jcrawford,
A little info on oxygen for torching.
Tanked oxy is aprox. 96% - 98% plus pure; only liquid is purer but still not 100% Tanks come in many sizes from a few cubic feet to hundreds of cubic feet. Generally, the cost of the oxygen is cheaper with larger tanks and they last longer between fills but are harder/heavier to move. All tanks should be securely anchored to prevent damage. As Felicia said they become missiles if the valve breaks off.
Concentrators and Oxygen generators.
These are different names for the same thing. They work via the pressure absorbtion principal. There is no specific size breaking point but generally if the unit is small enough to move around it is called a concentrator and if it is large enough that it is a permanent/semi-permanent installation then it is called a generator. Both take environmental air and pass it through a seive bed where an absorbtion material captures the nitrogen while the oxygen is allowed to pass through then the cycle is switched to a second bank and the nitrogen from the first half cycle is expelled.
To choose a torch is a very personal thing. If you wish to avoid having to 'upgrade' as you progress you must look realisticly at where you think you will be in 3 to 5 years. Cost usually enters into it to some extent. Premix torches are hotter but lesser used by lampworkers. Surface mix torches are the norm and sizes and costs range from less than $200 to over $3000; and that's just the torch. there are 2 stud, single flame torches, 4 stud dual flame torches and 6 stud triple flame torches and there is the Herbert-Arnold torches that have only one set of connections but have a very wide flame size range via internal arrangements. Many professional lampworkers use a modest Lynx size torch and find it completely adequate for their work. Where are you going will determine what torch type/size/ brand you eventually want or need.
Thanks for the plug re the manifolds Felicia. See you on Sunday?
PJ
ETA - I didn't mention the 'hothead' type fuel/air torch. There are many people who start on a Hothead torch and find it suits their work and working style and they never change to a bigger torch.
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