Harbor Freight oxygen and acetylene welding and cutting torch just as good as my victor torch

[rebeccaschorr]

keep using the harbor fright torch and get back to us in 10 years...

[Lightningz1]

I have this exact oxy-acetylene torch at home, it's surprisingly good. 

[tbndeereman75]

freddy if you want a really good torch for gas welding, get a smith AW-1. It is a smaller torch, with the valves on the front, like a jewlery torch. I got mine on Ebay for around $80, and it came with 2 tips. (no regs or hose, I just used the ones from my air liquide torch)

[SMMS077]

Thanks for sharing,Can't wait to start welding!

[Kpowerstroke]

The hose blew up on mine because of a crack in the line.

[freddytk421]

@Kpowerstroke my hoses cracked too but i replaced them before they were deadly. they will not crack if you keep them out of the sun.

[TheMattd546]

very nice video buddy, i got 1 question though, how much did you spend on the tanks? cuz the kit dont come with the tanks right? its just everything but the tanks, i really want to get it, but im afraid i'll order it for the $100 bucks and then the tanks will be like 200bucks or so, get back to me, thanks alot for the nice video

[tbndeereman75]

@TheMattd546 WHen I got my tanks, which were a lot smaller then his, they cost me like $400

[rockergod789]

why not get a Smith torch? top of the line safety, completely made in the USA, and they weld and cut just like or even better than Victor.

[freddytk421]

@rockergod789 Maybe I will get one the next time i buy a set. If they give me one for free like harbor freight did that would be even better.

[genegenegene1]

@rockergod789 Smith is a much safer torch, the uniquely designed

mixing chamber eliminates the possibility of oxygen backflowing into the accetylene

causing a compression ignition/explosion

[rockergod789]

@genegenegene1 good thing the welding program i attend only uses Smith torches!

[paintballkid274]

What is the stick you are feeding into the torch called? is it like a ark welder stick? or just a piece of metal?

[freddytk421]

@paintballkid274 filler rod.  1/16" rg-45

[ztetnies]

@paintballkid274 NEVER. Use an arc welding stick of anykind on gas.

[soulshinobi]

Man it sounds like a beautiful day there...

[morgorth3242]

whats the price? 

[lexichronicle2]

6:21 save a thought for science students, I had to wear those bastards for three hours straight, digging into my skin, misting up, covered in scratches from all the noobs messing with them.

Hang onto them and you can stare at the sun on the next eclipse.

I like your brand / china mentality. I think you're dead on the money there. I have tried asking some companies who claim 'better than imports' where they come from, they never reply.

[ryecard]

My Craftsman 22124 table saw got 4 to 5 star reviews from every wood working mag out there including Fine Woodworking magazine. it's made in China! But I sure as heck would't recommend a HF table saw thats for sure. I do like some HF products though, like clamps and gloves and hard to find stuff that Sears doesn't even have sometimes. HF drill bit sets are good enough but I got the drill press from Grizzly instead of HF. Cordless drills from HF suck! compared to Rigid or even Ryobi

[elal757]

Everyone gets worked up about HF/made in China tools but in my experience for the hobbyist/DIYer the HF stuff is fine. Typically the only problems with the Chinese made tools is either right up front or in the long run. Up front you have the chance that it won't work or break from the get go, but of course you can return/exchange, problem solved. In the long run you probably won't have the same level of service/parts/support but at that point replacement is typically just as economical.

[Bushougoma]

The only disadvantage is service while these torches fit the Victor tips that's where the similarities end.

Should you or your welding supply need to service the torch or regulators parts will be unavailable. At which point you'd be forced to buy another torch. You can find Victor parts at any welding supply.

So you have to balance that with spending a little extra.

[freddytk421]

@Bushougoma True but you can get a new reg or whatever cheaper than it would cost to get fixed.

[jaken8r4]

hey i like your vids iv seen lots of them. i got that horborfreight torch kit and a 10 cf acetylene and 20 cf oxy and i relized that the ecetylene bottle and regulator do not fit eachother and i was wondering, can i buy a adapter for that or will i have to buy a smaller regulator or buy a bigger thank. thanks

[rockergod789]

@jaken8r4 Learn how to spell, jackass.

