(Part 3) Best gas welding torches according to redditors
We found 158 Reddit comments discussing the best gas welding torches. We ranked the 52 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
Buy a blow torch. Its cheaper and lights BBQ charcoal in a few seconds.
I bought a cabinet fan that has a regular AC plug. This is the one. I guess it's not specifically a CPU fan, just a cabinet fan meant for any sort of small DIY projects.
The torch is a Bernzomatic Powercell w/ self-starting trigger meant for soldering and brazing. You can also order it from Amazon here.
Looks like a torch igniter that's missing the flint section. Used to light oxy-acetylene welding and cutting torches.
Similar to this
https://www.amazon.com/Flint-Spark-Torch-Igniter-Reliable/dp/B004JBUKXI
But maybe an older style?
The weed burner is probably your best bet for a big flame, if you need a smaller torch then use a torch that's for soldering, not welding. Bernzomatic makes a good selection of these, look at their heat-shrink torches or their other broad-flame torches. Those sound like exactly what you want. Even their plumbing torches would probably work. You can experiment with blocking some of the air holes if you want a flame with more red in it. Also, you want to use a cooler burning gas, like propane (instead of mapp or acetylene). If you need to hold the flame on aluminum for more than 30 seconds fill the flashlight with water.
For example;
https://www.amazon.com/BernzOmatic-361472-BZ4500HS-Shrink-Torch/dp/B00834RCLU
https://www.amazon.com/BernzoMatic-JT680-361473-Jumbo-Flame/dp/B00008ZA0D
Thermadyne TurboTorch 0386-0335 X-3B Air Acetylene Torch Outfit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00128FMLQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dE-YDb0K0W922
This is what most of my company and I use. Then, you can buy extra tips if need be. But, those two tips will let you sweat up to 3” copper.
Uh, looking at some quick google searches it looks like I have this torch and a Worthington 4.25 pound LP cylinder.
I'm a fan the of "fatboy" tanks that are shorter and 16oz because if you use something like this the torch head tends to be at a level where you can just set the tank next to your bong and it'll heat the nail up.
I think it may be an early blow-torch nozzle. The small hole is the orifice, the gap is the air intake. The tube is the flame port.
http://www.amazon.com/Propane-Torch-Extra-Nozzle/dp/B000FV90N2
After debating, I just went ahead and bought two medium sized tanks from AirGas last year. It was pricey, but I don't have to worry about returning them. As for my torch, regulators, and hoses, I bought a Forney torch kit from my local Farmer's Co-op. It came with the torch, regulators, hoses, etc. It's Victor style, so you can swap parts with Victor parts if you need to. Thusfar I've used it to heat plate, bars, and rods, as well as cut 3/8" plate. I've also used the welding head to do a little brazing. It's performed well and I haven't had any problems with it.
I know your just stating out but if you like the work already you may be better served investing in a torch like this.
Air Propane/MAPP Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ICFMAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IRBDDbS5N8ER6
I have a similar setup from Goss I went without the self igniters to keep the torch Handel small but over the standard on the tank torch these are a joy to use.
The CK flex-loc is a nice torch, but I'd recommend learning on a simple rigid -17 just because it's almost universally familiar to everyone in the industry and it's what almost every welding school will start you off with. The reasoning is that a -17 is basically the industry standard torch for most work under 150 amps and it's a torch you'll come across it almost everywhere. A rigid -17 will do for 95% of what you'll be welding, it's cheap, it's reliable, and almost every welding supply will have parts for it if you need anything. What more can I say,? This is a no-brainer decision unless you will be doing stricly low amp work (if so, a -9 might be prefereable). I'd save the CK flexloc for a little while later when you want to get fancy, stick with the basics for now.
My recommended "basic essentials" shopping list:
6 Stubby gas lens (at least 1)
6,7,8 cups (at least one of each)
A lot of this stuff your local welding supply should carry or you can get it on Ebay for cheap. -17 torch parts are pretty generic. On the subject of welding supply stores, I would NOT recommend Airgas unless you like paying full retail + 25% price for everything.
You will also need a cylinder of Argon (80 cubic foot is a good size for a hobbyist), a decent Argon flowmeter, and 6' of inert gas hose (Argon uses 5/8-18 "B" fittings) if you want to be able to use your new toy.
I'd also recommend two 20' lengths of #2 or #4 gauge cable for you ground and stinger leads (TIG will use the same ground cable). For a stinger the Lenco 200 amp is pretty much industry standard for light duty. For a ground clamp, buy the nicest one you can afford -- Nothing pisses me off more than a shitty ground clamp - it's a pet peeve of mine. ("Earth" clamp for the Brits here, and "Work Lead" for the technical nitpickers)
Keep in mind that aside from the specific machine connectors which are only really useful for your specific machine, almost everything else I mention you would have to buy with any TIG welder. Welcome to the club, prepare to be "nickel and dimed" for a while until you settle on what works best for you.
Get one with a click on and off button. But yeah this.
I own this: http://www.amazon.com/Mag-Torch-MT200C-Propane-Pencil-Burner/dp/B000692UYE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420669575&sr=8-2&keywords=propane+torch
Would suggest something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Propane-Push-button-electric-starter/dp/B007R84M7A/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1420669575&sr=8-5&keywords=propane+torch