I've decided that I've been a good enough boy this year to buy myself a new toy. We use an OA torch in class to weld, braze, and do localized heating. It seems a natural addition to my shop. My needs are a little different than class, so I don't think I need that type of setup. But what should I get?? Here's what I'm thinking.
First, I already have propane for the forge, so I want to stay with oxy-propane. Also, I've got a TIG setup - no foot control, yet, but I'm working on it. I can use that for any fancy welding, letting me stick with propane. So what I would use the torch for is:
1) Cutting. I'd like to do clean, curved, cuts, like leaves, petals, ... in sheet from 10g down to 16g, and then other stuff maybe up to 1". I don't see myself cutting bigger stuff very often and would probably borrow or pay someone for that. So can torches do nice cuts on 16g? I know - get a plasma cutter. But I haven't been *that* good a boy.
2) Localized heating for bending, forming, etc. Maybe up to 1" square, but mostly in the 1/4" - 1/2" range.
3) Brazing. Same sizes as above.
I think I would be better off with a smaller, lighter, setup than the normal welding kit. I've seen writeups on the Henrob, but that's a little expensive. How about the Versa-torch? Any other ideas?
Thanks, and have a very merry Christmas.
-Marc