Victor J27 Torch

[Papa Foxtrot]

I've got a line on a "new"(never used) Victor J27 with four tips for $75. My first impulse was to jump on it, but a google search yields mixed reviews. I was leaning toward the Smith AW1A. I noticed Kent shows one on his web page. Should I pick this us or pass?

[bestbearhawk1231]

PF, I can't comment on the victor but I really like my Smith AW1A. I would make sure that you can get welding tips for it with out problem and that they have a cutting head available. One big advantage of a J27 or the AW1A torch over the Mecco midget is that you can cut with them so they become more versatile. I cut steel with mine on a regular basis, for me it has become one of those "how did I live without it" tools. Buy what you can afford, but I don't think the J27 is made any more and I don't know if the tips/cutting attachment from the j28 will fit. Smith has a lifetime warranty. I bought the Smith HVAC portatorch kit that had the AW1A torch handle, cutting attachment and a couple tips, their versa heat attachment which has thread on brazing tips, regulators, short hose, caddy and small tanks for around 500 bucks. Most welding gas shops in Western NE will allow you to trade your tanks in for larger tanks. Around here we buy the tanks outright and trade them in when they are empty so the gas company takes care of the hydros and such. When I bought my large oxy/acetaline tanks it cost me 5-600 bucks with gas. If I had traded in the small tanks it would have been quite a bit cheaper. I kept the smaller tanks because they are handy to have around.

Not sure if any of that helped at all, but I do like my Smith.

PS, I have nothing against Victor and actually prefer them in the medium size handle and larger.

[Papa Foxtrot]

Well, here's what I've got. A Victor J27 with 1,0,00 and 000 tips for $70. Wondering if I'll need larger tips for welding the fuselage tubing.

[bestbearhawk1231]

Looks like you did well. I found a welding tip chart for victor tips at this link...http://www.atlweldingsupply.com/Vict...art_c_901.html. Looks like you might need to get a larger one for the thicker steel. I would say that was a good buy.