Recommend me a new blowlamp...

[muddyboots]

Hi

I'm looking to buy a blowlamp for DIY plumbing use.

I'd like one with built-in ignition, and that uses gas cartridges that are easily available.

Ideally under £30 if poss.

Any recommendations, or useful features I should look out for ?

 

[bengasman]

You will have to decide if you want a good one, or a cheap one; there is not good cheap one

 

[muddyboots]

How about reasonably good and reasonably cheap

 

[muddyboots]

I see that B&Q do the GoSystems brand, and somewhere else yesterday I saw some CampingGaz ones, similar features for similar prices.

Are either of these brands OK ?

 

[bengasman]

How about reasonably good and reasonably cheap

That is another way of saying neither good nor cheap

 

[muddyboots]

Just after something for DIY use, doesn't need to be as top quality as it might if I relied upon it for my job.

 

[muddyboots]

Any thoughts on this:
http://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/GoSystem_QP8937H_Quick_Pro_Auto_Swirl_Torch.html

£21 seems like a good price, it's £50 at B&Q...

 

[Nige F]

As long as you can get the cartridges - it`s an exellent value one

 

[studips]

says propane or mapp cartridges, so i guess they are standard fittings as available in any merchants.

it's likely a chinese rip off of a superfire 2, cheaper materials, but will do the job fine.

 

[muddyboots]

Thanks for the replies. Think I'll order one.

Seems that my local B&Q sell the cartridges, assuming these are the right ones:
http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=11248046

What is MAPP gas used for, I understand it burns hotter than other gases, but is it used for general plumbing work ?

 

[studips]

i wouldn't bother with mapp, it puts more heat in quicker than propane, but if you are not right on the ball then and end feed joint can dry out before you get the solder to draw.

if you are doing yorkshires then it's not such an issue, but i'd suggest sticking with propane anyway.

that bottle looks like a standard bottle - you can pick them up anywhere (within reason)

 

[Sandy Beech]

I bought me one of these http://www.transtools.co.uk/store/p...-torches/rothenberger-flameset-gas-torch.html or similar at a good price a couple of years back when I finally got fed up with Taymar etc acting up at angles. Always been more than happy with it.

I make a rule of buying the best I can afford if undertaking a big DIY (new bathroom and a new en suite in this instance) as it can be justified by the savings.

I assumed Mapp was more for brazing etc than soldering?