Good brazing torch.

[migginz]

Anyone know where in the uk I can get a good brazing head that will fit on a mapp bottle ??

or at least reccomend a good model, my current standard one only gets hot enough to solder and TBH I dont trust its strength on the evap.

[DaBit]

I have a TurboTorch TL44. This is a swirl-flame type torch which fits on a MAPP bottle. It works as good as it can be with mapp/air. though oxy/fuel is really preferred.

[migginz]

like this !!

http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/TODTL44.html?id=q9Rfu4Eh

[DaBit]

Yup, like that.

Torch assembly:

http://www.icecoldcomputing.com/generic/imagehandler.php?hval=a4e767930a6041f4ededc19bf145 adf1&quality=high

Melting some copper:

http://www.icecoldcomputing.com/generic/imagehandler.php?hval=efd934502e2a399f10fb74e87f18 747d&quality=high

[migginz]

excellent, mine only gets copper to a red colour.

[Ragnarok]

I got a bernzomatic MAPP torch, pretty cheap and gets the job done well..

[Russell_hq]

You can get something similar here;

http://www.axminster.co.uk/default.asp?part=TS4000ZKC

[berkut]

Originally posted by Russell_hq
You can get something similar here;

http://www.axminster.co.uk/default.asp?part=TS4000ZKC

Haha, the torch costs 3x less than in Poland, while the cans cost 3x more :P

[DaBit]

Berkut: propane/oxygen is not an option for you?

[berkut]

The problem is PRICE... A torch like that costslike 2x more than a swirl flame (they dont give a damn about the prices you have) and they stick whatever they want - since its better than a swirl flame it has to cost 2x more... (even if its 10% more really)

The other problem is the oxygene bottle like you said - i would have to buy a 10l can for oxgene, that would be 120$... So for now i have to stick with my thrusty swirl flame...

[Russell_hq]

You can also get yourself a hotplate, that will put alot of heat into the block at the start making the job for the blowtorch alot easier.

[berkut]

I have a 2nd torch for that, but its a propane torch with mapp gas..

[chilly1]

You guys got more patience than I have. I have a Oxy/actelene with a 40 cubic feet O2 and a 20 cuft actylene, with two spares of each,,, And this usually is enough..

[DaBit]

Originally posted by berkut
The problem is PRICE... A torch like that costslike 2x more than a swirl flame (they dont give a damn about the prices you have) and they stick whatever they want - since its better than a swirl flame it has to cost 2x more... (even if its 10% more really)

The other problem is the oxygene bottle like you said - i would have to buy a 10l can for oxgene, that would be 120$... So for now i have to stick with my thrusty swirl flame...

MAPP gas cans are expensive, you said. Those swirl-type torches chew through the MAPP fast. At least mine does.

Enter oxy/propane. I doubt a second hand oxy/acetylene handle costs much in your country; there are so many around. And you can use that handle and tips with propane instead of acetylene (though special propane tips are more efficient since propane/oxy combustion speed is factors lower than acetylene/oxy combustion speed).

Propane shouldn't be very expensive either. Or you could modify one of your torches to supply it at bottle pressure.

Then, the oxygen. It's expensive to get a bottle, but that is one-time cost only, plus that you can get a large deal of the money back when you sell it again. A refill is less expensive, and a 10L/200 bar oxygen cylinder is able to burn almost 1 kg of propane (or MAPP). Which is a LOT since heat output is so much higher and more concentrated. You reduce gas usage 5-10x over the MAPP torch.

In the end you might end up cheaper. I know this oxy/fuel setup is the cheapest for me, in the long run. And it works sooo much better than the MAPP swirl flame. A hot, small flame which can reach into tight places without burning everything: I love it. Less overheating due to faster heating: I love it.

[berkut]

Ok, i followed your advice Dabit and did some resarch.

Second hand stuff is almost impossible to get - its in some preety bad shape (the "cheaper" ones) or peapole want insane prices.

And thats why ill be buing a full blown oxy acetylene torch, after calculating a few things it will cost about 300$ for a new and very good unit.

In a few days ill have one (im finishing my friends refrigeration system) and for the money ill get- a torch... :D Its better to have tools (especially if your doing so many things as i do) and no GPU cooler :D

[DaBit]

The price tag on actylene still kills me. Those cylinders aned regulators are a lot more expensive than oxygen or nitrogen.

So it will be regular MAPP-like gas for now. Good enough for brazing, but I didn't try welding yet.

Regarding insane prices for used kit: just offer a fair price. They will take it or leave it; simple as that. And you miss 9 times, but the 10th time someone will agree.