Harris IS a big name in gas welding equipment - an old firm. Most welding
supply shops will have parts.
That said, it's a much better deal if the regulators are two-stage. If it
looks like there's another regulator (built in) in the back - (the adjustment
handle side is the front) then they're probably two stage. If the backs are
pretty flat, they're probably single-stage. Once you see both, it'll be
obvious to you. If you have time, get a number off of them and call a welding
supply shop to find out the availability of parts, whether they're two-stage,
etc.
Single-stage regulators are fine, but you'll have to readjust the pressure
every so often while welding. Not a terrible thing for casual use, but a
bother. Two-stage is well worth a few bucks more, especially for fine (i.e.
thin stuff) welding.
Also, if the regulators are the tiny type, like used with MIG or TIG welders,
be aware that they may not flow enough to handle larger tips - fine for a
small torch though. If they're the "regular" size, you'll be fine. Hose is
cheap, so don't worry about that. Make sure to buy anti-flowback check valves
too - they're not expensive if they're not included with the set.
At $89 or $98 for the set, even with single-stage regulators it's an OK deal
if it all looks nice and doesn't need many parts. But new stuff isn't
exorbitant either - check with a welding supply and see what deals they may
have. Buy a good brand like Victor or Harris and you will never have to throw
them away. Regulators and torches last almost forever.
About tanks. It's generally the best deal to own your tanks, and I recommend
you get the usual sizes, like a 125 cubic foot oxygen and (I forget the
capacity) the matching acetylene tank. If you rent, it winds up costing a ton
over a few years. Buying tanks in this case, by the way, is essentially
buying into an exchange system. You own rights to a set of tanks, but you
exchange them rather than getting your specific tanks refilled and returned to
you. It's immediate and convenient, and hydrotesting testing is included in
the exchange price. If you buy this way, KEEP THE RECEIPT.
The cute little portable tanks are fine if you need the portability, but
you'll run through them quickly and they cost almost as much to refill as the
regular size. With the portable tanks, you buy a specific pair of tanks and
have them refilled (not immediate - it usually takes a day or two and of
course two trips to the gas supplier), and you have to pay for hydrotesting
every 5 years.
Karl
> wandered into a pawn shop next to a client yesterday. they've got a
> new-ish looking set of harris gas gauges and a torch for $98 (or$89).
> I've been wanting to practice gas welding and get better/good at it. is
> harris good stuff, or should I stay with...oh, I forgot the name but you
> know, the big name guys?
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