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Nothing will get you faster than a torch.
They don’t need electricity and can go almost anywhere.
When purchasing a flashlight, safety, quality and precision are paramount.
Poor quality can get you burned if you make the wrong choice
these are the best kits on the market.
quick comparison
product | |||
---|---|---|---|
image | product | detail | |
best overall kit |
Victor Performer EDGE 2.0 |
Cuts up to 6 inches finished, ready to use easy maintenance |
check prices |
Best Portable Choice |
Hobart Tag-A-Long |
Cuts up to 3/8″ very portable suitable for farm trucks |
check prices |
best portable kit |
Lincoln Port-A-Torch |
Cuts up to 1″ DOT Certified Gas Cylinders industrial quality |
check prices |
Best Budget Option |
Firepower 250 Series |
Cuts up to 5″ Affordable great for beginners |
check prices |
Best DIY Clothing |
Harris Steelworker 510 DLX |
Cuts up to 5″ nice storage bag top building |
check prices |
Best Heavy Duty Kit |
Victor Medalist 350 |
Cuts up to 6″ Industrial strength affordable power |
check prices |
Here are some of the best torch kits we found on the market:
1. Victor Performer EDGE 2.0 Oxyacetylene Flashlight Kit
- Maximum Cut: 6″ (152.4 mm)
- Maximum Weld: 1/4″ (6.4mm)
- Hose Length: 12.5 feet
advantage
- Shading Class 5 Goggles
- Built-in flashback suppressor
- Includes heated nozzle
- including welding nozzle
- Complete Kit, Ready to Use
shortcoming
- longer hose required
- goggles are cheap
overview
The Performer EDGE 2.0 is a complete torch kit including goggles and some extra parts. The WH100FC Welding Handle is designed as a mid-sized base for a versatile full range cutting and welding system. It is capable of cutting, welding or heating metals using all the fuels used in oxygen-enriched operations. The handle is equipped with a built-in flash blocker and reverse flow check valve for safety.
ESAB also includes the CA1350 cutting attachment, whose performance is specifically matched to the WH100FC welding handle. The Performer EDGE 2.0 torch kit features Victor Traditional threaded components for quick, easy and affordable repairs.
The Victor Performer EDGE 2.0 Torch Kit is ready to cut steel up to 1/2 inch right out of the box. With the available Victor attachment, the torch can cut steel up to 6 inches thick. As delivered, the Performer gives you 1/4″ welding capacity, with optional accessories that can weld steel up to 1/4″ thick.
2. Hobart Oxygen/Acetylene Tag-A-Long Portable Torch Kit
- Maximum cutting: 3/8″
- Maximum welding: 1/8″
- Hose Length: 12.5 feet
advantage
- including goggles
- highly portable
- Tote
- Tips for using Victor
- great for quick work
shortcoming
- tank is small
- short hose
overview
The Hobart Oxygen/Acetylene Portable Torch Kit is ideal for quick repair jobs on the farm or ranch truck because it weighs less than 32 lbs and its integrated carrying bag can go almost anywhere. These qualities also make it a great choice for home DIY stores. 12.5 feet of hose is a bit short for a full-size setup, but this kit makes the kit easier to store, carry, and put to work.
Hobart designed the Tag-A-Long to be compatible with Victor flashlights, which means parts are readily available and inexpensive. With the included #0 cutting head, this torch can cut steel up to ⅜ inches thick. With the Wiha Victor #4, you can easily cut to ½” thick, and for larger tanks, you can use the #5 tip to cut to ¾” thick without the need for a larger hose.
The #0 welding tip included with the Hobart Tag-A-Long allows you to weld metal up to ⅛ inches thick and is heavy enough for equipment supports, angle iron structures, and pipe fencing. Victor #4 tips can weld up to ½ inch thickness.
3. Lincoln Electric Port-A-Torch Mini Cut Kit
- cut 1″
- Maximum cutting 4″
- Weld 1/16″
- Maximum weld 1/2″
- Hose length 12 feet
advantage
- Acetylene tanks are DOT certified
- shoulder straps
- storage compartment
- Built-in check valve
- forged brass
shortcoming
- tank is small
- Oxygen tanks are not DOT certified
overview
The Lincoln Electric Port-A-Torch Mini Cutting Kit is a high quality portable torch kit from one of the top names in welding. The storage box comes with a shoulder strap for hands-free carrying. It holds a 20 cu ft oxygen tank and an MC sized 10 cu ft acetylene tank.
Acetylene tanks are DOT certified and ready to be filled or replaced right out of the box. Oxygen cylinders are not certified. You can’t fill or refill the water tank. You can get it certified for pretty cheap, or buy another tank, not that cheap.
