Best brazing torch and regulators | Using oxy acetylene

The best oxygen-acetylene torch comes with two separate gauges one for the oxygen tank and one for the fuel tank. The best brazing kit will also come with a torch of course where the fuel and air will mix. A torch should have multiple nozzles for different jobs. Also, make sure you also have a decent case to include and store all your accessories.

Oxy-acetylene is the mix of Oxygen and acetylene, to braze, heat, and cut metal.

What an oxyacetylene torch kit do.

You can do pretty much any cutting, brazing job on different metals using an oxy-acetylene cutting torch. Compared to alternative combinations such as propane which burns at a maximum temperature of 5072 F, Oxyacetylene burns at approximately 5612 F which makes it an excellent choice for welding steel as it cleans its surface as it goes.

Acetylene burns quite efficiently when combined with oxygen as it has far less stoichiometric oxygen requirements which consequently allows the gasses to last longer. 

This can be measured by the oxygen requirements of fuels such as propane which has a ratio of 4.3 to 1 as compared to the incredibly economic ratio of 1.2 to 1 of acetylene.

1. Gas Welding: Acetylene burning in oxygen creates a reducing zone that automatically cleans the surface of the metal
2. Cutting: They are an excellent tool for cutting off rusted bolts from old junk
3. Metal Heating: To chemically or physically alter a metal
4. Brazing: To join two or more metals using a filler metal which is also known as soldering

Must-have accessories in oxyacetylene torch kits

1. Torch Body: This part of a cutting torch is usually designed to be a hybrid that accepts both cutting tips as well as welding attachments.
2. Mixer Chamber: This component is required to ensure that the different gases being used for combustion are being mixed properly.
3.  Welding Tip: Your torch is not complete without this particular component.
4. Gas Regulators: They are used to control the level of gas pressure during welding. You will commonly find oxygen and oxy-acetylene regulators in your kit.
5. Separate Gas Tubes: Separate because you don’t want the highly flammable gases to mix and cause an explosion.
6. Hammers: To smash and bash whatever chunks of metal you can. Consider using a specialized hammer like the best ball-peen hammers to assist in shaping your metalwork projects.
7. Separate Control Valves: Since the gas tubes are separate, you will need separate control valves for them as well.

Different brazing tips

The term Brazing refers to the process of using numerous heat sources to join two or more metals together. To successfully join the two metals, a filler metal which has a lower melting point than the other metal flows into the joint and seals it shut.

There are many types of brazing techniques and tip types for different jobs such as torch brazing, resistance brazing, induction brazing, and many more.

Tricks and tips when it comes to brazing:

• Ensure that the torch is continuously moving
• Don’t directly heat the area that you want to braze
• Keep an eye on the flux to avoid uneven heating
• Deposit the filler metal only after the assembly is up to heating temperature

Welding alternatives to using acetylene

One of the best things about the modern world is that there is no shortage of alternatives when it comes to any tool or appliance. One of the common alternatives for oxyacetylene torches is either MAPP gas, propane, or propylene.

Of all of the above, MAPP gas is the most famous since it is a very stabilized mixture of propadiene and propyne. This particular fuel however is not suitable for large-scale welding or cutting operations because it does not burn as hot as acetylene.

Choosing the best oxyacetylene torch kit with gauges…

#1 Top comprehensive oxyacetylene torch kit

The XtremePower US 12-piece torch kit is a welding kit that is more than enough to handle a variety of tasks such as welding, cutting, heating, etc.

The kit weighs only around 11 pounds and it contains everything like goggles, tip cleaners, spark lighter, cutting attachments as well as a nozzle and other necessary making it the best oxy acetylene kits available.

I consider it an extremely good attachment to use for lightweight cutting and extracting rusted bolts from old or obsolete equipment.

Best value oxyacetylene torch kit

The Harris Ironworker Camo Kit 4400369  is also a prime set to keep in any workshop if you are looking for a cheaper option. The comprehensive set will leave you all the attachments needed for both welding, brazing, and cutting with oxy-acetylene.

I like how the brazing and cutting tips go with the durable silver-brazed tubes making it easy to replace the check valves with ease. Just one thing to note, the glasses aren’t that suitable considering you should be wearing goggles or a tinted face shield.

Best low-cost oxyacetylene with gauges

The ZenStyle cutting torch and welding kit is made from high quality and extremely durable materials which is a must for any welder who needs a reliable kit for heavy-duty work. when using the right tip, the ZenStyle torch can easily cut through inches of metal.