[ranzamaceanruig]

On sale thru Dec 20-something for $89.95 with a coupon

[tradernorton05]

Stick with Victor or Harris.

[digitalPimple]

$129.99 at "China Freight" right now. Chicago Electric Welding Systems 98958

[reap62]

not to diss you but welding with a torch sucks i just use a mig welder or a stick welder but the torch is nice if you outside or not near electricity

[alblsnk]

Just to add I saw this kit on sale for $130 just before looking up this video on the HF website

[EarlRausch]

Harbor Freight is a darn good place to get equipment for a low price. All of my air tools are from HF, And now most all of my grinders drills and a lot of other power tools come from HF.

I used to use Milwaukee grinders but for just 15$ you can get a 4 1/2" angel grinder, I have used the grinders (HF) for more than two years and no problems,

Keep in mind I only use them for hobby/ranch work. I don't know how they would hold up using them for 5 or 6 hours a day, My wrenches are still snap on tho

[garyowillowproducts]

Thanks for your great and honest video! The cost diff may help more folks get started.

[mgcuriel]

@bassthumpintwion they have one for $99. Look up Oxygen and Acetylene Welding Kit: looks like the one he's talking about, just a different name?

[oilfield666]

victor or uniweld...only bands i use.... harbor freight tools isnt the best quality

[bassthumpintwion]

Looks like it's listed as the "Industrial Oxy-Acetylene Welding Outfit" on the HF website now. Oh, and it's not 100 bucks... it's about 250 now.

[freddytk421]

@bassthumpintwion It goes on sale all the time. just wait a while and sign up for the mailers. They put this video on their website today so maybe it will be that price again soon.

[bassthumpintwion]

@freddytk421 Actually, I just did a quick search on eBay and found the same (or very similar) set for about $75 + shipping. May have to look into this when I get a little money set aside. Thanks for the review!!

[wankelbolt]

@bassthumpintwion, it's on sale right now for $100 and in-stock on the web site.

[bassthumpintwion]

@wankelbolt appreciate the heads up!!

[mgcuriel]

@bassthumpintwion they have this one for $99 look up Oxygen and Acetylene Welding Kit: it looks like the one he's talking about, just a different name?

[defegge]

I don't see that HF welding rig offered (also, a search on that product #98958-0VGA turns up nothing) anymore. Got any insight?

[freddytk421]

@defegge I guess it's discontinued. The stores may have them still. The last time they discontinued this set they brought it back a few months later but they had fewer tips in the set so they can sell them separately. They may be pushing their portable set or will bring back the set with fewer components so you can spend more.

[defegge]

@freddytk421 Thanks. I'll get over there and check the S. Lamar location.

Next, I need to locate an M-type bottle for acetylene and an appropriate bottle for O2. I shudder to think of the cost for the bottles compared to the cost for the torch, regulators, hose, etc.

[freddytk421]

@defegge Hey you live in Austin. That's cool. I go to the South lamar location all the time. You can rent tanks from Alamo I don't know if you saw but I made a video of them. I rent mine from there.

[spitzification14]

@freddytk421 man i have the money to buy a troch kit i just set it aside in my stash i am going to buy the torch kit next year i am going to buy the same kit as steveo928 did because us Canadians cant buy tanks like you Americans can and i cant justify paying rent for the amount of welding i do and my parents dont let me get this because of safety reasons i told them i did it at school and went through training can you tell me a way to persuade them

[defegge]

@freddytk421 Indeed, I am in Austin. I figured that you couldn't be far from the area when I saw your video on Alamo Welding Supply. That is another Austin landmark!

[wankelbolt]

@defegge: Drop the last part of the number. The part number is 98958 and is on the web site. The last part, 0VGA, is a tracking number so they can identify which mailer you got it out of.

[CoolasIce2]

Do you know anything about the Harbor Freight torch kit that includes a plastic carrying tote? It's about $280. It might include the torch you're talking about.

