propane and mapp gas

[subarub4]

I have a question I have a bernzomatic kit a propane with the brass torch do I need to get another torch for the mapp gas?

 

[MrMark]

I don't think so, but after reviewing the heating specs there isn't much temp difference with the bernzomatic turbo torch heads.

 

[scott37300]

I use my torch head with propane or mapp bottles.

 

[subarub4]

this is good to know I was dreading having to spend like $30 just on another torch head.

 

[diggerrick]

So can I use a propane tank with my little oxy map torch?

 

[Frank The Plumber]

It is not so cut and dry. Go to www.bernzomatic.com. Identify your tool and see what it's fuel abilities are.

 

[rhandwor]

My map gas head is totally different than my propane torches head. I purchased mine at a flea market.

 

[subarub4]

I just need it to heat up some steel to bend... I was able to do it with my propane but it's slow.. took at least maybe almost 5 min and still it was a dull red.

 

[MrMark]

mapp is only 250 degrees hotter according to the Benzomatic chart. It's not as much different as you might think.

edit: only 150 hotter! Why bother I am now wondering. Why do I have mapp?

 

[subarub4]

I can't think how I can get a hotter flame

 

[PT Doc]

My Ace hardware torch that came with a propane bottle cannot be used with map gas per the manufacturer. I called and specifically asked since I was going to be soldering copper to brass fittings.

 

[MrMark]

go with oxy propane. Poor man's welder.

 

[djjsr]

I have several torches and grabbed one to use on a mapp gas bottle. Within a minute, the tip of the torch was glowing red. Not good. Don't use a torch that's made for propane on mapp gas.

 

[MrMark]

Side question: what's the best way to tell how full the gas tank is? I remember something about condensation?

 

[subarub4]

That's propane and oxygen right?

Where can I find oxygen thats going to last long enough?

 

[MrMark]

How long do you need to do this?

The flame temp of oxy propane is 4600

Propane in air 3450

Mapp in air 3600

Home Depot sells a brazing kit - either oxy propane or oxy mapp, I forget that uses two small bottles. I seem to remember the kit being around 50 bucks. I could be way off though. Sounds like you could use that kit.

 

[subarub4]

How long do you need to do this?

The flame temp of oxy propane is 4600

Propane in air 3450

Mapp in air 3600

Home Depot sells a brazing kit - either oxy propane or oxy mapp, I forget that uses two small bottles. I seem to remember the kit being around 50 bucks. I could be way off though. Sounds like you could use that kit.

I saw that kit the bernzomatic one right? I was reading the reviews and most said they had a problem getting the mixture right.

And this is just a short project so i don't need like a 10 Lb tank or anything crazy like that.

 

[MrMark]

this is what i have seen

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...on.endeca.EndecaDataBean@651f57e&ddkey=Search

 

[Frank The Plumber]

Nice little chart there on the Bernzomatic site, color coded, real pretty. Might get to keep your eyebrows. Some were, some were not. Seems there is a new fuel mix being intro'd as well. I was gonna just say yes but had a look. Glad I did so as not to give bad info. Thanks guys.

 

[subarub4]

stupid question but using that kits not going to cut my rod is it?

 

[Frank The Plumber]

What are you trying to do?

There is a venturi inside the torch tip, it is supposed to be deep in against a seat stop, that's how they come new, if it's forward or bent it causes the tip to over heat.

These disposable bottle units are good for soldering 1" copper at best reliably.

I'm not disputing but I have a hard time believing 3600 out of one, more like 2700 I thought. And not over a very large area.

 

[subarub4]

I need to bend a 3/8" steel rod. Not home right now but this is all I was able to do with propane.

 

[diggerrick]

I also have one of these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-with-push-button-igniter-91037.html

When you hit the "turbo-blast trigger" it sounds like the thing is going to launch. I don't know how hot it actually gets, but this thing scares me even though my oxyacetylene torch doesn't.

BTW - HF has a $20 coupon for it this month.

 

[subarub4]

I don't think that gets any hotter then my small flame?

 

[diggerrick]

Are you looking for more temperature or more heat?

I'm sure propane will get it hot enough to bend, but a bigger torch will get it hot faster and spread the heat into a bigger area.

I think that's what the rosebud tip on my oxyacetylene torch does.

 

[subarub4]

I think I would be looking for more heat the propane is OK... BUT the flame size is small.. however I would need to get a propane tank right? Since I don't have one I think I would be looking at what $50-60 for a new tank?

 

[diggerrick]

My tank was $30 from Menards.

It's nice to have a spare for the grill too.

I've been having fun with mine burning weeds.

BTW - there is also a non-pushbutton igniter available for $5-10 less.

 

[subarub4]

Never heard of Menards before.. A tank exchange is cheap.. but when you never had a tank before it's not so cheap.. I thought about buying a new empty tank but thats not very cost effective as well so I have to **** it up and spend the $60 or so for a new tank.. 20 Lb should last awhile I hope.

 

[nate379]

Frank I have soldered 1.5" copper fittings with just a small propane torch. I almost put the welding tip on my oxy/acy torch, but figured I'd try the little propane one first.

Op... maybe best option would be to find local fab/welding shop and have whatever you are doing bent up. The couple $$s or case of beer will be cheaper I'd bet they buying a setup.

I have bent rod about that size with Mapp, but it barely got it warm enough.

 

[2oolhound]

Op... maybe best option would be to find local fab/welding shop and have whatever you are doing bent up. The couple $$s or case of beer will be cheaper I'd bet they buying a setup.

+1 on that one. It looks like you're not getting clean bends now, just take it in and get it done right. You could also try a blacksmith club.

 

[subarub4]

it does not have to be spot on.. that more or less was just me messing around to see if I could get it to bend.. I first did the 90 degree bend with a pipe wrench with no heat.

 

[subarub4]

just in case I mess up I ordered some bent j hooks from summit anyways they kinda fit but it needs to be bent out about 3-5 degrees so it sits flush

I guess a nice hammer when it's hot should get it close enough? I'm running low on propane in my little 14 oz tank.. but I've had this tank for 4 years (shows how much I use it) So I've had it for awhile.

Here's a picture.

 

[subarub4]

Well here is what I did I picked up some ready made J hooks from Summit and just heated up the end where I needed it to lay flatter which worked..

Ah but gotta love welding putting the hooks on and only a few seconds needed and the hook is glowing