Choosing my first propane torch?

[choochoo_balooParticipant @choochoo_baloo]

I have been using up a "Go Gas" propane/butane cartridge type torch for both oil blackening and oil quenching.

Now that it has run out, I am planning to upgrade to a standalone torch from a quality brand like Sievert or Bullfinch etc to use with a propane bottle. Is long term gas economy the main advantage that separate torch/LPG cylinders offer over the "Go Gas" cartridge type torches?

I've had a look at the offering of both companies, and have difficulty choosing one for home metalworking. I also want to do some brazing; is a Bullfinch 'standard' torch going to be more than adequate? Apart from an ergonomic handle and autoignition, I struggle to see the difference between auto and standard torches. Please can people give recommendations?

Regarding gas; I will call into my local Flo Gas centre tomorrow. Just to give me an idea would this size bottle be more than enough for infrequent hobby use:

https://www.flogas.co.uk/shop/cylinders/flogas-gas-cylinders/4-5kg-butane-gas-20mm-regulator

Thanks in advance.

[choochoo_balooParticipant @choochoo_baloo]

[VicParticipant @vic]

Sievert have a large range of torches and I've found Hamilton gas products is the best place to get them at a good price.

[Thor 🇳🇴Participant @thor]

Another vote for Sievert, I have an old Promatic one with a couple of burners. Has worked without problems for many years.

Thor

Edited By Thor on 30/06/2017 05:23:00

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Do you mean brazing or silver soldering*, in the UK brazing usually refers to using a filler rod that melts at a higher temp than silver solder and you are unlikely to melt the brazing filler material with just a gas torch.

Also Butane as per your link will not work well with the amount of gas flow required for a decent size torch, you will also have a job finding a high pressure regulator for Butane especially the clip on type in your link. Look at Propane instead which is what we all use. Bottle size will be OK though.

I have an old Bullfinch that does for all my needs.

 

* Technically it is all brazing but in general terms silver soldering stops at about 850degC and brazing takes over.

 

Edited By JasonB on 30/06/2017 08:09:54

[Brian HParticipant @brianh50089]

I've had a Bullfinch for many years with no problems but it is beginning to fall apart. Fortunately a friend who is giving up model engineering offered me his Sievert and I don't think there is much difference apart from the impression that there is more choice of nozzles with Sievert.

Brian

[JohnFParticipant @johnf59703]

I have used Bulfinch on a full time basis for the last 40 plus years, very reliable and British made! Does everything I have ever needed and I have several nozzles to cover my needs.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

When you say Go Gas, which version do you mean? For many years I've had a Bernzomatic torch that takes cylinders like this: **LINK**

These are available from several suppliers including Go Systems, containing propane, butane, and other mixtures. I've found the torch does everything I want it too and is quite economical. On the other hand there are also Go torches that take the thin tin type cylinders and I've had a few of those, but they never last long, usually the valve knob comes loose.

[choochoo_balooParticipant @choochoo_baloo]

Posted by John Haine on 30/06/2017 08:37:17:

When you say Go Gas, which version do you mean? ….. On the other hand there are also Go torches that take the thin tin type cylinders and I've had a few of those, but they never last long, usually the valve knob comes loose.

Mine is of this type. I re-read the instructions on the cylinder; it says that it is the only type compatible with the burner. So it will have to be a new stand alone torch I reckon.

[S.D.L.Participant @s-d-l]

For £63 Inc vat you can get a complete starter set up at Hamilton or for£74 you can have one with a cyclone burner which are very useful. You can add more burners and neck tubes as you require them, often available on eBay or on special offer at the shows.

Steve

[MWParticipant @mw27036]

MAPP was great when they used to make it..

I would advise a sievert handheld torch or for a bigger one, a generic brand hose type with interchangeable nozzles (and a pressure regulator) and hook up to a small 3kg rented propane cylinder is a viable option.

Michael W

 

Edited By Michael-w on 30/06/2017 18:40:11

[MikeParticipant @mike89748]

John, I had a Bernzomatic torch and used it in a small hearth made of fire bricks and the heat-reflective material from old-fashioned gas fires. It was just fine for relatively small silver soldering jobs but would not have had enough power for even a small boiler. One improvement I bade to it was to fit a rotatable collar with a hole over the air inlet, just like a bunsen burner, for when I wanted a cool flame. If I I was buying now, I'd definitely go for a Sievert and a big propane cylinder.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by choochoo_baloo on 29/06/2017 21:49:52:

Is long term gas economy the main advantage that separate torch/LPG cylinders offer over the "Go Gas" cartridge type torches?

More that you can use bigger torches with a wider range of burner sizes from 'Zippo' to 'I love the smell of napalm in the morning'.

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

I had this same problem some time ago. I do a lot of work in copper and started out with a small hand-held bottled gas torch. To be honest, the gases all seemed pretty much of a muchness. However, none really coped with brazing; I use the fluxless copper to copper rods.

I was then given a basic Clarke blowtorch which had three different nozzles and secured a large bottle of propane. This was more than enough to braze quite large items, both copper and steel, using flux. It is only recently, when working on particularly structure, that I have needed to look into anything more powerful.

James.

Edited By James Alford on 01/07/2017 10:41:18

[VicParticipant @vic]

As far as bottle size goes if you get one that turns out to be too small – gas runs out quickly, you can always exchange it for a bigger one at no extra cost. I wanted to avoid paying the upfront cost for a small propane cylinder and ended up exchanging a larger butane cylinder that was unclaimed where I used to work.

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

Posted by Vic on 01/07/2017 10:55:12:

cylinder that was unclaimed where I used to work.

I confess that my propane bottle was a large one, about 3/4 full, that had been dumped outside my friend's factory. It was no use to them as they only used LPG and it was in the way.

James.

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