Opinion on Harris gas welding equipment?

[anatomist1]

I was just looking into buying some new pieces for my Smith torch kit when I stumbled upon a site that sold Harris. I have never heard about the Harris line of gas torches, but it appears to be a higher quality, more elaborate line of equipment than Smith - they even have a torch handle with an adjustable push-button pilot light feature. I'm wondering if I have not heard about Harris because it is more industrial/professional grade, and is not a normal thing to want at retail welding stores. Smith has irritated me by discontinuing all the even numbered torch tips from my series, and I am considering making the switch. Has anyone tried Harris torches? ...especially vs. Smith or Victor?

[PTsideshow]

They have be around for the coon dogs age, used them in high school in the 60's. Probably a price thingie where the store puts out the stuff that sells on a daily basis fast. And will order the (good stuff?) higher price. Don't know if I still have the Harris Indy cutting torch. I was given it years ago, but it did the job despite being 4th 5th hand and beat to hell.
Have a Victor,Smith little torch, Cobra 2000(Hebron pistol grip) along with the Harbor Fright torches from one of the kits somebody gave me. The the tips fit the Victor handle/valve body
The rose bud is nice and the price was right.
They wouldn't use the torch, but are using both gages. Go figure,some peoples children.
If ya like it go for it. Its not like they are a here today gone tomorrow. But in todays economy who knows :D :D
I have and use a gentec gas saver and like that. Here is the Gentec gas saver (http://www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/search_results2.php?catID=214&keys=&start=35&count=48)
Here is the start of the torch section (http://www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/search_results2.php?catID=214&keys=&start=0&count=48)
They may have the size tips you are looking for if not they have an battery electronic igniter, and an assortment of torches for the small scale stuff you do along with some interesting two tip deals.

[anatomist1]

The Harris looks like it might be slightly nicer, but I have to stick with the Smith. I just found this full comparison chart of tip drill sizes, and it looks like the Harris has significantly bigger increments than my Smith. I would have the same or better control of flame heat, even with the discontinued tip sizes.

http://www.bikesmithdesign.com/Welding/Tips.html

I guess this is why Smith discontinued the 202, 206 and 208 - apparently they did not discontinue the 204 - they saw no point if having much finer gradations of tip size than their competitors. I guess I'm back to searching the ether for the lost tip size, though now all I'm really looking for is the AW202, since I don't care about the 6 or 8. I guess if it comes down to it, I can try drilling a 201.

That gas saver looks like it might be an okay alternative to a push button pilot light apparatus. I have seen that Smith makes one too. Some of those little torches look cool, but my torch with a 00 tip goes just about as small as the jeweler's models, and I almost never use it. For one thing, both it and the 0 are nearly impossible to clean. I finally got a tiny piece of a jewelers saw blade at one point to clean the 00, but have since lost it.

[PTsideshow]

the other versions of the gas saver's run in cost from $180.00 to over $250.00 US. Gentech is a Euro brand that has been around for a while and the quality is good. It isn't a Harbor Fright brand as thought by some.
Drilling is a good solution, as most of the companies seem to only keep making, or stocking what will sell the volume that they can make money on. If the stores don't buy em there is no point in making them, to catch dust in the warehouse shelves. :D

[evaldart]

I have Smith., Harris, Victor, Oxweld in my torch drawer. Smith is the best I have, it is the toughest, and heaviest duty. The gradations in tip sizes do not bother me as my applications are not so precise. Smith's rosebud tip for the cutter is the best gas thing I own. A monster. Oxweld is very good too but is vintage...very hard to find their stuff.
Harris and Victor are fussy and prissy...cannot take a beating. clog up easy, need more frequent servicing. Feel insubstantial in the hand. I have a set of Harris regs though that are quite nice.

Everything stays in the drawer but the Smith now for many, many years.