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LP gas precision torch

#1

I know the subject of torches in homes has already been very
thoroughly discussed earlier this year. But I am curious about the
LP Gas Precision Torch that was mentioned by one person. This is a
German made torch that works with 1 pound disposable propane tanks.
Has anyone else tried this torch? It seems like an ideal solution to
all the dilemmas involved in setting up a home jewelry workshop.

Meanwhile, I have a Smith Little Torch set up in my workshop in my
basement (5 pound propane tank and 20 pound oxygen). But the Smith
propane regulator gauge has started to leak from the actual gauge
assembly (not a connection leak). This happened two years ago and I
had the gauge repaired. My question is: am I doing something wrong in
the turning on and off of the propane and regulator? Normally I turn
off the tank, and then the unscrew the regulator. I don’t drain the
hose because it seems like an obviously bad thing to do in a
basement.

Thank you.
Virginia

#2

Hi Virginia,

I’ll tell you tomorrow, mine should be arriving in the post (fingers
crossed Australia post isn’t always timely).

I hunted around the net for a suitable torch that did not require
bottled oxygen to function, this was one that came up, also the Orca
came up.

Previously on the list I mentioned I was given a blowpipe torch, but
after setting it up, the tip requires work (or experimental
modification… :wink: ), as the flame is coming out jagged.

I digress, I asked a few people that had used the torch and they
told me they were brilliant to use. They are not too expensive
either.

…

The propane regulator can be set and forget. Turning the regulator
"off" is something you don’t need, and by doing this you may have
caused excessive wear.

The procedure for turning on and off a burner/torch and regulator
setup.

Step A
Turning on for the first time ever.

  1. Open your gas valve at the cylinder.
  2. Open the burner valve, and light the burner.
  3. Adjust the gas regulator to the manufacturers specifications,
    then leave it alone.
  4. Adjust the burner valve.

Step B
Turning off the burner.

  1. Extinguish the torch and turn off the valve.

Step C
Turning on the burner subsequent times

  1. Open your gas valve at the cylinder.
  2. Open the burner valve, and light the burner.
  3. Adjust the burner valve.

Step D
Turning off the burner at the end of the day.

  1. Extinguish the torch and turn off the valve.
  2. Turn off the gas at the cylinder.
  3. Bleed the tubes (this is important).
  4. Close all open valves (this is also important).

You should only have to revisit step A if you change gas cylinders,
or if you get another torch that has different pressure requirements,
otherwise set the regulator and leave it alone.

Regards Charles A.

#3

Hi Virginia,

I have had a LP Gas Precision Torch 44a for nearly six years. I
found it a brilliant propane unit and capable of doing most soldering
jobs extremely well.Many of my students purchase one after using it
in my workshop as they gain confidence quickly as it has sensitive
easy and trouble free controls,

Two other silverworking groups in this district with many older
members have found it a great asset.

There was at one time very little torch choice here in Australia
where Acetylene torches are not the norm. The most common propane
torch some twenty years ago was a Primus handyman variety with a
series of tips including a paintstripper tip. These are still used
today at various clubs but replacement tips are expensive and need
far more maintenance than the Precision torch,

Finally the distributors of the Precision Torch here in Australia
are brilliant with advice and have great backup service,

Mind you I still have a Primus torch or two still working after 20
years, a couple of Smith Little Torches and a new addition being The
Swiss Torch which is very versatile indeed.

But Virginia I still use my Precision Torch daily.

Nick Murray

#4

I don’t know if this is the LP gas precision torch, but I have what
is called an EZ torch or a whale torch that uses the small, camping
propane tanks. (I’ve seen them on the Otto Frei website, although I
purchased mine from another source.) It is probably not the best
choice as a “work horse” torch for a professional, but it has served
me well as a hobbyist. It comes with three tip sizes. If you do use
one of these torches, the tall thin propane tanks work much better
than the shorter ones. Someone else had this same experience, it
must have something to do with the pressure in the tank or the way
the valve is made.

Ellen Harris

#5

I use it and for me it was, as you say, the ideal solution for a
home jewelry workshop. Mind you, I made the step up from a small
butane torch, so it was always going to be a step up, but I’ve been
very happy with it. As I also dabble with enamel, the large tip has
proven to be a worthwhile addition and if you plan to any casting,
you should probably get that too.

Jakob

#6

Hi Charles,

I can’t believe this lucky timing. I’m dying to hear you thoughts
once you’ve had a chance to try out your LP torch.

And thank you for your very clear, concise instructions on turning on
and turning off a propane torch. I haven’t been bleeding my hoses,
and I suspect that is what is causing the regulator to start leaking.
Or maybe it was the daily turning off of the gas regulator. In any
case, I think I will not continue with this system. Ideally you’ll
have nothing but great things to say about the LP torch, and I will
go ahead and buy one of those.

Thanks again!
Virginia

#7

I have an LP Gas Precision Torch and I think it is wonderful. Mind
you it is the only torch I have ever owned and I’m still a beginner
and am having no trouble using it.

Linda

#8

As I understand and practice it, the way to shut down and
oxygen/acetylene torch system is first to close the tank valves then
open the torch valves to release pressure from regulators and hoses.
Finally, unscrew the “pressure adjustment control” on each of the two
regulators. Leaving the regulators and hoses under pressure with the
pressure controls screwed in can cause early failure of diaphragms in
the regulator. This is according to technicians with welding supply
compannies width whom I deal.The amount of gas released is assumed to
be small enough to be of little concern. Though acetylene can act as
an anaesthetic and hyperbaric oxygen is toxic, you wont release
enough to see either of these effects. Of course, as when you change
tanks, you will not be smoking or having an open flame nearby.

I hope this helps. G. Vaughan

#9

Hi Guys,

Just hooked it up.

The adapter sent to me was the wrong size, but is a trivial matter,
and I simply attached a 1/4" barb to my regulator, and fixed the barb
to the torches hose.

I adjusted my regulator, turned on the tank tap, hoiked onto the
barb to see if there were any leaks, and lit the torch… "meh"
thought I. However I had set the regulator to 100 Kpa, the torch is
rated at 600 Kpa, increasing the regulator to 400 Kpa made a big
difference.

It looks promising, but I’ll have a better play with it tomorrow.

Regards Charles A.