Soldering

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

B&Q also stock Go System torches and gas which is the same as Bernzomatic, round in the plumbing section just to confuse people, especially the people that work there. As well as propane you can get MAPP gas which gives a hotter flame.

[Iain DownsParticipant @iaindowns78295]

I believe that the bricks I have are vermiculite – following a search in that holy of holy's, the model engineering forum – I spent some time (and much curiosity in Builder's Merchants) making sure I had the right ones.

For the difference in price the Sievert looks like a better bet. And Christmas IS coming.

Is there an answer to the question about being able to use either the small disposables or the big cylinder on the same torch?

Many thanks

Iain

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

generally No, but you may be able to swap the odd nozzel between a Sievert bottle torch and can torch but only on the smaller sizes as a can will just freeze up with the amount of gas being drawn off.

I doubt you got the right bricks from the builders merchant, they should be a cream colour with the reflective flecks of vermiculite easily seem and measure about 30 x 100 x 200.

As You can see from my post earlier MAPP or similar may well burn hotter but it is overall output that matters, 2kwh from a Benzo on MAPP vs upto 30kwh from a propane torch depending on burner size, no contest really.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Iain Downs on 12/12/2018 08:43:27:

Is there an answer to the question about being able to use either the small disposables or the big cylinder on the same torch?

Many thanks

Iain

If you want power, you need a big cylinder, power demand not just plenty of gas, but the ability to keep that up and a small can will cold down and lose pressure rapidly if used with an oversize torch.

Neil

[IanTParticipant @iant]

Iain, you asked about comparative heat outputs for various torch types.

I have a Bullfinch 404 (Brazing Autotorch) which comes with a single 'standard' burner – but there is a smaller and a larger burner available. The kW outputs are as follows:

4103 – 1.84 kW

4104 – 4.76 kW (the one supplied as standard)

4105 – 6.16 kW

Bullfinch state that "The Autotorch brazing burners can give temperatures up to 950^oC under general conditions and up to 1200^oC in ideal conditions only. They can therefore bronze braze under most conditions as well as being able to make faster soft and silver soldered joints."

I have (and use) a standard B&Q/Homebase type 'can' torch in my 'inside' workshop for small silver soldered joints but for anything serious my go-to is the Bullfinch down the shed. This uses a separate propane cylinder which is economical and I really like the button ignitor (which is convenient in use).

I've used Oxy/A in the past and would really like to have it available but decided it was too expensive and potentially dangerous for home use. The Bullfinch has been a good compromise for my needs – using straight propane but still enabling small SIF brazed jobs. They are not cheap but are very well made and will see me out I'm sure.

Regards,

IanT

 

Edited By IanT on 12/12/2018 10:38:41

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

I use a nortel minor, for small objects, along with a 5 litre oxycon. Obviously a hotter flame (little nitrogen dilution) but lower heat output. Inwould use a larger burner for ‘background’ heat.

Ideally, both a larger torch and a 10l (minimum) oxycon would be nice.

[Iain DownsParticipant @iaindowns78295]

Thanks to all for your help and guidance (as always).

I've ordered a Sievert Torch from CuP and their starter kit ('low' temperature) which I will play with over the holidays.

My wife will be so pleased to have found such an appropriate Xmas present for me.

I think this will do me for what I'm likely to need in the short term. I will keep the small torch for small jobs and will look to hiring or borrowing a more aggressive setup if I need to go big – which will be rare!

Iain

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

On reflection, the steel block in the photo is only an inch cube.

Anything up from a basic blowtorch should do the job and with Ht5 flux and some insulation the blowtorch should be able to silver solder it.

I would think about what bigger jobs you might tackle before choosing a bigger torch.

Neil

[mechman48Participant @mechman48]

Posted by John Haine on 12/12/2018 08:33:59:

B&Q also stock Go System torches and gas which is the same as Bernzomatic, round in the plumbing section just to confuse people, especially the people that work there. As well as propane you can get MAPP gas which gives a hotter flame.

I have the same torch but use their 'Go system' Propane/butane mix canister which I have found does quite well. My mini hearth is made up of Vermiculite blocks; 220 x 100 x 25, off eBay, & an insulating blanket ( from CuP, £7 at time of purchase ) to reflect heat. Admittedly I don't have any large items to solder/braze, yet, but what I have works well. Usual disclaimer applies.

My mini hearth… the back has some blanket, removed to show Vermiculite blocks…

George.

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