Portable Blowtorches

I've had an email from an MEW reader who can no longer source canisters for his Ronson Variflame torch. As someone else who finds a range of small torches very useful (and less hassle than digging a propane cylinder out of the back of the shed for small jobs), I agree information on the various options and types of torch would be useful.

He's especially interested in those using screw-thread canisters, but an article could cover other tpes of small torch as well and compare butane vs. propane vs. 'MAPP'.

I'll suggest he watches this thread as I'm sure much valuable advice will appear.

If anyone is interested in writing for MEW on this subject, please email me at [email protected]

Thanks

Neil

Looks like this might have been a problem for a while

... this thread on another forum dates back to 2011

MichaelG.

If you search butane/propane cartridges into ebay you can bring up examples of all the commonly available gas canisters, eg pierceable, screw on and push in types. The only other types generally available are the gas canisters used to fill gas lighters. These are available in the cigarette kiosk of most supermarkets as well as independent tobacconists. This latter type are also often used to fill the small blowtorchs as used by jewellers and cooks.

Mike

I've been using the Primus 2000 bottles and equipment for 36 years now. I did domestic and industrial heating and plumbing for over 15 years a long time ago (still keep my hand in now and then). Most heating engineers use these bottles (at least they did in my day).

You can get the Primus 2000 type bottles anywhere, though lately (last 15 years) I get the equivalent Calor 340 (340g) bottles. The Primus 2000 were blue when I first started. It is propane.

I am on my second neck tube as the first got worn out (at the regulator) with use. I use 2 different sized nozzles (15mm and 9mm ish), which will easily soft solder brass and copper tube up to 40mm dia. I also use it a lot for small electrical work such as shrink sleeving and larger terminals. The bottles are just the right diameter to easily hold and manipulate close up and at arms length. I am on my 3rd or 4th 15mm nozzle, as the metal at the tip burns away after a few years constant use. The system is great for surface work as it gives a nice steady flame. I've done quite a bit of silver soldering (non pipework) with the system, but it struggles with big stuff (I dunno, say 40mm cubes of steel). I bought the large Sievert pro system for that work.

This is all probably overkill if you have been used to a Ronson all your life. The price to get set up might put you off as well.

Steve