I’ve also produced a video on this subject

I regularly get asked “Lightweight vs Heavy Duty Torches, what’s the difference?”

There is a common perception the Heavy Duty Torches are better quality in some way, this is not the case!

In fact with our Torches, both types are constructed in exactly the same way, the difference is physical size, weight and available accessories

The Torches above are Oxy/Acetylene variants, but apart from the Neck/Nozzle, Oxy/Propane (Propylene) variants are the same!

At this point I shall point out that if you prefer to learn via Video, I have produced a video version of this article called Lightweight v Heavy Duty Gas Torches

Apart from the size difference that you can see in the above photo, the other two main differences are:

• The Heavy Duty is physically heavier than the Lightweight (clues in the names 😀)
• The Input fitting that your Hoses will fit onto are different:
  • Lightweight has 1/4″BSP Threads
  • Heavy Duty has 3/8″BSP Threads
  • (I’ve written a separate article about BSP Threads)

Lightweight Torch Accessories

The Welders Warehouse Lightweight Torch comes with 4 Welding/Brazing Nozzles where the Oxy/Acetylene variant is chosen. 3 of our superb Multi-Jet Brazing Nozzles are supplied with the Oxy/Propane (Propylene) variant.

Lightweight Cutting Attachment

A Cutting Attachment that’s capable of cutting up to around 20mm steel is available. This can be used with Oxygen/Acetylene.

There is currently not a Lightweight Cutting Nozzle available for Oxygen/Propane (or Propylene), although the Oxy/Acetylene Cutting Nozzle, while not ideal, is usable.

Lightweight Heating Neck/Nozzle

The Welders Warehouse developed this Nozzle/Neck assembly for the HVAC industry (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), where it’s used for brazing 3 1/4″ Copper Pipe. Having said that, it’s ideal for anyone needing a bit more heat as it has 6 flame jets. This also makes it popular with Model Engineers needing to braze large components on model steam locomotives!

This versatile Heating Nozzle can be used with either Oxygen/Acetylene or Oxygen/Propane (Propylene)

Heavy Duty Torch Accessories

As with the Lightweight Torch, The Welders Warehouse Heavy Duty Torch comes with:

• 4 Welding/Brazing Nozzles where the Oxy/Acetylene variant is chosen
• 3 of our superb Multi-Jet Brazing Nozzles where the Oxy/Propane (Propylene) variant is chosen

Heavy Duty Cutting Attachment

A Cutting Attachment that’s capable of cutting from around 3mm – 150mm Steel is available. This can be used with Oxygen/Acetylene or Oxygen/Propane (Propylene), when the correct Nozzle type is used.

Heavy Duty Heating Nozzle/Neck (Oxygen/Acetylene)

Heating Nozzle & Neck for Oxygen/Acetylene provides 6 flame jets for rapid heating.

Heavy Duty Heating Nozzle/Neck (Oxygen/Propane)

Heating Nozzle & Neck for Oxygen/Propane (Propylene) comes with two Nozzles for rapid heating.

Conclusions

I titled this article “Lightweight vs Heavy Duty Torches”, but in reality, they’re not really competing with each other as both have their merits!

The advantage with the Lightweight is that, well it’s lighter! This means you’re going to be able to hold it for longer without becoming fatigued.

The Lightweight Torch also uses smaller bore hoses, these are both lighter and offer better flexibility.

So the key advantage of the Lightweight Torch is it’s lighter and offers better overall dexterity!

The downside is the Lightweight Torch is not quite as versatile because there are a smaller range of accessories available.

The key advantage of the Heavy Duty is its versatility, because of the greater range of available accessories.

Thicker steels can be cut with either Oxy/Acetylene or Oxy/Propane (Propylene).

Higher output Heating Nozzles are also available.

Downside is a heavier torch will make fatigue more likely and the need for larger bore hoses to handle the gas requirements of the larger accessories means the hoses are less flexible.

So greater versatility comes at the cost of dexterity!

I hope you found this Lightweight vs Heavy Duty Torches useful. If you would like to know more before you make a decision, please feel free to call and ask for me (number’s at the top of the page).

Please let me know what you thought of this article by leaving a comment.  

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Regards

Graham