I've been trying to find an oxy-acetylene cutting torch handle at a
decent price.

The cheapest one I've found is this one from harbor freight at $55 +
tax and $7 shipping (1-day shipping):

  http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-oxygen-acetylene-cutting-torch-96290.html

Two problems:

  I'm not 100% sure that our hoses will fit it (though very likely it will).

  It comes with only one cutting tip, a #1 size, which is used for
around 3/4 steel, whereas for 1/8" we should use a size 000 or size 00
tip. We _could_ probably use this tip, but I'm not sure what using the
wrong size tip will do.

  It's possible that we can buy a replacement tip, but not from Harbor
Freight as they only sell the #1 size, and I don't know which other
brands are compatible with this handle, if any.


Another one I've found is this a Harris brand cutting torch for $75
including shipping:

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Harris-Ironworker-Cutting-Torch-w-Acetylene-Welding-Tip-Free-Ship-/370752238372?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56528e3324

This is certainly much higher quality, and it has the advantage that
new tips are easy to buy in all sizes. With shipping it is $13 more
expensive, but for a much higher quality product. Another good thing
is that it is more likely to fit our hoses, since it's a harris
product as well.

Two problems:

  We will probably have to buy another tip, since the included is size
#5 (recommended for up to 5 inch metal). The new tip will cost $10 to
$12 including shipping.

  We may not get it until after the coming Friday (though we should
have it for the next Friday). I have asked the seller about faster
shipping options.

Here is a nice image showing the difference between the different tips:

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Acetylene-Cutting-Tips-6290-Size-00-for-Harris-Torch-/200616960754?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb5b3e2f2

Here is a chart for tip sizes:

  http://www.hoopersupply.com/tipchart.html

I've also looked at other equipment, and I think we should get:

  5 pairs of impact resistant safety glasses at $2 each (for ourselves
and visitors when just standing around / cutting / doing basic work):

    http://www.harborfreight.com/impact-resistant-safety-glasses-94357.html

  1 adjustable untinted face shield at $15 (for use with safety
glasses or goggles):

    http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-face-shield-46526.html

  1 set of two fiber tip markers at $3 (for marking metal):

    http://www.harborfreight.com/industrial-marker-92925.html

With the Harris branch cutter and extra tip, these expenses total
$121. With the cheap cutter and no extra tip they total $90. Split
over four people that's either $30.33 each or $22.50

Another option is to not buy any cutter and try to borrow one for at
least next friday.

What do you say?

--
Marc
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