I need a torch cutter

[stevenf]

Im sick of cutting everything with a side grinder and would like to have cleaner, easier, better cuts. I wont need it for anything thicker than 3/8 steel. What do you recommend? I dont need the most expensive cutter. I wont be using this alot.

[Wyoming]

An abrasive disc chop saw might be a better alternative if you are only looking to cut short widths of material...maybe 6" wide. A cutting torch is a good tool to have around, but the price of the torch set is the least of your expenses involved. The tanks, whether owned outright or rented can easily double or triple the expense of the initial torch purchase. If you need to do wider material or cut out patterns in flat sheet material than just about any of the manufacturers offer a low cost range of torches and regulators.

[stevenf]

It will mainly be used for sheet metal. It wont be used very often. Mabey fabbing skid plates, bumpers and so on for 4x4 trail vehicles.

[Phillo]

I was faced with the same dilemma as I wanted to work with some 16 gauge sheet and the occasional 1/4 and 3/8 plate. I tried to cut the 16 gauge with snips on the last project and while it worked it really took the fun out of things.

I wound up buying a Hobart Airforce 400, it seemed to be big enough that I won't outgrow it in month. I did the e-bay deal with the live.com 30% rebate and got it for 750 shipped. More than I wanted to spend, but it should last a lifetime.

[Hotfoot]

For Sheet metal...
Prior to my first Plasma cutter I was quite happy with my Harbor Freight Air Nibblers...but they can't "step" over seams or bends...but those few situations I used the metal disca on my angle cutter. n They were like $20.00 on sale. I never tried their air shears, but I'll bet they work well, too! :)

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96661

[stevenf]

I dont have a compressor strong enough to handle it. Is there any torch that can be purchased along with small tanks to use a torch cutter? I wont be needing this hardly ever! I just want it when I need it for small things.

[Grumpy]

Try this product from Smith: http://enet.smithequipment.com/public/docs/BLItemDossier.asp?Item=TL-550&PLID=&Country=

But what your goin' to pay for the torch set you might as well opt for a small plasma unit with a built in compressor. There are cheap ones and then there are the good ones and of course the good ones will cost you. Hobart makes one, Miller makes one, Lincoln makes one, Daytona Mig makes one, and of course our most favorite (not!) place to but tools and crap--Harbor Freight. There's one out there, if you look, that will suit your needs. OTOH if your heart is set on a OA outfit there's nothing anyone will be able to say that will change your mind.

Good luck.

[hankj]

Think about one of the 7-1/4" circular steel saws.

You don't necessarily need a $400 model, like an Evolution (oh, yeah, that's a 9"). but they work sweet.

Hank