What's the BEST torch outfit 4 doing lead free lead work"

By ravi theCobra (**)

Date 06-04-2008 17:10

What are you soldering ? Copper tubing or other stuff ?

By SCHOONER (*)

Date 06-04-2008 22:00

Hey theCobra

I'm using lead free body solder on: 18 to 21 gauge sheet mental. I'm restoring my '66 Ford Mustang Covert.

Thank 4 Your Reply
GOD BLESS

Schooner

By rlitman (***)

Date 06-04-2008 19:10

Are you talking about the bernzomatic oxy-mapp/propane torch, that eats up $8 oxygen canisters in a couple of minutes?
ANYTHING is better than that! :)

But seriously, I cannot imagine needing a torch that uses oxygen, for any soft soldering process (lead, or lead-free).
The lead-free plumbing solder does need a little more heat, but that's maybe the difference in heat between propane and MAPP.

Bernzomatic makes a number of torches, from a standard cone flame, to a swirl, using propane, and some that can handle MAPP.
You're in need of an air/fuel torch. Probably air/mapp, or air/acetylene (or maybe air/propylene). Propane tends to not put out enough heat for me.

The swirl flames will put out more heat than a cone, but I find the "jet engine" noise distracting. However, if you're going with MAPP, swirl is the way to go.
Personally, I reach for my prest-o-lite acetylene torch the most. Its typically got ample heat, and a soft, but still pointed flame, with a soothing sound.
When I need more heat (like for those times when you just can't get the water to stop from dripping in the pipe, and simply must boil it all out), I reach for the turbotorch swirl. But its too loud for me to use most of the time.

I got a rothenberger MAPP torch on eBay a while back, and I must say, its quality is fantastic. Just as good as the prest-o-lite, or goss stuff out there.

By SCHOONER (*)

Date 06-04-2008 22:04

Hey Rlitman

Thanks 4 your reply.

2 tell U the truth I'm somewhat CONFUSED by your reply. I used oxy aceltylens outfits on the job years ago. You know so many pounds of acetylene and maybe 10 to 20 pds. of air.

I would think that I would be needing a small outfit like that. 2 little gauges / some hose & 2 small bottles of: 1 oxygen & 1 of acetylene.

Can you recommend any good outfits like that ?

Thank You again my good man
GOD BLESS

Schooner

By DaveBoyer (*****)

Date 06-05-2008 05:05

The Prest O Lite torch is air & acetylene. It is a hotter flame than propane, but not nearly as hot as any torch using oxygen. The torch tips come in various sizes, in both cone point soft flame and swirl flame. There are propane plumber's torches much like this too. You really don't need the 4000+ degree temperature of oxy propane or the 5000+ temp of oxy acetylene when working with solder. What BernsOmatic torch [Model #] are You using?

By rlitman (***)

Date 06-05-2008 18:50

Sure, and I love my victor torches, but any torch that uses oxygen (in the second tank), is just way too hot to work with lead (or lead-free soft solder).
Oxy acetylene torches generally have a flame shaped like a pencil point, and aren't useful for soldering. Just too much heat in too small an area.
There are plenty of fantastic air-fuel torches, that use one tank, and a hose, that would probably be perfect for you, but its a little unclear what you are using right now, and what you plan to do with them.

I was saying that if you need a setup with an oxygen tank, forget about the one from bernzomatic that looks like this:
http://www.bernzomatic.com/bernzomatic/consumer/images/products/OX2550KC_lg.jpg
Those little oxygen tanks will run you a fortune in no time at all, and the valves are almost impossible to control.

Great oxy-acetylene torches can be had from Victor, Smith, Harris, Meco, ESAB (and others), and great deals can be had on used torches, but most older torches didn't come with safety features like flashback arrestors or check valves (which you really want). I personally would stay away from the Chinese "victor compatable" setups, and the like. They're lousy copies of older models without safety features, and just give me the willies.

By OleTom Date 06-24-2008 02:26 Edited 06-24-2008 13:05

The BERNSOMATIC works as long as you use the mapp gas (the yellow bottles )But the best is a turbo touch http://www.thermadyne.com/turbotorch/