Torches are primarily used for cutting sheet metal but also, you can use it for welding, brazing, and heating.
It is easy to learn, quicker, portable, and lightweight.
The plus point of the torches is, you don’t need to have an electric power source to operate it for outdoor uses.
So, you can carry and operate the torch kit everywhere and whenever you want.
Choosing the right oxy-acetylene torch kit is crucial for beginners.
If you first determine what you need from a torch, selecting the right fit for you will be simple.
Depending on your needs, there are some important factors to consider before purchasing an oxy-acetylene torch.
Keep these in mind, we discuss the best oxy-acetylene torches for cutting, welding, brazing, and heating.
- Top Pick - Victor Technologies 0384-2045 Performer
- Best For Outdoor - Harris 4403224 Welding and Cutting Outfit
- Best Value - Goplus 10PCS Oxygen & Acetylene Torch Kit
- Best For Thicker Metals - Miller Electric MB55A-510 Oxy-Acetylene Torch
- Best Budget Pick - Hobart 770502 Medium Duty Oxy-Acetylene Kit
7 Best (Oxy-Acetylene) Cutting Torch Kits Reviews
1. Victor Technologies 0384-2045 Performer - TOP PICK
This medium-duty cutting, heating, and welding outfit from Victor Technologies is our Top Pick.
It boasts impressive cutting ability, advanced regulators, and a 5-year warranty from a trusted manufacturer.
Attractive features:
Cut and weld faster and easier!
With optional tips, this high-quality kit can cut material up to 8” thick and weld up to 3” thick!
Advanced regulators improve safety...
The EDGE series regulators have colored knobs, easier to read gauges and safer positioning for adjustments.
Buy with Confidence:
Victor Technologies has been around for over 100 years providing superior quality and service. They warranty this kit for 5 years.
Consideration:
It’s a bit pricey!
We’ve all heard the expression: “You get what you pay for.” And this kit is no exception... it’s worth every penny.
But let’s face it, it might be more than you need.
You may want a longer hose?
Other kits on the market come with longer hoses, which could be an issue for some (this kit’s hose is just 14 feet).
Bring your own bag!
Some kits provide a carrying bag or case to keep everything tidy. Unfortunately, this kit does not.
PROS
CONS
The Victor 0384-2045 Performer is a high-quality, comprehensive solution for all of your cutting, welding, and heating needs.
If you need heavy-duty performance on a medium-duty budget, this outfit can and will deliver.
2. Harris 4403224 Welding and Cutting Outfit - Best For Outdoor
Coming in at a close second on our list is the 4403224 Welding and Cutting Outfit from Harris.
Also offering great performance, this kit includes a carrying bag, 20-foot hose, and 7-year warranty. That’s quite the package!
Attractive features:
A torch you can rely on...
With a 7-year warranty from a trusted brand, this is your best choice if you plan to use your cutting torch constantly.
Plenty of cutting power!
With optional tips, this medium-duty torch can cut material up to 5” thick!
Enhanced mobility and range...
The included 20-foot hose is ideal for larger shops, outdoor areas, and multiple projects.
Pack it up and out!
Harris provided a nice nylon carrying bag for convenient transportation or storage.
Consideration:
It’s also a bit pricey!
Like the Victor kit, you get what you pay for here. It’s up to you to decide if this kit fits both your needs and your budget.
Buy your own cleaning tool...
Many kits include a tip cleaning tool – this one does not. It’s a fairly inexpensive item, though.
Don’t expect to do heavy welding:
As purchased, you will only be welding up to 1/8” steel with this kit. And even with optional tips, only 1/2” thick, max.
PROS
CONS
Despite its somewhat limited welding capacity, this Harris 4403224 outfit still offers excellent cutting performance.
Combine that with a 7-year warranty and you’ve got a cutting torch outfit of tremendous value.
3. Goplus 10PCS Oxygen & Acetylene Torch Kit - Best Value
You don’t always have to spend a lot just to get the job done. This next kit offers so much for so little that it earned the #3 spot on our list.
For infrequent or light-duty work, you should definitely consider the 10-piece Oxygen and Acetylene Torch Kit from Goplus.
Attractive features:
Save some money!
Coming in much lower-priced than many other kits available, this outfit still performs adequately for light-duty cutting, heating, and welding.
Easy to match with other components:
This kit uses standard fittings, so you won’t have any problem finding regulators and hoses for it.
A clean and compact kit...
For those of us that appreciate tidy storage, this kit includes a blow-molded plastic storage case!
Consideration:
You’ll need to buy other gear!
The kit doesn’t include any regulators, hoses, or safety goggles. If you already have these items, this could actually be a good thing.
It may not last as long as other torches:
The 1-year warranty indicates you shouldn’t expect this torch kit to outlast longer-warrantied products.
Don’t expect a powerhouse!
If you just need a decent torch for light-duty use, this kit is a great bargain. Just keep in mind that it is meant for light duty.
