Small LP Fired Torch

Glenn F.

Member
I am looking at small propane fired torches for general use. I have not seen any in the $50.00 range (Burnz-o-Matic) with a replacable flint or battery, etc. which seems to make it a throwaway item. What torches allow for such replacements? Or should I just get a good one that requires a separate striker? Not interested in cheap junk.

Thank you,
Glenn F.
 
The igniter is actually a Piezoelectric crystal with a striker that whacks it sending 10,000 volts to electrodes. I have found them to be trouble free and have never had one fail. If it did it could be ignited with a regular striker. The device is the same as a gas grill push button lighter, or a long reach fire starter. Jim
 
I have one with a push-button ignitor, but it uses Maap gas, it burns somewhat hotter than propane, worked better for using lead-free solder. I don't think Maap is available anymore, but there are substitutes, but they're expensive, but I bought an extra tank when I got it and haven't used up the first one. I'm not sure how it would work on regular propane.
 
I have one with a push-button ignitor, but it uses Maap gas, it burns somewhat hotter than propane, worked better for using lead-free solder. I don't think Maap is available anymore, but there are substitutes, but they're expensive, but I bought an extra tank when I got it and haven't used up the first one. I'm not sure how it would work on regular propane.
Just as a "heads up", MAPP gas hasn't been sold since about 2008, but there are similar substitutes.
 
I have one with a push-button ignitor, but it uses Maap gas, it burns somewhat hotter than propane, worked better for using lead-free solder. I don't think Maap is available anymore, but there are substitutes, but they're expensive, but I bought an extra tank when I got it and haven't used up the first one. I'm not sure how it would work on regular propane.
I have exactly the same setup. Going from the old gas turn on knob type to this was like coming out of the dark ages. It wlorks perfectly. Burns hotter and therefore you use less gas. Don’t use it that often but happened to do a project last week with it. Worked perfectly as usua.
 
I have one with a push-button ignitor, but it uses Maap gas, it burns somewhat hotter than propane, worked better for using lead-free solder. I don't think Maap is available anymore, but there are substitutes, but they're expensive, but I bought an extra tank when I got it and haven't used up the first one. I'm not sure how it would work on regular propane.
I have exactly the same setup. Going from the old gas turn on knob type to this was like coming out of the dark ages. It wlorks perfectly. Burns hotter and therefore you use less gas. Don’t use it that often but happened to do a project last week with it. Worked perfectly as usua.
 
I got dad a propane torch that has 2or 3 different tips for soldering things goes on a 20LBS cylinder has a regulator at the tank with a hose about 6or8 feet long .IT eliminated that surge you get when you tip or turn those cheap hand held torches . Don't remember the name but I would think most reputable welder gas cylinder places would be able to help you out. I got dad's online someplace 10 years or more ago now. Turbo torch or something like that was the name as I think about it.
 
Don't be wary of torches with inbuilt igniters . The convenience is marvellous. I have both , the one that needs matches to light is a pita! it's also the most expensive, I waste at least a minute's worth of burn time in gas each time it's lit.
 
Correct, no batteries or flints in self-igniting torches. I've always stuck with the bernzomatic brand, never had any complaints. Sure is nice not needing a separate source of flame to ignite the torch.

Of course there is no shame in sticking with the old classic torch that needs a striker or a match.
 
I have one with a push-button ignitor, but it uses Maap gas, it burns somewhat hotter than propane, worked better for using lead-free solder. I don't think Maap is available anymore, but there are substitutes, but they're expensive, but I bought an extra tank when I got it and haven't used up the first one. I'm not sure how it would work on regular propane.
My local True Value hardware has Mapp gas right along side the propane.
 
My local True Value hardware has Mapp gas right along side the propane.
It's not MAPP (MethylAcetylene, Propadine, Propane), because the last plant that manufactured that specific product closed in 2008.

What is marketed as MAPP today is primarily propylene gas with a little propane mixed in.

Fun fact, if you have an Oxy-MAPP torch set, you can swap a cheap grill tank of propane in place of the expensive "MAPP" and it works perfectly. Same tip, same regulator settings.
 
Fuel savings, and the added safety of a push button lit torch MORE that pay for it. Push the button, use as needed, release the button torch goes off. You don't have to worry about where to set the torch so the flame does not catch something on fire. No need to constantly adjust the knob for correct fkame size for the job. Set it, forget it, every time you push the button you get the same flame. You CAN lock the buttuon on if necessary, but another push turns it off again.

I have had one for over 30 years. On my second one now, a Bernzomatic TS-8000. I broke the first one, after years of HARD use, by dropping it off a ladder onto concrete.

Some cheap models do not have adjustable flame. Some just have a push button spark lighter. You still have to turn the gas on and off and adjust the flame size with a knob each time you start it. The button ONLY makes a spark.

Do your research, don't by the cheapest one.
 
I have one with a push-button ignitor, but it uses Maap gas, it burns somewhat hotter than propane, worked better for using lead-free solder. I don't think Maap is available anymore, but there are substitutes, but they're expensive, but I bought an extra tank when I got it and haven't used up the first one. I'm not sure how it would work on regular propane.
What he says is true. It takes longer to get a joint hot enough to melt the new lead free solder. The regular propane torches will get there eventually but if it got there quicker I think it would help to get a better joint. On my recent project I found myself having to reheat a couple of joints as I couldn't get the solder to flow all the way around once the solder started melting. None leaked, however.
 
It's not MAPP (MethylAcetylene, Propadine, Propane), because the last plant that manufactured that specific product closed in 2008.

What is marketed as MAPP today is primarily propylene gas with a little propane mixed in.

Fun fact, if you have an Oxy-MAPP torch set, you can swap a cheap grill tank of propane in place of the expensive "MAPP" and it works perfectly. Same tip, same regulator settings.
I was just in that hardware this morning and I looked at them. You're right. Never used it before so never really looked close.
 
What he says is true. It takes longer to get a joint hot enough to melt the new lead free solder. The regular propane torches will get there eventually but if it got there quicker I think it would help to get a better joint. On my recent project I found myself having to reheat a couple of joints as I couldn't get the solder to flow all the way around once the solder started melting. None leaked, however.
If you spend a little more and get a plumbing-safe solder with silver in it it will flow and solder MUCH better than the basic lower-priced stuff.
 
If you spend a little more and get a plumbing-safe solder with silver in it it will flow and solder MUCH better than the basic lower-priced stuff.
I had the Oatey Silver 50683 Safe Flo Solder with Oatey #95 flux. It has a somewhat lower melting point which I wanted as I was soldering in a ball valve at one point. I think I was not getting the joint quite hot enough. Copper is quite a heat sink and I think it was cooling off before I got flow all around. Technique may have been a major part of it but I heated it all around.
 
This is the one I prefer;
Bernzomatic MAP/PRO High Heat Torch Head TS4000T
i have several in different locations on the farm & on work trucks.
 

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