Although the kit does not come with a flashback arrestor and the goggles can be a little too dark which seems to be the only downside with the purchase.

Choosing the best oxyacetylene torch

Best oxyacetylene torch kit without gauges

The Miller Smith 16202 oxyacetylene torch is a 6-pieces set, you’ll get all the tips needed for brazing, cutting, and for heating. The torch works even on B-sized gauges and hoses.

When it comes to torches alone, go for the Miller Smith torch.  I’m already aware of how great Smith torches are for cutting and brazing jobs, but the lifetime warranty is also a great backup. 

If welding is your expertise and you get to work every day, you might as well go for the best.

Most affordable oxyacetylene torch kit without gauges

The 9-pc ABN oxyacetylene torch set is one comprehensive set at a cheaper price point it is well-packed in a heavy-duty hard plastic case with  at a more reasonable price. It’s a great set for new welders. The brazing tips made of copper and fittings made of brass.

Perfect for light-duty jobs this is a good set for you to start with if you’re a beginner. Tubes work perfectly. With the valves fitting tightly, you can start your projects with peace of mind.

Reminders before you buy an oxyacetylene torch kit

Check all the attachments, parts, and accessories.

It is a no brainer that you are working with tools that run on highly flammable gasses. Ensuring that every part and attachment of your kit is properly fitted and not leaking any gas is very important for your safety.

Decide on the best brand.

Brands like Victor are old school and reliable but there are many other unknown brands that you’ll need to properly research before buying their products.

Make sure the seller is trustworthy.

Online stores like Amazon use local sellers to fulfill delivery. Always make sure the seller from which you are getting your kit has a good track record and no history of supplying damaged products.

Think about the price.

Think and compare alternate torch kits on different markets before committing. There are various online options where you can find oxygen and acetylene gauges for sale at much cheaper prices if you look.

Tips for using an oxyacetylene torch kit

We can all admit that losing small delicate parts of any tool amid all the chaos that happens at a site is very easy. This is the reason why welders need to be careful about safekeeping every component of our kit before and after every job.

Dos

• Always remember to stand to the side of the regulator
• Always use the correct tip size to cut through the metal thickness
• Conduct leak tests on all connections using leak test fluids to look for bubbles
• Always support your cutting hand with your free hand when using the torch
• Keep all combustive materials at least 20ft away once you’re done
• Keep a spotter ready with a fire extinguisher anyway

Don’ts

• Don’t allow unauthorized parties or untrained personnel near the vicinity
• Don’t operate with a loose connection
• Don’t use damaged equipment
• Don’t use bare electric cables for operations
• Don’t leave gas cylinders open during breaks
• Don’t allow anyone to smoke near the vicinity
• Don’t operate with combustive materials lying around

Wear personal protective equipment.

1. Eyes and face: Welding helmet, hand shield, goggles
2. Breathing: Respirators
3. Skin: Apron or flame-resistant items of clothing
4. Ears: Earmuffs
5. Feet and hands: Boots and flame-resistant gloves

Steps for prepping up the oxyacetylene torch kit

These are the steps I always follow whenever I’m prepping my oxyacetylene torch kit.

1. Attach the oxygen and acetylene cylinders and make sure they’re standing upright
2. Make sure that the valves are dirt-free. Clean them with a file or small pins if necessary
3. Join both the oxygen as well as the acetylene regulators to the correct cylinders
4. Use a wrench to securely tighten the nuts of the regulators
5. Turn the screw that controls the pressure to the left-most position
6. Very cautiously, open up both the oxygen and the acetylene valves
7. To shut the torch off once done, simply close both the oxygen valve as well as the fuel valve

Comparing oxyacetylene torch kit s[Torches and gauges] 

Comparing oxyacetylene torch kit [Without gauges]

Conclusion

If you are someone who likes to abuse his gear then you probably will have to go for the best acetylene torch kit that is made from durable materials and can take the beatings you might give it.

I would recommend the XtremePower US oxyacetylene torch kit for such heavy-duty users as this torch kit is made from highly durable materials.

Considering the price and it also weighs only a modest 11 pounds which I think is an ideal choice for work that is taking place indoors or in tight spaces where heavier equipment is difficult to carry to and from.

Speaking of tight spaces, the Miller Smith 16202 oxyacetylene torch set without gauges is also not a bad choice considering the quality you will get with its purchase.

Lastly, if you need to do any grinding work at your workbench to tidy up any of your metalwork consider also getting a decent bench grinder first, have a look at the options.