Works OK. Good in a Pinch
Written: Jul 04 '06 (Updated Jul 04 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Nice handy little kit that's easy to carry about.
Cons: Craftsmanship could be better.
The Bottom Line: It's a good little system to have around for small rough work such as plumbing.
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| hularider's Full Review: Harris Port-a-Torch Outfit 4401657 |
I needed to do some stuff around the house and dragging the big tanks about would have been a hassle. So, when I was picking up new gasses, there by the desk at Air Liquide, was a Harris Port-a-Torch kit. Just about the cutest little welding set in the world! I whipped out my credit card and took it home.
Basically, it has almost everything you need to get started welding. It would be an ideal starter kit for a beginner if it were easier to use. It is easy to carry about, and is a functional piece of gear at an affordable price. It works ok. It got the job done. But the craftsmanship is not really what I would like to see. It's a good idea which could use some refinement.
First off, at the price of the little bitty spanners you turn the acetyline valve with, they could have tossed one in the kit.
More critical, however, was that the oxygen ball-valve in the handle had a scored seat, causing a leak. Not a comfy feeling. We played with it until we got the ball to seat properly and the leak stopped, but should not have had to.
I'm finding that in general, the handle is clunky and hard to use. It's thicker and heavier than what I am used to, which makes for a tiring workday, and difficulty doing fine work in the brazing. I don't even notice the little knobs on the Smith handle until I need them. One or the other of the Harris' big knobs, with their offset, is always in my way.
Also, the valves are sticky, and the knobs turn unevenly, making controlling the flame a bit of a challenge. I could see a beginning welder getting very frustrated trying to learn with this kit.
The regulators seem to work just fine, though the gauges are a bit sticky, which makes adjusting the pressure a bit of a guessing game until you fire up a few seconds and the gauges settle in.
The hoses work great.
I really like the way the hose wraps around the front of the kit for easy transport. I wish the box was big enough to hold the cutting handle, though. At least I can keep the striker and spare tips in it.
Overall, I'm glad I got the kit. It worked when I needed it. It got the house plumbed, and is good to have around for small rough work.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
hularider
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Member: Leilehua Yuen
Location: Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Reviews written: 69
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
HulaRider is an author, artist, and educator who specializes in Hawaiian culture and arts.
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