which Victor torch model is the best one to own?

A fellow in my neck of the woods is selling a No. 310 and a No. 315 handle, each with a cutting attachment. He will separate the torches, says they're both in fine condition. I don't know which one to buy - any opinions?

GWE

Reply to
Grant Erwin
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I have a 315 (Journeyman) and am very happy with it. I'm not familiar with the 310, but I think it is an older version of the same torch (it might be a little smaller; the 315 is considered a "heavy duty"). The only problem I've had with it is that, unless you use a big (large diameter) acetylene tank, when you put the largest tip on it (especially the big rosebud for heating), it can take gas faster than the tank can give it up with the result that you end up drawing acetone into the torch with less than ideal results... The 315 is a serious piece of equipment and it can do some serious work. It is, however, a little clumsy for small stuff...

It goes without saying that the quality of a Victor is first rate.

Jerry

Reply to
Jerry Foster

An opinion I share, albeit from the position of an amateur.

Regards torch size, If I was making the decision, I'd let the work size dictate. I have the small version, a model 100, and am more than satisfied. I like not having the large torch that can get in the way, but then I'm not using mine for anything of substance.

Harold

Reply to
Harold and Susan Vordos

These are the largest of the Victor handles, are you doing a lot of heavy cutting? They will take the largest tips that Victor makes, if you've got the cylinder manifolds to supply the gases. They do supply smaller welding tips for those large torches, but it's hard using them on small projects, just because the handle is so large. For cutting and welding on construction equipment, probably would be great for that. Probably less so for aircraft frame construction.

Just looked up on Thermadyne site, the 310 is the heavy-duty "Industrial-grade" handle, the 315 is merely a heavy-duty handle.

I've got the mid-size Victor handle and attachments, I find it easier to use for the small welding and silver-brazing that I mostly do. Ran $60 at an auction with the cutting attachment, hoses, regulators and a number of tips. For the really small stuff I've got the Smith Little Torch. For heavier welding, I use arc, it's cheaper.

Haven't run into any battleships around here that needed cutting up, that's what those large attachments are used for, burning heavy plate and structural steel. If you don't need to do that, I'd look for a somewhat lighter-duty(and lighter-weight) handle.

Stan

Reply to
stans4

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