Straight answers to the questions people ask most when choosing and using a cutting and welding outfit.
What is the difference between a welding kit, a cutting kit and a combined outfit?
A welding kit includes a torch handle with welding nozzles, for joining, brazing and heating. A cutting kit has a cutting attachment or a dedicated cutting torch for cutting steel. A combined outfit includes both, normally one handle with interchangeable welding and cutting attachments.
If you only cut, a cutting set is enough. If you weld and cut, a combined outfit covers both jobs in one set. Check what nozzles are included, because you may need more sizes later.
Should I choose oxy-acetylene or oxy-propane?
Acetylene gives a hotter, more concentrated flame, which is useful for welding, brazing and fast, accurate cutting. Propane, and other LPG fuels, are used mainly for cutting and heating, are widely used for heavy cutting and site work.
The two use different nozzles and regulators, and you cannot swap them without changing parts. Choose the fuel to suit the work you do most, and check that the outfit you pick is made for it.
What is included in a typical outfit, and what is left out?
A typical outfit has two regulators, hoses, a torch handle, a cutting attachment and/or welding attachments, a selection of nozzles, and often flashback arrestors or check valves. Some include goggles, a spark lighter and a carry case or box.
The gas cylinders are normally not included, and are hired or bought separately from a gas supplier. You may also need a trolley, gloves and eye protection, fire-resistant clothing, and leak-detection fluid. Check the contents carefully so you know what else you need.
What do lightweight, medium-duty and heavy-duty outfits mean?
These describe the size and capacity of the torch and nozzles. Lightweight outfits use smaller torches and smaller cylinders, and suit light cutting, brazing and repairs, often when portability matters. Medium and heavy-duty outfits use larger torches and nozzles and carry more gas, so they handle thicker material and longer jobs.
Choose by the thickness you cut and how often you work. A light outfit used at its limit gives slow, poor cuts and wears out faster.
Which outfit suits a first-time user or a small workshop?
A general-purpose, medium-duty oxy-acetylene combined set is a common choice because it can weld, braze, heat and cut. For occasional light work, a lightweight outfit is easier to move and store.
If you have never used oxy-fuel equipment, get proper training first, from a trained person or a recognised course, because the gases are hazardous. Choose an outfit that has the safety devices fitted as standard.
What thickness of steel can I cut with an outfit?
It depends on the cutting nozzle size, the regulator capacity and the gas pressures, as well as the fuel. Lightweight outfits cut thinner steel, and medium or heavy-duty outfits with larger nozzles cut much thicker plate.
Makers publish a chart that shows the nozzle size, pressures and thickness range for their torches, and you should follow it. Cutting only works on steel and iron types that burn in oxygen, so it does not work on stainless steel or aluminium.