As delivered, the Lincoln Electric Port-A-Torch Mini Cutting Kit cuts steel up to 1 inch thick. With a different tip and larger cylinder, you can cut up to 4 inches of steel. It is capable of welding metal up to 1/16″ thick, with larger tanks and torch tips up to ½”.
Sturdy and precise, this flashlight unit is made of forged brass with a built-in check valve. The cutting attachment is also brass and the delivery tube is stainless steel. The Lincoln Electric Port-A-Torch Mini Cutting Kit comes complete with welding tip, cutting head, cutting and welding tip, safety glasses and impactor.
4. Firepower 250 Series OxyFuel Acetylene Units
- Notch: 1/8″ (3.2 mm) to 5″ (127 mm)
- Weld up to 1/2″
- Hose Length: 12.5 feet
advantage
- Color-Coded Mix Knobs
- Victor Compatibility Tips
- Ergonomic handle
- Built-in check valve
- Affordable
shortcoming
- made in China
- no tank
overview
Firepower 250 Series OxyFuel Acetylene Units have built-in reverse flow check valves. It comes with a flashback suppressor in the box. This kit includes a striker, a cutting head, nozzle and tip with 12.5 feet of hose, and comes with safety goggles. Firepower is a Victor brand. Victor is the industry leader in oxygen-enriched torches, so parts and tips are always easy to find.
This torch can weld up to 1/2″ thick and cut steel up to 1/2″. The Firepower 250 Series OxyFuel Acetylene Kit has a larger cutting head and can cut steel up to 5 inches thick. Out of the box you can weld up to 1/8″ steel and up to 1/2″ metal with the additional Victor Welding Tip.
The Firepower 250 Series OxyFuel Acetylene is equipped with a 12.5 foot hose, which is a standard length in this price range. It’s cheaper than other rigs we’ve looked at, but doesn’t come with any tanks. This may not be a disadvantage. Some flare kits have water tanks that are not DOT certified. So you can’t fill them up and have to buy or lease tanks.
5. Harris Ironworker 510 DLX Torch Kit
- Cuts sheets up to 5″ with optional tip
- Solder 1/8″ using tip provided
- Solder 1/2″ with optional tip
- Hose Length: 20 feet
advantage
- made in lincoln
- Includes nice tool bag
- simple care tips
- adjustable rod
- Forged Brass Body
shortcoming
- no flashback suppressor
- without heating head
overview
The Harris brand is owned and manufactured by Lincoln Electric. The Harris Ironworker 510 DLX is a high-quality, industrial-strength, medium-duty oxyacetylene torch kit that cuts steel up to 1 inch right out of the box. Optional cutting head cuts up to 5 inches thick. It can weld 1/8″ steel plates and is capable of welding 1/2″ steel plates with the optional tip.
The Harris Ironworker 510 DLX is constructed of solid forged solid brass to rugged industry standards, with a built-in check valve, but does not come with a flash discharger. The cutting bar is designed to flip forward for a more ergonomic and sturdy feel. The 20-foot, 1/4-inch diameter water supply hose provides adequate coverage.
This oxyacetylene flashlight comes with Class 5 blackout glass, a striker pin, 20 feet by 1/4 inch hose, and an insulated tool bag. Every joint on the Harris Ironworker 510 DLX is silver soldered for exceptional strength and efficient sealing. The two-piece cutting tip is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
6. Victor Medalist 350 Heavy Duty Welding Gun Kit
- Cut 3/4″ using the tip provided
- Cuts up to 6″ with optional tip
- Solder 1/8″ using tip provided
- Welds up to 3″ with optional tip
- Built-in check valve
advantage
- heavy duty design
- nice long hose
- value for money
- easy access to parts
- Proof in the workplace
shortcoming
- Missing flashback suppressor
- Complaints about wrong connectors
overview
The main features that have made the Victor Medalist 350 heavy-duty cutting system famous are its heavy-duty nature, long-term presence in industrial workshops and the economy of such a robust product. This flashlight will cut 3/4″ way, or 6″ with optional tip. It can weld steel up to 1/8″ out of the box and up to 3″ with the optional tip.
ESAB keeps the cost of this kit down by offering kits that can be used to upgrade or supplement existing equipment. I don’t think the Victor Medalist 350 Heavy Duty Cutting System has additional heating or a brazed tip. You must purchase the flash arrestor separately, or use an existing set. Check valves are built in.
Overall, this is a solid choice oxyacetylene torch kit for those who need tougher, heavy-duty cutting in more industrial settings.
About Jeff Grill
Jeff Grill hails from Long Island, a 118-mile stretch of land that stretches from the shores of Manhattan to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. He was interested in welding from an early age, as evidenced by the scars on his body when he started working with various metals.