Since I receive a slew of questions every time I mention this, I thought I would try to put together a very simple how to for those still questioning.
A small air only propane torch is very handy around the shop and is much cheaper to get into than a oxygen/fuel gas setup. I prefer the Bernzomatic TS8000, it puts out a good amount of heat for a propane only setup, wide but not too wide of a flame, striker free trigger start and easy to obtain.
However I am not a fan of the small, disposable 1lb propane tanks they design to go along with these types of torches. So....I use a converter hose that allows the torch to connect to a common 5lb or 20lb BBQ size tank. The unit price of propane is much cheaper this way. Yes you can refill the small "disposable" tanks, but that is just not for me. Additionally there are safety and legal restrictions that go along with that (I will let you read up on those on your own).
What you will need:
1.) Common propane/air torch. Bernzomatic is a large brand name in these.
2.) Bulk propane supply tank. The 20lb (BBQ style) tanks are by far the most common. You can get them swapped at Homedepot/Lowes/Walmart even on the weekend, in the evening. No need to deal with a gas supplier. I personally get mine filled at U haul or my welding supply place as they are the cheapest per fill.
3.) The key to success is the converter hose. These hoses are designed to allow portable camping equipment to be ran off of the 20lb propane tanks instead of the small disposable cylinders (same problem, different application). Since propane's pressure is determined by the ambient temperature and thus the rate at which the liquid can boil off into a gas, there is no need to worry about a pressure difference between the small disposable bottles and the larger tanks.
4.) Common sense to safely work with heat and explosive gasses.
These hoses can be found anywhere from Walmart to high end camping stores such as Dicks, Bass Pro and even cooking shops. They are typically located in the camping or outdoor section. Come in a multitude of lengths and are plug and play for our application.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-5-High-Pressure-Propane-Hose-and-Adapter/19897422
Things to be aware of....
The threads on the tank side of the hose are left hand thread. Make sure the O ring is in good condition and properly seated. Use caution to avoid cross threading the connection. After the hose is connected at both ends it is a good idea to check for leaks with a soapy solution.
The safety aspect....
Please use responsibly. Bleed your gas hoses after use. Attempt this at your own risk. I take no responsibility for damage or harm you my cause to yourself, others or personal property.
What this is NOT....
This is not a replacement for a welder, plasma cutter or an oxygen/fuel gas torch (such as acetylene or propane). It will not cut, weld or hardly braze for that matter. It WILL however excel at soldering, sweating, and general heating parts less than ~1/2" in diameter. The stock shown is a 5/8" threaded rod that was brought to med red heat in about 9 seconds. Windy, chilly day didn't help that.
I hope this helps.
A small air only propane torch is very handy around the shop and is much cheaper to get into than a oxygen/fuel gas setup. I prefer the Bernzomatic TS8000, it puts out a good amount of heat for a propane only setup, wide but not too wide of a flame, striker free trigger start and easy to obtain.
However I am not a fan of the small, disposable 1lb propane tanks they design to go along with these types of torches. So....I use a converter hose that allows the torch to connect to a common 5lb or 20lb BBQ size tank. The unit price of propane is much cheaper this way. Yes you can refill the small "disposable" tanks, but that is just not for me. Additionally there are safety and legal restrictions that go along with that (I will let you read up on those on your own).
What you will need:
1.) Common propane/air torch. Bernzomatic is a large brand name in these.
2.) Bulk propane supply tank. The 20lb (BBQ style) tanks are by far the most common. You can get them swapped at Homedepot/Lowes/Walmart even on the weekend, in the evening. No need to deal with a gas supplier. I personally get mine filled at U haul or my welding supply place as they are the cheapest per fill.
3.) The key to success is the converter hose. These hoses are designed to allow portable camping equipment to be ran off of the 20lb propane tanks instead of the small disposable cylinders (same problem, different application). Since propane's pressure is determined by the ambient temperature and thus the rate at which the liquid can boil off into a gas, there is no need to worry about a pressure difference between the small disposable bottles and the larger tanks.
4.) Common sense to safely work with heat and explosive gasses.
These hoses can be found anywhere from Walmart to high end camping stores such as Dicks, Bass Pro and even cooking shops. They are typically located in the camping or outdoor section. Come in a multitude of lengths and are plug and play for our application.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-5-High-Pressure-Propane-Hose-and-Adapter/19897422
Things to be aware of....
The threads on the tank side of the hose are left hand thread. Make sure the O ring is in good condition and properly seated. Use caution to avoid cross threading the connection. After the hose is connected at both ends it is a good idea to check for leaks with a soapy solution.
The safety aspect....
Please use responsibly. Bleed your gas hoses after use. Attempt this at your own risk. I take no responsibility for damage or harm you my cause to yourself, others or personal property.
What this is NOT....
This is not a replacement for a welder, plasma cutter or an oxygen/fuel gas torch (such as acetylene or propane). It will not cut, weld or hardly braze for that matter. It WILL however excel at soldering, sweating, and general heating parts less than ~1/2" in diameter. The stock shown is a 5/8" threaded rod that was brought to med red heat in about 9 seconds. Windy, chilly day didn't help that.
I hope this helps.
Attachments
Last edited:
