Originally Posted by fiver
Any recommendations for a beginning frame builders oxyacetylene outfit? I'm trying to keep it under or around $200, without tanks. Uses for now would be for chopping up old frames and putting them back together. (tall bikes, etc.) Just got the Paterak manual too, so I'm hoping to start brazing frames this summer. Thanks
With thinwall tubing, the smaller "aircraft" torches are favorites among frame builders - and for good reason. They are lightweight, have forward positioned adjusting knobs, and will easily weld over 3/16" thick mild steel if need be. After using one for well over 40 years, anything else in my hand feels like a fence post.
1. Victor "J" series (J-28 and the older J-27)
2. Smith AW-1 (better tip selection than the Victor)
3. PREST-O-LITE W-200 (Now peddled by ESAB, I believe)
4. Harris model 15 (Aircraft Spruce sells these)
I would recommend buying just the torch, a few smaller sized tips and 25' of new, 3/16" hose. Then hunt down a set of cheaper, single stage regulators like the Victor S-250 series. I would avoid used regulators and hoses.
BTW, your "chopping up" is best done with a quality "high tension" hacksaw or an 4" angle grinder. Torch cutting attachments are nice for dissecting a '59 Buick, but rarely used for bike building.