[TheForge] [YAK] Re: Recommendations on gas welding set

[Mike Spencer]

> I like Smiths torches myself as I have good luck with the tips and the 
> stand up to abuse. I have one that is over 25 years old (OUCH)

I bought a Craftsman torch set from Sears in 1968.  The regulators
failed after only 25 years and no parts were then available.  Replaced
with a big, heavy set that I got from an old smith.  They're probably
about 1950 vintage, parts are still available, had them rebuilt.

But the craftsman *torches* are still going strong and I *really* like
the welding head.  Six sizes of tips, one of which is teeny-tiny and
can weld really thin stuff.  Cutting torch is 4-hole.  6-hole was
available but went out of production before I knew enough to know that
I should order it.  I suppose I should "upgrade" to the 21st century
but not until I find a cutting torch that spectacularly good in every
respect.

A number of tools -- regulators, 1/2" drill, 4" grinder -- I got from
smiths now long deceased who bought them as young men.  They've
outlasted stuff I bought new when *I* was a young guy.  Huh.

- Mike

-- 
Michael Spencer                  Nova Scotia, Canada       .~. 
                                                           /V\ 
mspencer@tallships.ca                                     /( )\
http://home.tallships.ca/mspencer/                        ^^-^^

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