PROS
CONS
If you’re on a budget and looking for a reliable light-duty torch kit, the 10-piece Oxygen and Acetylene Torch Kit from Goplus could be the perfect selection!
4. Miller Electric MB55A-510 Oxy-Acetylene Torch - Best For Thicker Metals
Our #4 pick is another higher-quality offering, the MB55A-510 Oxy-Acetylene Tough Cut Outfit from Miller Electric.
This comprehensive medium-duty kit offers incredible cutting ability and includes a convenient 20-foot hose.
Attractive features:
Cut and weld very thick material!
With optional tips, this high-quality kit can cut material up to 6” thick and weld up to 3/8” thick, rivaling many kits that cost much more.
Enhanced mobility and range...
The included 20-foot hose is ideal for larger shops, outdoor areas, and multiple projects.
You’re covered for 3 years:
Miller is another reliable and well-established brand. If they put a 3-year warranty on something, you know it’s a dependable product.
Consideration:
Like Victor and Harris, it’s a pricey kit!
Here’s the deal: you’re paying for better quality, capacity, warranty, and product support. Is it worth it? That’s entirely up to you.
You might want better eye protection...
Miller included some tinted safety glasses, but I prefer full goggles when torch cutting for better protection.
Bring your own bag, again!
Like the Victor kit, you are getting exceptional performance with this torch outfit, but you are not getting a cool bag or case.
PROS
CONS
This outfit’s a very well-rounded choice. With a 3-year warranty, 20-foot hose, incredible cutting capability, and included heating tip, the Miller MB55A-510 Tough Cut Outfit has a lot to offer in its price range.
5. Hobart 770502 Medium Duty Oxy-Acetylene Kit - Best Budget Pick
Hobart’s 770502 Medium Duty Oxy-Acetylene Kit takes the #5 spot on our list.
It’s also our Best Budget Pick because of its exceptional all-around value.
With flip-front goggles, multiple tips, a 20-foot hose, and heavy-duty performance, this kit epitomizes the expression: ‘bang for your buck!’
Attractive features:
Cut and weld faster and easier!
Like several higher-priced kits, this workhorse can cut material up to 6” thick and weld up to 1/2” thick with optional tips.
Choose your fuel source:
This versatile kit can also be used with propane.
Quality accessories on board...
A 20-foot hose and flip-front goggles are included.
Consideration:
You might need to buy a heating tip!
Why? Because this kit doesn’t include one.
It likely won’t last a lifetime:
With just two years’ coverage, this kit might not last as long as those with a better warranty.
This is another loose kit!
Omitting a case or bag likely helped keep this kit’s price down.
PROS
CONS
The Hobart 770502 is our Best Budget Pick because it offers heavy-duty performance at a light-duty price.
With a 2-year warranty and quality accessories included, this is the first torch kit to consider when you need high output on a tight budget.
6. XtremepowerUS Premium Oxy Acetylene Welding Cutting Torch Kit
Coming in at #6 is a budget-friendly torch kit from a lesser-known company called XtremepowerUS.
This is a comprehensive Harris-type outfit that claims a maximum cutting capacity of 6”.
That’s very impressive cutting power at such a low price point!
Attractive features:
Most affordable comprehensive kit!
This outfit comes with everything you need at an unbeatable price. Just don’t expect everything to be of the highest quality.
Heavy-duty cutting capacity:
This incredibly affordable cutting torch can cut up to 6” thick material with the right tip... but for how long, I wonder?
Great for anyone on the go...
All components fit into a folding plastic carrying case.
Consideration:
It’s a lower-end product!
There’s no gentle way to put it… this kit has lower build quality than the other outfits on this list.
You might have unanswered questions:
Most cutting torch kits include some literature on safe use, part numbers, etc. This kit does not, but there are resources online.
It’s not the strongest welder...
Even though this torch can cut up to 6” thick material, it can only weld up to ½” thick.
PROS
CONS
The XtremepowerUS Premium Oxy Acetylene Welding Cutting Torch Kit earns a spot in our top six because it provides everything an entry-level user needs at a great price.
7. Stark Professional Gas Welding Cutting Torch Kit
Finishing out our top-7 torch kit list is the Professional Gas Welding Cutting Torch Kit offered by Stark USA.
This is another very comprehensive and budget-friendly Victor-type outfit comparable with the #6 kit above from XtremepowerUS.
Attractive features:
Very affordable and comprehensive kit...
The only thing missing from this kit is a heating tip, which is why it just barely ranks below the XtremepowerUS outfit on our list.
Heavy-duty cutting capacity:
Another very affordable cutting torch that claims to cut up to 6” thick material with the right tip... but I remain skeptical about longevity.
Another well-packaged kit!
I don’t know about you, but the tidy blue plastic carrying case included with this kit is quite appealing.
Consideration:
It’s another lower-end offering!
Like the XtremepowerUS kit, this is an entry-level outfit. Don’t expect superior finish quality or durability.
