Any welders out there?

[DLyon]

I'm looking to purchase an Oxy-Acetylene torch and need a recommendation on what brands are good, and those to steer clear of. My wife is an artist and we are going to start working with metals this summer, I figured Oxy-Acetylene was the way to go for now.

Thanks, and let me know if this should be posted elsewhere.

[Tom Slick]

To be honest I'd just go to a real welding supply and buy a torch outfit, not a hardware or tool store, they'll carry high quality stuff and be able to help you pick out the correct one for your useage. You'll need to evaluate if you are going to rent or buy tanks. Usually buying is a better deal for occasional use.
Airgas sells their house brand "Radnor" torch outfits which is repackaged Harris or Victor products, both are top quality.

what is she going to weld? would brazing or soldering be a better choice? If it's 1/16 or thicker MIG welding might be a better choice.

[eezlock]

any welders out there?

Tom, gave you some good advice as to brands, I have used Harris brand
many times over the years and they are sort of the industry standard it seems. Victor is a good brand, just not familar with them.

If you buy a good set of regulators/hoses and mixer, make sure you get
two stage regulators instead of single stage. The two stage regulators
will maintain a constant line pressure as the tank pressure decreases, the single stage units won't do that, they would have to be constantly adjusted as the tank pressure decreases. A good set of start up equipment from a
welding supply dealer should have the regulators for oxygen, acetylene,
a twin hose set up (15ft.) mixer handle, 3 or 4 welding tips, a cutting attachment with a couple of tip sizes, tip cleaners and welding goggles.

You'll need some good welding gloves and probably a leather apron, a tank
wrench ( for acetelyne) and a good set of of tanks with gas! I know this sounds like a lot to start with....but it is expensive to start out. I have had
my equipment for years....and I use it as needed basis, so I decided
to buy my own tanks instead of renting/leasing them, better for me in the long run! All this equipment will cost several hundred dollars if you buy your
tanks....but will last a lifetime if properly maintained....something to think about. Take your time a look at what is available BEFORE buying, might save some money in the long run! After all is said and done then you have to consider the welding rods and what type welding you are going to do.

One last and final thing that should not be overlooked or forgotten....is the safety factor, where you will be welding and how safe is the area around it,
and get a good ABC fire extenguisher (5lb size) and keep it near by just in case! Just giving you some things to think about before starting welding,
but, if done safely and correctly can be as much fun and rewarding as
woodworking or any other hobby/ craft/ or sideline. Hope this helps, all this comes from years of experience. eezlock