[welding/welding-accessories/p­ortable-torch-kit-with-oxygen-­and-acetylene-tanks-65818.html­]

[utsports]

thanks for the video i do go into harbor freight a lot and have looked at there welding equipment haven't bought yet, but wouldn't have a problem buying the torch set i also think it would be fine because it made of brass and for the price its good deal again thanks for sharing this video

[gomode301]

You're really cool. I appreciate this video.

[homantim]

Do you need to buy flashback arrestors or is it safe to use without? Or does it have something built in for this already? I'm guessing these would be the correct tips to buy also right? Victor Cutting Tip 3-101 Series (Acetylene) - Medium Duty. I am looking for the 000 size.

Thanks!

[freddytk421]

@homantim It ready to use straight out of the box and yes thats the correct tip size. I have a 000 for mine made by victor in mexico.

[ccmtor]

@homantim No matter what the torch you should run flashback ancestors on the regulator and torch body. Especially if you're learning. Only buy the best because they can save your equipment and your life.

[AdamMargie4ever]

You are right this is an awesome torch for the price, it cuts and performs flawless

most people should give it a try you wont be let down.

[AdamMargie4ever]

You are right this is an awesome torch for the price, it cuts and performs flawless

most people should give it a try you wont be let down.

[CoolasIce2]

Good info, dude. Cyberweld is a great site. Super quick shipping.

[mcloven83]

Great video Can I have the goggles u don't want? Jk.

[litemup67]

The only Torch Fail i found was for the Olympic gimp.

[freddytk421]

I couldn't find any torch fail vids either. I saw one guy have a gas explosion but he was in a tiny space and I don't think it was the torches fault. You gotta figure they have sold millions of torches so I think it would be news if they blew up all the time. Mine still welds perfectly and I does not loose any pressure when I shut off the bottles. Thats all I care about not that they are cheap or chinese.

[Tomwalked]

for me... in my opinion... there are things to skimp on and things not to... do a Utube search for "torch fail"... several good reasons to buy high quality.

[freddytk421]

Search the web for this model failing. This torch is high quality. I have several different sets of torches and I know what's good and not good. What brands are failing in those videos and is it equipment failure or human error?

[freddytk421]

I searched for "torch fail" I could not find anything relevant. Can you be more specific so I can see what you are talking about. I really don't care if anyone else buys this torch but tons of people have for years and years and I'm sure there would have been some lawsuits or press if they were defective. If you don't believe me thats fine don't buy one, plenty of people have taken me at my word and have given me good feedback and thanks for recommending it.

[torchandregdoc]

The Victor brand is still a better torch and reg set. There are quite a few differences. The nut on your acet tube is brass and will have to be changed after a couple rebuilds. You can't buy seats for the regs. The outlet and gauges on many HF sets are not tapered pipe thread so are impossible to replace.

[freddytk421]

Well mine is nowhere near needing to be replaced. And if it ever breaks ill just toss it it the trash, and buy a whole new regulator cheaper than any replacement parts on a victor set. I have both and they are equal in quality. The only thing inferior are the hoses. Victor is chinese as well. @torchandregdoc

[freddytk421]

The nut on my victor is brass as well.

[kenx626555]

great video post.thanks for posting

[freddytk421]

you're welcome. thanks for watching it.

[Djkyle65]

Anyone know if its on sale in Feb.?

[hitcb]

truth be told about EVERYTHING being made in china... might as well save some money.

and i think you can weld aluminum with propane but don't quote me on that

[Milby20289394bc]

hell its just like tig weldin

[ranzamaceanruig]

Harbor Freight has this torch kit, 98958-0VGA, on sale right now for $99.99, until Jan 20.

[RobertGary1]

They also sell it with the tanks for $270.

[7018welder]

harriss is made in irealand

[croby14]

Awesome kit I would like to get something like this seeing as O-A welding is so fun, how many$?

[MacsCanfly]

om cut with just propane whoa whoa whoa someone explain

[freddytk421]

Not just propane. Propane and oxygen. the cutting is done with just the oxygen once the metal heats to a certain point. you can cut actualy shut off the fuel gas during a cut and it will still work on the oxygen gas alone.

