Mini blow torch

[tom_tom_go]

I am building a 7/8ths body kit from brass but am finding my large blow torch does not allow me to direct heat exactly where I want it so I was wondering if you guys have any recommendations for mini blow torches?

The price/range is quite large, you can even buy pencil type torches now.

[Big Jim]

I acquired a cheap gas soldering set from ALDI it is brilliant, but sadly only available occasionally.
Failing that Maplin do a little pencil torch that should do the job.

[DLRdan]

I've got a Bernzomatic pencil torch which is very good. I've soldered a few tenders together with it among other things, one of the better features is that you refill it from the same gas adapter you fill the locos with. The only down side is no self lighting mechanism.

[tom_tom_go]

Thanks for the responses.

There are plenty of cheap one's on eBay that are Butane fired and self lighting, this looks good:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271906817752? ... EBIDX%3AIT

But I think for small items or soldering brass pieces on top of each other (for example, cabin spectacle plates onto bodywork) would you tin both sides first with solder and then use a 100w soldering iron?

[GTB]

But I think for small items or soldering brass pieces on top of each other (for example, cabin spectacle plates onto bodywork) would you tin both sides first with solder and then use a 100w soldering iron?

You may find the pencil type of torch easier to use in confined areas on a brass body.

I use one of this type for soft soldering jobs too big for the soldering iron and also for very small silver brazing jobs. Can be refilled from the loco supply of butane and comes with a small soldering tip which I've never used. I find the chunky body more comfortable to use, but that is probably personal preference.

It isn't self igniting, but I keep a disposable cigarette on the soldering bench anyway, for lighting the big propane torch. Jaycar are an Aust. chain of shops, but the torch comes from China, so there'll be something similar available in the UK.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/Tools-%26-Sold ... n/p/TS1111

Sweating parts together is just as easy with a torch as a soldering iron and you can't inadvertently nudge the part out of position with a torch, although I find an iron is better for tinning parts.

Regards,
Graeme

[Enginehouse]

I acquired a cheap gas soldering set from ALDI it is brilliant, but sadly only available occasionally.
Failing that Maplin do a little pencil torch that should do the job.

They were available in our Aldi earlier this week, there were about a half dozen in the rack. I was tempted, but have two in the workshop that are very rarely use in any case. I also have a small torch that is somewhere between the small blowlamp and the pencil torch. Takes a half size canister of mixed gas and has a small 3/8 narrow (blue) flame which is ideal for running soft solder into a seam. No makers name but a very handy tool indeed and so the pencil torches get very little use.

[Boustrophedon]

I have one of these, for the price you can't lose: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Butane-Gas-Pe ... 43de8b962f

(I have seen identical ones being resold by well know names in the modelling trade for £25 and more.)

[tom_tom_go]

I have this type of mini blow torch:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PIEZO-SELF-IG ... xyA7tSaOD3

It works well, however, my gas adapter (standard RH one) does not fill it up it just blows straight out of the touch top up valve.

Is there a different type of adapter you have to use for these?

[Boustrophedon]

I have this type of mini blow torch:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PIEZO-SELF-IG ... xyA7tSaOD3

It works well, however, my gas adapter (standard RH one) does not fill it up it just blows straight out of the touch top up valve.

Is there a different type of adapter you have to use for these?

The RH filler is to large at the end to fit most lighters and torches that fill from lighter refills. I did contemplate turning the end down so that it would fit.

I made a nozzle to fill other things from a stub of brass with the nozzle from an old refill cylinder glued in the end and a hole in the other to fit the Korean style cooker cylinders, that are really cheap.