Don’t plan on using this for too long:
Stark only offers a 6-month warranty on this kit, which they are not too keen to advertise (I had to call customer support to find out).
It’s also not the strongest welder...
Like the comparable XtremepowerUS kit, even though this torch can cut up to 6” thick material, it can only weld up to ½” thick.
PROS
CONS
Stark USA offers this comprehensive kit at a very competitive price point. I recommend this kit as an affordable way to “test the waters” with oxy-acetylene torch use before graduating to a more robust and dependable outfit.
Best (Oxy-Acetylene) Cutting Torch Kits Buying Guide:
Think before you buy! You don’t want to end up with a kit that can’t do the job, and you probably don’t want to waste money, either.
Light or medium duty?
Be sure to get a kit that can cut or weld up to the thickness you will need.
How much will it be used?
Do you need it for one job, occasional use, or professional use? This can help determine the appropriate level of quality and warranty/support.
What type(s) of work?
Not all kits are the same. If you need a heating tip, for example, you may want to buy a kit that includes one.
Do you need accessories?
If you already have some items, you may not need a comprehensive kit. Save some money by getting a kit that only contains what you need.
Is it compatible?
Lastly, be mindful of the fitting types and sized used, and verify they will work with any other equipment you have or plan to purchase.
How To Cut With An Oxy-Acetylene Torch:
Setting up the torch:
Be sure to pay close attention to each step as we are dealing with explosive gases!
Step 1: Assemble the torch, hoses, and regulators from the kit. The red hose goes between the acetylene regulator and the left side of the torch.
Step 2: Make sure the gas cylinder valves are fully shut and there are no leaks.
Step 3: Attach the regulators to the appropriate tanks by gas type. Take care not to damage the brass fittings.
Step 4: Fully back out the adjustment knobs on both regulators and verify all gauges read zero.
Step 5: Verify all three adjustment knobs on the cutting torch are fully closed.
Step 6: On the acetylene tank, open the gas cylinder’s valve 1/4 turn to allow pressure into the regulator.
Step 7: On the acetylene regulator, turn the knob clockwise until the line-pressure reading on the regulator’s gauge reads 7 PSI.
Step 8: On the oxygen tank, open the gas cylinder’s valve full-open, as far as it will go, and then back off from full-open about a 1/4 turn.
Step 9: On the oxygen regulator, turn the knob clockwise until the line-pressure reading on the gauge is 40 PSI.
Congratulations! Your new cutting torch is now ready to light!
Lighting the torch:
Now that we’re safely set up, let’s get to work!
Step 1: On the torch handle, open the oxygen’s rear valve all the way (the knob just in front of the green hose).
(be ready to light the torch with the striker before proceeding)
Step 2: Again on the torch handle, open the acetylene regulator about 1/8 to 1/4 turn (the knob just in front of the red hose).
Step 3: Ignite the flow of gas at the torch’s tip using the striker provided.
Step 4: Increase the acetylene flow until the orange flame is about 10” in length and there’s almost no black smoke.
Step 5: Slowly open the oxygen’s forward valve (on the cutting attachment) until the flame turns completely blue but does not begin to hiss.
Step 6: Reduce oxygen flow slowly until the bright blue cone at the flame’s center (known as a feather) is almost entirely gone.
It’s that simple! We are now ready to cut some steel!
Start cutting:
With the torch lite properly, cutting metal will be a breeze! It’s a lot of fun, too!
So how does it work?
As you depress the trigger, oxygen rushes out the torch’s tip, blasting the hot blue flame through the metal.
You then slowly move the torch along to cut a path through the steel.
With practice and control, anyone can achieve great results with this powerful tool!
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
Step 1:
Preheating the metal at the start of your cut will help get a clean start, especially for thicker pieces (preheat with the trigger released).
Step 2:
Keep your torch at a 90-degree angle to the metal for a straight cut.
Step 3:
Cut with a constant speed for smoother finish without burning.
Step 4:
Thicker material may need more acetylene line pressure to cut through; just don’t ever exceed 15 PSI or you could cause an explosion!
Step 5:
Don’t exceed the rated capabilities of your equipment. It could be dangerous, and at the very least, quite frustrating when you can’t finish the job
Important Safety Tips:
1) When performing ANY work, use the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
2) Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
3) Never exceed a line pressure of 15 PSI on the acetylene. The gas could become unstable and explode!
4) When shutting off the torch, always close the acetylene knob first.
5) Close all regulators and valves, purge all lines to atmosphere, and verify all gauges are reading zero after shutting off the torch.
Okay, Let’s Wrap Things Up!
now that you’ve taken the time to read about these great products, finding a cutting torch kit that fits your needs and budget should be a breeze!
If you want to cut thin sheet metal its batter to use nibbler tools instead of torches.
Thanks for reading, and remember to always work safe, patient, and plan ahead.
Good luck, and happy torching!