Posted by Steve Fleck on April 09, 1999 at 20:31:21:
In Reply to: Need Advice on Purchasing an Oxy / Gas Torch Set posted by Christopher Casey on April 04, 1999 at 20:21:49:
Chris:
As you are now, several years ago I wanted to weld and didn't know anything about welding or cutting (and still probably don't know much after reading the posts to your Q). I did go to our local voc-ed school in the evenings to learn something about basic welding- it was great. All I can say is that you really should consider taking a course or two or find a friend or some old sage welder (like Ben or Winget - I don't know their age though) who would teach you what he knows and then practice, practice, practice.
Now to your question - oxy/acetylene torch to cut and a stick AC/DC with or without gas/wire (mig) to put things back together. You can buy an oxy/acetylene torch set new for about $250-$275 with all accessories. You will need to purchase gasses from a local supplier and there will be a rental (demurrage) charge on the cylinders. No big deal though. Possibly you have a friend or know someone who useses gasses that you can work something out with. You can purchase a used set but be careful. The regulators are the key component of the system and the diaphragms are the first to go and are expensive relative to the cost new, to have rebuilt and recalibrated.
You can probably pick up a buzz box 125 Amp AC stick welder pretty cheap - new or at a farm sale, a good way to go until you get your sea legs. Then, if you're really into it you can upgrade.
As has been said, advice is free!!!