I usually just lurk and read everybody’s amazingly informative
emails, but I have this stupid torch problem that’s driving me
insane…
A few months ago I purchased a basic torch kit as an insurance
replacement. It’s a very basic setup: small disposable propane fuel
tank, 4 foot flexible hose, and three tips (pin point, brush, and
pencil tips). (Grobet USA Cataloguenumber 14.226…it’s also similar
to the Bernzo-matic Pencil Torch)
Of course I never really used it for a few months, and now that I’d
like to I can’t get the thing to work properly. I was hoping somebody
was familiar with it and could tell me whether I’m just terminally
confused, whether the thing is broken, or whether it’s a generally
useless piece of equipment!
The problem is that I can’t seem to be able to regulate the amount of
air mixing with the propane and the flame I’m getting is completely
inappropriate for soldering. Nice for a candle-light dinner, but
that’s about it.
The tips screw on to the “handle”. I’ve screwed on the “pin point”
tip as far as I can, and I get a pleasant flickering yellow flame with
more flames coming out the sides of the tip. I get a slighter more
energetic flame with the mid-sized tip, and an almost, but not quite,
usable flame with the largest tip.
I was hoping somebody had was familiar with this torch and had some
bright ideas??
In the event I can’t get this to work, I’m considering investing in a
Little Torch with the small disposable oxygen/propane bottles. From
what I understand the bottles are relatively expensive, and I was
wondering if anybody had a rough idea of how long each bottle lasted?
My other idea is to try the “Smith Propane and Air Soldering Outfit”
(from the Rio Grande catalogue). Has anybody tried this kit? Does it
create a reasonable, adjustable flame?
Since I’ll be using it in a room that used to be a “dining room”, my
options are a little limited
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Rita.
Note From Ganoksin Staff:
Looking for a jeweler’s torch for your jewelry projects? We recommend:
- Reading our guide to the Best Jeweler’s Torch Review for jewelry work here
- Searching for more discussions about Jeweler’s Torches here on the Orchid forum