by Joshua Thomas
The oxyacetylene torch allows you to quickly and easily work with metal. You can cut, braze, or weld metal in record time with this torch.
These torches burn a mixture of acetylene and oxygen to produce a flame with a high-temperature that can get up to 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit. With such high-temperature flames, you can even melt steel.
These torches also offer the benefit of being easier to learn, they are more portable compared to other welding rigs, and the equipment is quite affordable.
If you are on the market for this handy welding tool, here we look at some of the best oxyacetylene torches and explain what to look for as you choose one.
Contents
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Hobart 770502 (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Miller Electric MB55A-510 (Best for the Money) |
|
 | 3. Turbotorch 0386-0835 (Best for Beginners) |
|
 | 4. Harris Ironwoker 510 DLX (Most Durable) |
|
 | 5. ABN VD-32741TL (Best Portable) |
|
The Hobart 770502is our best overall oxyacetylene torch thanks to the more versatile design, high-quality fittings, and the fact that it comes as a complete kit at good price.
This medium-duty oxyacetylene torch kit comes in handy for various applications, from cutting to welding. It can easily cut metal up to 6 inches and weld 1/2-inch with the right torch tip.
Moreover, it comes as a complete kit, including oxygen and acetylene regulator with gauge. The gauges are clearly marked and quite accurate to allow for increased precision. When it comes to the setup, the job should be straightforward, even for absolute newbies.
The fittings are top quality to make them effective at preventing leakages for maximum user safety. What's more, you can use this torch with propane gas as you just need to change the tip.
The only issue with this torch is that the cutting tip is smaller and can clog easily. But it still does a fantastic job, and with proper maintenance, you never have to worry about clogging.
Pros
Cons
The build quality is one area where the Miller Electric MB55A-510 is almost unbeatable. This heavy-duty construction and the fact that it comes as a complete kit with all the accessories makes this option our best for the money. Some of the items you get include a torch handle, cutting attachment, pressure and oxygen regulators, and even some welding goggles.
Hence, it comes ready for immediate use, and all you need is the gas tanks, and you can start working right away.
Miller Electric makes this torch for various applications. It comes in handy for welding, brazing, cutting, and heating different kinds of metals.
The lack of a good instructions manual is one of the few shortcomings of this torch. Even without one, this torch is easy to figure out whether you are an absolute beginner or pro. Also, the striker feels cheap, but the torch is still smooth and easy to operate.
Pros
Cons
If this is your first time using an oxyacetylene torch, the Turbotorch 0386-0835 is an excellent choice. It is effortless to use and very beginner-friendly.
One of the best features of this product is self-lighting, and all you have to do when firing up the torch is to press a button on the handle. Self-lighting further eliminates the need for an external fire source, making the torch even safer to use.
This torch uses extreme swirl technology to ensure a higher heat output is delivered super fast to reduce the brazing time and minimize fuel consumption.
Moreover, you can adjust the flame quickly to ensure you are in full control of the job. And the torch does a fantastic job when both soldering and welding.
Although there are not as many accessories in the package as others on our list, you still get all the basic things you need. There is a fitting, a hose, and a handle with a very practical quick disconnect feature.
This simple oxyacetylene torch does not come with an oxygen or acetylene regulator valve. However, these are things you can always get separately for a few bucks.
Pros
Cons
If you do not want to have to spend more money on a new oxyacetylene torch for a long time to come, the highly durable Harris Ironwoker 510 DLX is a good buy. The torch uses some high-quality and durable components to ensure you get a long service life.
The components include cutting attachments with solid forged heads that can withstand abuse and resist damage from flashbacks. The solid brass cutting lever also flips forward to ensure a fast and positive connection to the handle, even when wearing gloves.
With this torch, you get a silver-brazed handle with a twin-tube construction to ensure maximum safety and durability. Better still, there are easily replaceable flashguard checkvalves.
The two-piece cutting tip on this kit is super easy to clean and produces higher preheats. Also, the tip has copper housing material that allows it to withstand high heat with minimal damage.
The oxygen regulator can be a pain to work with when using this torch for the first time, but it should be okay once you get used to it. Compatibility with propane would have made this torch relatively more versatile. But, this should not be a big concern given that this is not its primary function.
Pros
Cons
The ABN VD-32741TL is designed for portability, and it is the perfect oxyacetylene torch kit to turn to when you want something you can carry and use on different job sites. The kit comes in a heavy-duty molded case that makes transportation and storage easier.
ABN VD-32741TL is an easy-to-use torch that is ideal for beginner metalworkers. Better still, it comes with some easy to follow directions to ensure you have an easy time figuring out how to use it.
Because this torch creates a neutral flame, it produces carbon dioxide that purges air from the heated metal, making cutting and welding easier. With the heavy-duty metal parts, this oxyacetylene torch is built to last.
