DHC Acetylene torch kit -- better than a plasma cutter ?

[Windpower]

I saw this Acetylene torch at the EAA show




I even got to use one -- it seemed to work as advertised

with some practise I could make fast precision cuts on steel from .032 to 3/8 inch thick

It also was pretty straight forward for gas welding

http://www.cut-like-plasma.com/info_henrob_torch_kits.htm

I almost bought it but decided to wait a bit

anyone have an opinion on this tool ?

[glenn kangiser]

My opinion - in lesser brands I will by things that are compatible with Victor only - Weld Mark etc.  Parts are available anywhere.

Off brands - only from them so if they are out, you are out.

I use the smaller Victor set rather than the one big enough to use to club bears - an old welder taught me that.  It can still cut up to 6 inch thick or better steel if I wanted to.

Plasma is OK - I have had 4 of them - but only as a second torch for quite a bit of specialized stuff or if you like being more high tech. 

Miracle torches don't seem to be miracles ...but I haven't used the one above.

[glenn kangiser]

More opinion... looking at the design - handle etc, it looks like it would not be easy to handle - fist grip instead of palm gris would not make freehand cuts as well - IMO only though.

[Windpower]

I was trying to find a youtube but could only find welding 'tubes


the unique thing about it was the very narrow cut (kerf?) less than 1/16" that it would do even in thick (3/8") steel

I cut through 3/8" steel at about an inch per 6 seconds and the cut was very smooth wit very little or no slag at the edge

it has two nosseles for cutting: the acetylene torch and another tip that was pure O2

I found the grip to be a little weird but you could get used to it

I think thinner more flexible supply hoses would be a big improvement

They have been making them for about 30  years or so in the US so parts probably aren't a big problem