Last Updated on Nov 19, 2022
Oxy-acetylene cutting torch kits or gas welding serve a great purpose for welding or cutting steel, heating nuts or bolts, etc. Fabricating steel with a cutting torch can be fun but also dangerous at the same time. Hence, it is essential to use a suitable torch so that your job can be done smoothly while being safe.
With a wide variety of cutting torches available in the market, choosing the right one can be a problem. And so if you’re looking for the best cutting torch to buy, we can help you with it. This guide will enable you to understand more about the oxy-acetylene torch and the best ones that you can buy.
What do I need for a cutting torch kit?
For a cutting torch kit, an oxygen and fuel cylinder is needed to start the burning and cutting process (it helps speed up the process). When acetylene is added, the flame gets hotter and increases the combustion.
Here’s what you need for a cutting torch kit:
- Acetylene gas
- Oxygen regulator
- Acetylene regulator
- Welding hose
- Oxy-fuel
- Gas cutting torch
- Protective gears
- Hose couplings
- Brazing
The most common gases used in oxy-acetylene cutting torches are MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene), propane, propylene,acetylene, and natural gas.
How much does a cutting torch setup cost? Do different size tanks of acetylene cost different amounts?
The cost of a cutting torch setup is between $200-$500, depending on the size of the torch and the tank. Cutting torches are of two main types: low-pressure and high-pressure torches.
Yes.Different sizes of acetylene containers have different costs. Acetylene is popular due to its efficiency and quality, and also it is essential to know its price. If you mostly deal with cutting, it is better to use an oxygen tank larger than an acetylene tank because oxygen gas is used faster than acetylene.
If you’re looking to fill an acetylene tank, the price varies depending on the size of the tank and where you get them refilled, the level of filling you need, or whether you need a new tank.For a purchase, various shops specialize in oxy-acetylene tanks when you need them.
If you’re looking for a new tank, the price can be around $100 and $120, depending on the dealer.
Refilling fuel tanks ranges from $20 for small fuel tanks to more than $50 for large fuel tanks.
- 10 cubic foot tank – $20
- #2 tank 40 cubic feet – $50
- #4 tank 145 cubic feet – $80
- #5 tank over 250 cubic feet – $120
Here is the price list of exchanging a new tank according to its size and weight:
- MC-10 (7.5 pounds) – $35
- B-40 (23.5 pounds) – $40
- 60 (42 pounds) – $50
- 4 (72.5 pounds) – $75
- 5 (101 pounds) – $110
- 5 (114 pounds) – $120
- Jumbo (174 pounds) – $175
What is the best cutting torch to buy?
A cutting torch is a versatile tool that makes your job easier, especially when working on steels or bolts. It can also be used for welding or repairing tools. A high-quality cutting torch provides several benefits, like cutting metal while also melting it. It requires a flame with a temperature of 6,3000F, and the quality of a torch can make a difference significantly.
Cutting torches are of different types, with each torch used for cutting variouskinds of steel depending on its thickness. Some torches are heavy-duty, while some are medium-duty. So it is vital to purchase a quality torch that can be used everyday or for industrial purposes.
A cutting torch is expensive, so it is essential to buy the right one to get the most of it and keep you away from harm. To help you decide, here’s a list of the best five cutting torches to buy:
Miller Oxy-Acetylene Tough Cut Outfit
Miller is a top brand and one of the best cutting torch available in the market. It is a heavy-duty product with a tough cut suitable for cutting, welding, and even heating. This Miller oxy-acetylene is a full oxy-acetylene cutting torch kit that includes a tip for welding, cutting, and heating with a three-year warranty.
This heavy-duty cutting torch easily cuts thick steel, and its various tips make it easy to use. It can cut thickness up to 6 inches and weld 3/8″ thick. This cutting torch kit also comes with an acetylene regulator and oxygen regulator for efficient use. Built with high quality, it is safe and comfortable for use.
With all the features that come with it, it is affordable and dependable that can withstand more than it’s built for. This kit also comes with glasses designed to protect your eyes while also allowing you to see clearly. But its drawback is that it doesn’t provide enough coverage than the other cutting glasses. Most suitable for hobbyists, fabricators, automotive, or repairing.
Zenstyle Torch Kit
Zenstyle cutting torch kit is one of the best kits for beginners that is packed with everything needed.It also comes with a competitive price designed with high quality that is durable and long-lasting.A full kit that includes three welding nozzles, heating tips, hoses, tip cleaners, glasses, etc., also providesoxygen and acetylene regulator in a sturdy case. Easy to use that offers different types of tips, giving you a range of choices.
Zenstyle torch kit is not made for heavy-duty but comes with a complete set at a great price. It enables you to cut up to 6 inches and weld or braze at 1/2 “thick. This cutting kit allows you to easily cut, weld, or braze any metal and its large brass handle enables you to have smooth adjustments accurately. This is a kit that you can buy without spending extra money. Although it comes without a warranty, it also gives you the benefit of having everything required in a cutting torch kit.
