I will probably buy a blow torch at some point to help with freeing things etc, i would rather buy right the first time so wondered if anyone had any recommendations? i haven't decided how much i need to spend so all advice appreciated, Thanks.
Is it a modern propane blow torch or a classic pressure blow torch you are looking for? I have not really got hold of where you live. UK or USA? There are probably different ones to expect depending of where you live. Michael
Hi i'm in the UK, Well that's the thing i'm not sure what i would need or what issues i may come across, it's mainly to be used for anything to do with lamping, so probably something fairly small, propane, butane, paraffin i don't know, i think modern to start with and maybe a classic will come along later on.
I should suggest a blow torch of the propane type with a hose and a separate tank. In that case you can use the tank for other things, like a barbeque, infra heater or what ever is gas operated. What are available in the UK I do not know but I think you should look for a torch that you can change burner heads for different type of works. Michael
Don't go for a paraffin one, you might start collecting those as well, you'll find they breed any way, one or two come in with lamps and then they just start multiplying. I've got one that runs on propane or map gas, good for some things, but I'd like to get something else as it's no good for delicate jobs.
Michael Thanks for that i will look into whats on offer, Matthew I'll try not to but i can't promise Yes its probably a good idea getting one for more delicate jobs so it looks like i may have to get another one at a later date after all, I don't have power in the garage, i don't suppose a cordless drill could be used for buffing could it? If not i will have to arrange something indoors, i need to get a routine sorted as my place stunk for days after i cleaned up my three lamps
I use one similar to this, Link mine came from toolstation, but it's a bernzomatic. Probably made in the same factory and just badged differently, mine certainly didn't cost that much though. I'll have to get my self one of them posh pudding torches.
The way I see it, its a bit like screwdrivers. Some times you need a big one and some times you need a small one. Using a screwdriver when you need a crow bar is not going to get you far and using a crow bar when you only need a screw driver is going to get you into trouble. Ideally, a small one, a slightly larger one and a monster the get the big bits nice and hot. keep in mind though, solder melts easily (some times too easily)and jets can get destroyed if distorted.
I have for many years used Primus various tips and & torch as in p 9+10 on small bottle but have found hose and 2kg more useful http://opwelding.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Primus-Catalogue.pdf And one like this for finer work. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ROBURN-BUTANE-GAS-PENCIL-TORCH-SOLDERING-ADJUSTABLE-HEAT-MELT-NEW-IN-AUST-/302229011985?hash=item465e40be11:m:mzHrMWQtLJTlXz44RzQ63OA
Just ordered this little devil - we'll see how it performs! Can't be beat on price I don't think!! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361761797080
Thanks, put it in my watch list, i tried to buy it but it wouldn't let me as it said he's on holiday, maybe its not meant to be, there are more on there but i can't stretch to the extra 25p!
I've had those cheapo pencil blowtorches and didn't think much of them. They seem to block up all the time or leak gas. Plus not having a piezo igniter is a pain. This is the type I use now: http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/391668671157
Yes i had something similar, been in the cupboard for years, never used it before, filled it with gas the other day and when i fired it up it promptly erupted into flames, i didn't notice the slight hissing noise did i
Hi James, To give us an example, what would you use this on? A typical lamp fettle that it could cope with? Many thanks, pb
I had a small 'Turbo' butane lighter a while back. Fine for lighting lamps and such, but when a soldering job came along the long time 'on' melted the plastic (!) nozzle surround and became very reluctant to switch off!!! Binned. A slightly more professional hand held torch with peizo ignition (a swine to use) also hit the trash when it engulfed my hand with flame. (Both were re-chargeable items). For quality, one needs to pay. But now and then something cheap actually can deliver the goods. I guess it all comes down to how often it's used or abused.
I use the propane torch (left) for soldering; the MAPP torch (right) for brazing; and the oxy-acetylene set-up on the far right for fine brazing. I buy the cylinders whenever they are on special, so I always have one in reserve. The good news is I can now recycle or swap the cylinders... Cheers Tony
That little pencil torch arrived. Fed it some gas and fired up. My, the variable flame control is sensitive!! Move it the tiniest amount and you get too much flame or it goes out. Practice and patience needed.
I have a little oxy gas welding set like that but the oxygen bottles are expensive and don't last long so I bought a second hand oxygen concentrator. Works fine for brazing.
