Framebuilders - N00b Q&A thread.

OK, so check it out, a lot of us are either amateur or aspiring framebuilders, and I'm sure we have a lot of questions. I've got a couple questions that come to mind, so I figured a dedicated thread would be a good idea for such things. Here goes;

I'm planning on getting a new oxy/acetylene rig now that Christmas is over and I'm able to spend my money on MYSELF again, as it should be. :) But check it out, at the local Sears, theres a Lincoln kit for $200, but I can go on E-bay and find them new for as low as $40. Is there a huge difference in quality level for this equipment? I've done plenty of MIG, TIG and stick welding, but haven't brazed or welded with oxy/acetylene since welding school, so I'm not familiar with all aspects of it. I don't have a problem paying more for quality, but this is pretty lo-fi equipment, so I wondered if there was a huge, quantifiable difference.

I'm sure I'll have no problem keeping this thread bumped with just my own questions, but all n00bs, feel free to post here, too. Thanks in advance for all the replies.

My recommendation is get a known brand, cheap import welding equipment scares me. I bought a cheapo Victor Firepower set which is commonly available at discount tool shops. It's a little more expensive than that ebay stuff but has an added advantage in that Victor tips are readily available which may not be the case with those cheap import brands.

Good luck.

ahem

ok...I have a question-how do you unbraze(is that what you call it?) lugs and filet brazes?

Thanks
Jake

http://tinmantech.com/html/meco_midget_torch.html

I would avoid the kits that come with tiny tanks, since oftent he cost a lot to refil.

If you want a cheap second hand unit, look locally so you can check it out first.