Victor Technologies Cutting Torch Kit
This Victor Technologies Cutting Torch Kit is a small-sized kit with an exceptional medium-duty range. It is easy to use and easily cuts through large steels. It features a high-quality hose making it safe and durable. In addition, it also comes with glasses that protect your eyes while also allows you to see clearly. Its handle is lightweight and easy to hold. It can cut steel up to 5 inches and weld 1/8″ thick.
Although smaller than others, it provides a six-month warranty, but you will have to purchase additional accessories like regulators, tips, and nozzle. Victor cutting torch kit is ideal for hobbyists or workshop owners.
Hobart Oxy-Acetylene Cutting Torch Kit – best medium duty
This Hobart cutting torch set is the best medium-duty torch used as a multipurpose for cutting and welding.It comes with extensive features but has few tips foradjustments. It is simple, easy to utilize, and serves well for medium-duty use. Its cutting capacity is up to 6 inches and weld 1/2″ thick. Both acetylene and propane gas can be used, but propane tips are not included in the kit.
It comes with a two-year warranty at an affordable price. This cutting torch is convenient and comfortable to use. It is a well-known brand preferred mainly by professionals and hobbyists.
Firepower Oxy-Fuel Cutting Torch Kit – best heavy duty
Firepower Oxy-Fuel Replacement Torch Kit is the best heavy-duty cutting torch used with various gases such as Oxy-Acetylene, Natural & LP Gases, Propylene, Propane, and Butane. It is built with heavy-duty stainless steel, alloy, and brass. Firepower torch offers excellent performance with superior quality and is long-lasting, making your job faster and easier
It is one of the most popular products that contain all you need to cut and weld. It can cut up to 5 inches and welds up to 1/2’’ thick steel. This Oxy-fuel replacement torch kit helps achieve professional results, and besides,this kit comes with a two-year warranty.
Can I use propane for a cutting torch? What gasses can I use?
Propane is also known as LP gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, is much cheaper than acetylene and usually supplied in cylinders and can be refilled in any place. With propane, heating, cutting, and brazing, larger metals are done but can’t be used for gas welding. With oxygen and propane, it produces a flame temperature of about 2800⁰C.
Propane can be used for cutting, but it takes a longer time as it releases less flame in the inner cone of about 10% and most heat is on the outer cone.A torch used with oxy-propane is known as a combination torch.
For effective burn, the mixture of oxygen gas should be in a specific range. Before turning on the gas, ensure that the tanks are secured. Attach the regulator gauge to the propane tank and connect the hose to the propane regulator. Attach the other end of the propane hose to the gas outlet and connect the gas hose to the oxygen regulator.
Then attach the end of the oxygen hose to the torch of the oxygen outlet. Turn on the propane and oxygen tank and adjust the psi: oxygen to 40 and propane around 5-10. Fully switch on the gas knob on the torch and slowly switch the oxygen knob. Then adjust the flow of oxygen on the torch and heat the metal for around 30 seconds before cutting. Once done, you can start cutting the metal.
The gases that you can use for cutting torch are:
- Acetylene: One of the most common gases used in cutting torch burns faster and hotter and produces the highest flame ataround 3200° C.
- Propane: Its flame is smaller than acetylene, but its temperature can reach as high as 2800° C. Its combustion heat is greater than acetylene, but the heat is mainly on the outer cone.
- MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene): It is a mixture of hydrocarbons with a temperature lower than acetylene, and the process of cutting is slower. But it can also be used at much higher temperatures than acetylene of up to 40-50 psi and can cut steel up to 12 inches thick.
- Propylene: Propylene is faster than acetylene when it comes to flame cutting with a temperature of around 2900° C. The flame temperature it produces is similar to MAPP that is hotter than propane but less than acetylene.
- Natural gas: It is the slowest in cutting with the lowest heat but is readily available and can be used as an alternative.
Can you use acetylene without oxygen? Which gets turned on first?
Acetylene is a versatile oxy-fuel gas used for various cutting and welding purposes. When mixed with oxygen (oxy-acetylene), it produces the hottest flame at 3150 °C. It is the only gas that can weld steel. For combustion, both acetylene and oxygen are required, and together, they create a high flame temperature. The oxygen from the atmosphere contains only about 21% of the oxygen that is not enough to reach a temperature for brazing. Hence, oxygen is required for that purpose to take maximum energy out of the fuel.
Oxygen is turned on first but ensures that you do it very slowly because it can explode. Then slowly turn on the acetylene gas to ½ to ¾ turn or more for reading. And set the pressure according to the manual. Switch the acetylene torch at around ⅛ to ¼of a turn. With a striker, light the torch and wait until the smoke goes away from the flame. And then, open the oxygen torch and make final adjustments.
How hot does a cutting torch get?
The temperature of the flame can reach as high as 6,300°F (3,480). The flame temperature depends on the amount of oxygen used that can reach a temperature of around 4000°F to 6000°F. And acetylene produces the hottest gas used for all purposes with a flame temperature around 5,600°F to 5,800°F. It’s important to make sure you have the correct welding glasses shade level when working with cutting torches.
When combustion occurs, it is common for the torch to get hot, but there should also be enough gas flow to prevent the cutting torch from overheating. When the temperature is set right, it can help in keeping the heat down.