylene fuel, which as we know and have stated, has been known to result in welds with a rougher appearance than other fuels.
It has ETL or UL standards and the installation type is gas-welding. The item thickness is eleven inches and the hose is 20 ft., which is longer than Victor’s Journeyman. The cutting attachment is CC509P and the torch handle is CW5A.
WHAT WE LIKE
I like that this product is cheaper than Victor’s Journeyman with similar capabilities. Although, it is still on the rather expensive side. I think the manufacturer did a good job with creating yet another multi-purpose tool that is heavy duty and a full kit. Along with it possibly not resulting in the cleanest welding lines, it also has a low welding thickness capability.
PROS
- Warranty of 3 years
- Full kit
- 20 foot hose
CONS
- Does not include flashback arrestors
- Striker is of low quality
- Low welding thickness capability.
Specification
| Max Cut | 5 in. |
| Max Weld | ½ in. |
| Hose Length | 20’ |
This torch kit is more suited for those concerned with safety. It has heads on the cutting attachment that are solidly forged to resist damage from flashbacks and abuse. The torch handles are silver brazed and made to also keep safety in mind, as well as encapsulated Teflon seats for regulators to promote safety and extended life. The lever flips are solid brass that flip forward to ensure positive and fast connecting, even when the user is wearing gloves.
There is a seven year warranty on the model. Like all of the other kits, it is acetylene fuel powered. The material is described as “other”, which leaves a lot to speculation. I really like all of the safety features that this kit has taken. It leaves the user feeling a lot more comfortable with using their product. The max cut is the lowest at 5 inches, but the max weld is higher than Smith/Miler at half an inch.
WHAT WE LIKE
It would be nice to have more details about the product, such as the material, the item thickness, the install and the standards, but based on what we are given I believe it is a good product, especially with the safety features. I would like the product to have a better max cut and max weld, though.
PROS
- Decent warranty
- Lower price
- Hose is 20 feet
CONS
- No heating attachment
- Not capable of thick material welding
- Does not contain flashback arrestors
Specification
| Max Cut | 6 in. |
| Max Weld | ½ in. |
| Hose Length | 15’ |
The description on the seller’s page makes this product out to be a great buy. Descriptions are used such as “top quality”, “outstanding performance”, “wide range uses” and more. This kit could be seen as more suited for beginners because it is not as complex as the others. Although, it is still decent quality and good for the money.
WHAT WE LIKE
This kit is in the lower price range, which is also good for a beginner. The max cut capability is six inches, which is pretty acceptable, especially for a lower priced tool. The max weld is ½ inch, which is a bit on the lower side. One major perk is this kit has the capability to heat, weld and cut, which is also great for the low price.
There is no warranty on this particular kit, but since it is inexpensive that is more understandable. I think the manufacturer did a good job with creating something minimal but still of decent quality and capability, and I think this would be a great tool for someone just starting out or not taking on such a big project.
PROS
- Carrying case included
- Great purchase for price
- Great deal of attachments included
CONS
- Hose is only 15 feet
- Flashback arrestors not included
- No warranty included
- Lower material quality
Specification
| Max Cut | 6 in. |
| Max Weld | ½ in. |
| Hose Length | 20’ |
Hobart’s kit can also be seen as decent value for your money. With a 20 foot hose, the max cut is six inches with the max weld ½ inch. The description states that this kit is perfect for a great amount of applications because of the fact that it can weld and cut. While this does not allow for heating, the cutter is a plasma cutter, which is an interesting feature.
WHAT WE LIKE
One feature that I really like about this kit is that it can be alternated between Acetylene or propane gas. All you need to do is change the propane tips. I think this is a great feature to have because acetylene isn’t always the best fuel to weld with and propane is likely to be easier to obtain and more affordable.
There is a two year warranty offered with this product. I think the manufacturer did a good job developing a product that is good for the money, but I wish they would’ve made it capable of having the heating component as well. I also wish the description would have been more detailed, such as what type of cutting and welding handles are included.
PROS
- Long, 20 foot hose
- Complete kit
- Decent price
CONS
- Short warranty
- Kit is of lower quality
Buyers Guide
Torch Handle
Some features of a torch handle that you would want in your kit would be durable and comfortable in your hand. Having flashback arrestors is also a nice feature to have because these provide safety by ensuring a flame does not travel back into the pipe.
Regulators
These are used for controlling gas that is released and ensuring there is a steady pressure in a cylinder. Single stage and two stage serve as the main two types of regulators. You would want to ensure you have the right size to fit your gas tank. CGA540 regulator is used for oxygen and CGA510 is used for acetylene. Make sure your regulators match the tank valves.
Hose
A hose connects the torch and regulators. There are different thicknesses and lengths for hose and you are going to want to make sure your hose is long enough to reach the gas cylinders from your workbench. Acetylene fueled kits will need a R & RM hose or T hose, while propane is exclusively T grade.
Accessories
Extra items that come in your kit can be necessary or maybe just convenient. Shade 5 goggles are a necessity and it is a good idea to look out for those in your kit. You should also have a striker to light the flame.
Gas Tanks
If your kit has a gas tank included, make sure it is dot certified in order for it to be refilled. If your set includes a plumber B tank, this is not compatible with majority of cutting torches.
Brand
Some of the top brands to look out for are Harris, Smith and Victor. They have been recognized for many years and are considered the top brands of torches.
Tips
Always note how thick of metal you are going to cut because this is the standard at which you should find your cutting torch tip.
Conclusion
The torch kit that I would choose would be the Victor 0384-2101 Journeyman Edge. While this is the most expensive option, I believe that the price is justified. It has the best max cut and max weld as well as the material. I think this torch kit would be able to tackle any project you would throw at it.
