Gas torch what's good what's not

[newbiboozer]

I am looking to buy a gas torch to do some soldering on my still build can someone recommend a reasonable one to me. I don't want yo spend a fortune but don't want something that will struggle to do the job. Are the Ones that go on a butane can any good.

[JayD]

Bunnings sell a good set that connects up to you lpg bottle for around $140 last time I was there. imo I think this pays for its self as small gas containers are expensive when you work it out.

[Urrazeb]

Depends how much you plan to use it. Seen guys build stills with a cheap camp butane clip on, but if its a decent build your better off with the right tools

[Camikaze]

Used this sucker from ebay. $20. 4 cans of gas = $10 from woolies.

torch.jpg

Was good enough for my one-off but I would say not good enough for someone of Mac's/Jay's calibre of product.

:handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Urrazeb]

That's the one! :smile:

[Brendan]

Yeah I would say that you will struggle to do the job with butane...just spend $30 and at least go to propane.

Also, "Gas torch, what's HOT and what's not" would've been a perfect thread title! :))

[newbiboozer]

Thanks everyone I have decided on a primus torch that rind off a BBQ bottle. Its great to have people that know what they are talking about to give advice. I love this forum. And good one Brendan I didn't think of that.

[bt1]

Howdy,

OK with suggestions if your soft soldering and under or on 2"/50mm.

Above that or silver soldering I'd be looking at MAPP Pro gas and Berzomatic torch like a TS4000 or TS8000.

bt1

[MacStill]

I use the TS4000 for 95% of all my soft soldering, even on 4" pipe.... it's a very versatile and forgiving torch with a wide range for heat, also very good for those little joins too.

The TS8000 I have mainly sits unused, but comes in handy for brazing and annealing smaller >2" pipe & soft soldering 4" to 6" pipes.

For soft soldering >50mm pipe you can easily get away with the cheaper Bernzo $20 torch and propane, the propane bottles sound expensive but they do last a long time.

I prefer all of the above to a hose from a bottle style torch, I find those cumbersome with less maneuverability ;-) the more comfortable you are with your torch while soldering the easier it is, and also helps with the quality of your joins.... the less filing the better IMHO

[bt1]

Yeh +1 mac

TS4000 is my fave...

No bloody hoses=bonus and more freedom/feel/flair/better results

bt1