[sebster3gmail]

@MacsCanfly

you can cut with propane but you need acetylene to weld.

propane is not hot enought

[TekkHakk]

How good is the industrial one for $10 more?

[freddytk421]

They are the same, the only difference that I can see on the website is it comes with bigger welding and cutting tips. but you can buy them seperate really cheap at HF.

[damrak1969]

Hey, I just got a HF torch combo kit with the tanks - not quite like the one you show here. I want a 00 or 000 tip but I tried a couple of Victor tips and they didn't fit. Do the tips on your kit have a taper where they plug into the torch body? The tip that came with my kit has no taper on the insertion - just straight and cylindrical with a little bevel at the very end. All the Victor tips I've seen online and used at work are tapered then beveled at the ends.

[freddytk421]

They are the little victor tips the w-1 medium duty series victor tips. your work probably has heavy duty tips.

[fishpant]

What is the HF item number of this kit? I can't find one on their web site with the smaller welding tips

[freddytk421]

98958-0VGA it says heavy duty but it's really medium duty.

[ciscosapphire]

Thanks for sharing! Very informative and entertaining at the same time. I put lard on everything.

[renshy84]

I think I am going to invest in that. It just what I need.

[madisonelectronic]

Thanks for showing the covers for the regulators. I had no idea they were made and they woud have saved me two repairs and one new Ox regulator.

[TimKGrimes]

Great video

[ultimatebanjo]

Thanks for the video. Could you post one on how to properly light a cutting torch.

Thanks,

[pancakepie2]

awesome vid...I love vids like this that expose the truth of where stuff is made. I think just about everything from HF is made in China, but ya know, so what? So is everything you buy for Christmas. Sad yes, but same quality without the brand name surcharge.

[hondaryder1994]

you can use propane and oxygen and could still heat up bolts and stuff red hot?

[bansheebane]

I saw that set recently and need a cutter but thought "nah, it must be cheap". Thanks for correcting me. I'll go buy it. I have a victor set already but someone borrowed it and kept the cutter.

[owvenus]

nice vid. as usual very imformative esp about the underatted HF stuff

[Whitebear329]

I have built several airboat structural and safety riggings with my HF torches. I use the 00 tip for both welding and brazing the EMT conduit in the rigging. The cutting head works perfectly. Quality control and performance are identical to my old Vvictor J100 set.

[Whitebear329]

I have built the structural and safety rigging for several airboats with my HF torches. I cant tell any difference in them and my old Victor J100 set.  I mostly use the 00 tip for brazing and elding of the EMT conduit in the airboat rigging. The cutting head works great no issu8es with quality or performance with any of this set.

[jcorsaro]

4 months ago I bought a new victor torch set to replace my old set. Later I took a good look at the HF torch set, it looks like it is made in the same factory. I was a little upset that I paid my local welding supply $60 for a #6 rosebud torch head, the same #6 rosebud that will fit my victor torch only cost $15 at HF. I now have a HF inverter arc/tig welder and 40amp plasma cutter, both are working well, I picked them up used for hardly nothing. I need to finish my video reviews of them.

[freddytk421]

That's what I'm talking about. I didn't get this before because I was always told "you get what you pay for" However I now know that saying pertains only to the manufacturer and raw materials.I think they pay the same to have them made the only difference is the name brand and markup.Maybe Nike should get into the welding biz and sell some cheap ass Korean welders for outrageously high prices. It always gets me that the people with the least amount of money buy the most expensive name brands.

[1dakotapup]

Freddy, m-Nice weld ! didn't get to HF to see that plug on the inverter 130 "Hope to find out about it this week.

Thanxs

[freddytk421]

I think you have to get the plugs for the welding machines elsewhere. but yea let me know what it takes to get it going I have always been curious about that. thanks

[jstrunck]

Nice torch setup! Thanks for posting this review. Good Deal!

Take Care,

John

[mycoid]

You read my mind. I have been teetering on whether or not to buy this set for years. you pushed me over the edge. I never bought it because I didn't think I could get extra tips. thanks Freddy

[Greathome2]

nice video

[hollidark]

Your gas welds look better that my tig, mig or stick! All offbrand machines I might add(HTP). Off to HF.