1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


   

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our reports dated February 22, 1999, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Thermadyne Mfg. LLC in the Form S-3
Registration Statement and related Prospectus of Thermadyne Mfg. LLC and
Thermadyne Capital Corp., to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about April 13, 1999.
    


                                            /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP




   

Orange County, California
April 13, 1999