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Recommendations for a gas torch

Hagatronics

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 18, 2016
Messages
248
Location
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hi

I need a gas torch to do a bit of plumbing repairs on copper pipe. Figured I'd get something that I can also use in the shop (I do a littlr metal work and welding so might come in handy for bending/pre heat etc).

Looks like butane, propane and MAPP replacements are readily available but I don't know anything about them or the relative pros and cons. Help me figure the out.....
 
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MushCreek

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Joined
Jan 14, 2015
Messages
9,782
Location
Upstate South Carolina
I'm subscribing, because I have the same question. We have auto-ignite propane torches at work, and I like the push-button start, but couldn't find one at the big box stores except in MAPP. MAPP cylinders are very expensive- is there some big advantage? I have a propane torch with a hose; it's OK, but you have to light it, and the cylinder is always falling over, even with the fatter bottles.
 

driz

Well-known member
Joined
May 22, 2008
Messages
701
Location
Northern NY
I have 2 of those swirl torches that screw on the small propane bottles. They really are hot enough to braze light stuff. Both are self lighting and I use them all the time and are 10 years old. As for the tip over issues there's a way to make it better not perfect. By those short squatbottles at Walmart and get one of those little plastic disks it goes on the bottom of the bottle that makes them stable. It's not perfect but it will stop most you tip over issues at the price of it being kind of wide nine gamely but it pulls right off. Of course none of this is a substitute for the oxypropane full size rig tuse for rusty bolts and cutting. They all have their place and I use them all pretty steadily.


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Infinia

Banned
Joined
Oct 2, 2016
Messages
845
Location
SoCal
TS8000 kit more than hot enough to solder any copper plumbing with propane. heats small - med. steel fasteners red hot with supplied MAPP bottle
 

The Cobbler

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Staff member
Joined
Oct 24, 2013
Messages
25,912
Location
Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada
I love my plumbers torches with A & MC acetylene bottles for soldering.
hot, flexible hoses , good flame control, lots of tips available . easily get into tight spots with the torch
 
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Davefr

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Joined
Jan 7, 2010
Messages
11,833
Location
OR
For a general purpose Propane/MAPP torch I'd suggest a Turbotorch.
 

driz

Well-known member
Joined
May 22, 2008
Messages
701
Location
Northern NY
For a general purpose Propane/MAPP torch I'd suggest a Turbotorch.



Some say a turbo torch is sometimes too hot. Well maybe in some very limited instances but for everything else it's as simple as turning it down and /or simply pulling away till it's right. So simple.


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sometoyotaguy

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 10, 2012
Messages
885
Location
Southern Maine
The MAPP torches will work just fine on propane. I have one and use the camp stove propane bottles. They are shorter, more stable, and cheaper than the long skinny ones. I mostly use it for lighting the wood stove, but it works fine for soldering pipes or heating parts.
 
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