[omi] Oxy-acetylene cutting and safety

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.h… 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… 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-To… 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