For a 10-piece kit, this torch comes at a great price, ensuring you get great value for your money.
Overall, this is a light-duty torch kit that might not be very ideal for professional use. But if you want something that can get a small and pinpoint of heat on something, this torch is a fantastic option.
Pros
Cons
The components and accessories that you get on your oxyacetylene kit matter a lot as they determine whether you can use it immediately or not. Something that comes complete with all the accessories like the Hobart 770502 is preferable.
Most top-rated oxyacetylene torches even come with things like welding goggles for eye protection. You also get oxygen and acetylene regulators with gauges.
Other essential accessories to watch out for include torch tip attachments, brass joints, tip cleaner, and a storage case.
If you are buying a torch to cut metal, the cutting capacity tells you the thickness of metal it can cut. Welding capacity, on the other hand, is the maximum size of weld you can make.
A good quality torch should provide a welding capacity of at least 1/2-inch and cut metals that are at least 4 inches thick.
However, the bigger the cutting and welding capacity, the more versatile the torch as it can handle a wide variety of materials.
Changing the tip is an essential part of owning the oxyacetylene torches, as different tips serve varying purposes. Hence, when choosing one, it is vital to ensure it makes changing the tips easy.
If you require a tool like a wrench to change your torch tip, ensure the manufacturer provides one in the package. Hence, you do not need to buy it separately.
Read More: 10 Best Mechanic Tool Sets
Also, models with a quick-release mechanism for easy connecting and disconnecting of the tips to the handle always give you an easier time.
Because you do not want to purchase an oxyacetylene torch every year, it is vital to make sure what you choose is durable enough.
The material used to make the torch is one of the main determinants of durability, and those that feature brass and copper components like the ABN VD-32741TL tend to be the most durable.
You must also pay attention to the oxyacetylene torch ergonomics, especially if you are planning to use this torch for extended periods.
Something ergonomic with a comfortable, non-slip handle is the best choice as it will be more comfortable to use.
VictorESAB Victor 0384-2125 Performer 540/510 EDGE 2.0 Outfit - Walmart Link
Firepower 0384-2571 250 Series OxyFuel Medium Duty Acetylene Outfit - Walmart Link
Harris Ironworker 510 DLX Oxygen Acetylene Torch Kit 4400366 - Walmart Link
ESAB Victor 0384-2692 Medalist HD Acetylene Cutting and Welding System, 350 Series, Color - Walmart Link
Victor Technologies 0384-2691 Medalist 350 System Heavy Duty Cutting System, Acetylene - Walmart Link
Victor 0384-2101 Journeyman Edge 2.0 540/510, 90° Plus Outfit - Walmart Link
Torch - Oxy-Acetylene Tough Cut Outfit - Walmart Link
Victor Technologies 0384-2540 Medalist 250 System Medium Duty Cutting System, Acetylene - Walmart Link
Hobart 770502 Medium Duty Oxy-Acetylene Kit - Walmart Link
ZENY NEW Portable Gas Welding Cutting Torch Kit w/Hose, Oxy Acetylene Brazing - Walmart Link
the Miller Electric MB55A-510 - Walmart Link
Harris Ironwoker 510 DLX - Walmart Link
VictorESAB Victor 0384-2125 Performer 540/510 EDGE 2.0 Outfit - eBay Link
Firepower 0384-2571 250 Series OxyFuel Medium Duty Acetylene Outfit - eBay Link
Harris Ironworker 510 DLX Oxygen Acetylene Torch Kit 4400366 - eBay Link
ESAB Victor 0384-2692 Medalist HD Acetylene Cutting and Welding System, 350 Series, Color - eBay Link
Victor Technologies 0384-2691 Medalist 350 System Heavy Duty Cutting System, Acetylene - eBay Link
Victor 0384-2101 Journeyman Edge 2.0 540/510, 90° Plus Outfit - eBay Link
Torch - Oxy-Acetylene Tough Cut Outfit - eBay Link
Victor Technologies 0384-2540 Medalist 250 System Medium Duty Cutting System, Acetylene - eBay Link
Hobart 770502 Medium Duty Oxy-Acetylene Kit - eBay Link
ZENY NEW Portable Gas Welding Cutting Torch Kit w/Hose, Oxy Acetylene Brazing - eBay Link
the Miller Electric MB55A-510 - eBay Link
Harris Ironwoker 510 DLX - eBay Link
Whether you are welding, brazing, cutting, or soldiering, you need the best oxyacetylene torch. And this piece shows you just how to choose the right model.
The more versatile Hobart 770502 is our top overall recommendation from our list of products as besides coming as a complete kit, it has some high-quality fittings and is highly versatile.
But, if you are more concerned about getting good value for your money, the Miller Electric MB55A-510 is an unbeatable choice.
 |
 |
 |
 |
About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
Just Car Care
