Rusty Bowtie
General Category => General Discussion - Intros => Topic started by: EDNY on December 30, 2013, 11:55:05 AM
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Been using a mini-butane torch for soldering wires in my 33 Chevy, prefer it to the slower electrical soldering. Bought one off eBay for less than $8 shipped (link below).
After a couple of weeks I thought the torch was junk and bought another, a week later..same problem...bad flame. Did some Internet research and learned that I was using the wrong butane.. you need to use the butane that is labeled TRIPLE REFINED. I switched to the triple refined propane and wow...the solder is flowing again..now have (2) handy torches.
Another trick I learned was to use standard "water based plumbing flux"..yes it's marked not for electrical soldering but it works great, doesn't flame up and is designed for open flame soldering.
One last note....I bought a <50 foot> piece of 1/8" heat shrink..only way to go since it's always the first size to run out! The mini torch shrinks it nicely.
eBay link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dental-Lab-Equipment-Flame-Butane-Gas-Burner-Micro-Torch-Butane-Soldering-Welder-/160860241685?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2574047f15
Ed
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Great tip ED, thanks...
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I have one of those torches and I really like it to.
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Ed
I've been thinking of ordering one. How long will your torch run on a fill up ?
Moose
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Depending on how you use it about a hour. If your thinking about buying one spend a little extra and get one with less plastic on it as it will distort over time from the heat and cause you some problems,
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Ed
I've been thinking of ordering one. How long will your torch run on a fill up ?
Moose
Never paid much attention but I work on a wiring project normally a couple of hours and it only needs to be filled when I first start. Of course I solder one joint, heat shrink, then start another junction etc..not a constant flow. Now that I'm using the correct fuel...might be a bit longer. I just like them because you don't need extension cords etc and you can solder anywhere with them. The tanks are small and obviously will need to be filled on a regular basis.