Smith Equipment 23-1001D 23-1001d 3-7 Tip Outfit Little Torch Kit

Amazing torch, good quality

This is a great little torch. I used one extensively in my graduate lab work 20 years ago to weld up platinum thermocouples and it looks like it still has the same simple, practical design. I only just now got around to getting one for myself for sheetmetal work. Welding sheetmetal is trickier than welding structural steel, I've found. I'll need a bit more practice to keep from burning holes everywhere, but the torch itself is wonderful -- lightweight, easy to handle, flexible hoses, nicely machined, and as easy to set and adjust as my full-sized Miller O/A torches which I've used for about 15 years on the aforementioned structural shapes. Has standard left- and right-hand 9/16-18 "B" fittings that will just screw onto most any gas regulators sold in the US. Just a detail, the description at the top of the page is correct, the set does come with 5 tips numbered 3-7 and an 8' hose, but the description under "Product Description" is wrong, where it says you get tips 2-6 and a 6" hose. It's not 6". Or 6', either. Also worth mentioning, the #3 tip is very fine, whereas the #4 tip puts out a lot of heat in comparison. It's a big jump between the two. It occurred to me that a #3.5 tip would be useful for steel in the 22 ga. range after burning the umpteenth hole through my practice material. I won't count that as a minus, since a degree of operator incompetence is a factor here. In the would-be-nice category: A 5/32" wrench for changing tips and to adjust the valve packing nuts. Recommended accessory: The magnetic torch stand. Also, regulator-side flashback arrestors. And keep those line pressures up to avoid burnback, as with any other torch. What else... Oh, I checked for acetylene leaks around the fittings, along the hoses, and around the valves and nozzle (just put your finger over the end and open the valve). None found, and this was using a Leakator Jr., which is crazy sensitive. Can't check the oxygen side that way, though, so I used plain old leak detector fluid.

Amazingly awesome little torch. I use it for fine sheet metal welding. Makes great welds, weighs next to nothing.

Excellent product, as you can expect from Smith. Nice smooth valve rotation that allows precise control. An absolute pleasure to use. I also purchased the rosebud tip, I was able to easily melt 3 ounces of sterling silver. The smallest tip provides excellent soldering control with small gauge wire. Still as nice as the day I purchased. Seller was great and they arrived quickly. (Below is an experience with a different torch from a different seller) I purchased this after ordering another torch set that turned out to be a fake. The box looked the same as did the torch. The price was much lower which drew me in. While appearing the same the fake torch valves were awful. Entire valve adjustment happened in less a quarter turn. It was impossible to obtain fine control with any tip sizes. Constantly losing flame every time the smallest adjustment was needed. Hoses were stiff and poorly made and torch body was rough and poorly machined. The torch tips leaked and were hard to seal without excessive wrench torque and the sizes were not to spec. These were just the big issues and I could go on. Save your money and buy genuine Smith torches that will last a lifetime. DON'T BE FOOLED BY OTHER LISTINGS THAT ARE SELLING FAKES WAY BELOW MARKET PRICE. THEY ARE POORLY MADE AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. The only thing the fake torch set did was frustrate me.

I have successfully used mini-torches for over 3 decades! Although there are many substitutes nowadays to choose from (I tried one of them, and promptly returned it) - this mini-Torch worked as well as my original mini-Torch, and completely fulfilled all my expectations. It is a very good-quality precision tool, and the valves respond well. I highly recommend this Torch, and would order it again.