Does anyone use a torch lighter to heat wire?

[Dana A]

I am wanting to buy one and there are so many on the market that my head is spinning. I don't want to spend a lot so I thought I would ask if any of you use them and what's a good cheaper one to get? Also can I torch my ss mesh with it? It is getting really cold here and going out to the garage to use the torch is becoming less and less appealing to me.

 

[Scarey]

Yeah. I'm just using a cheap $9 torch from harbor freight. I was using their $4 pen torch, but it clogged up, and I threw it away.
http://www.harborfreight.com/micro-torch-60645.html

 

[suspectK]

^Lol, I'm on my way to buy one of those from harbor freight right now.. You'll need a torch to properly oxidize SS mesh.. A normal lighter just won't cut it...unless you want to sit there for 30-60minutes, and even then, the wick will be spotty with oxidized spots.

 

[searcher]

Maybe I am missing something but I just use a through away bic lighter. The coil glows cherry red lnstantly.

 

[suspectK]

Kanthal will, but have you fully oxidized a SS wick with a butane lighter?

 

[searcher]

Sorry I didn't realize you were refering to SS wire.

 

[Dana A]

I would use it to heat my kanthal wire when building coils but would like to use it on SS mesh wicks as well if it works.

 

[WattWick]

I would use it to heat my kanthal wire when building coils but would like to use it on SS mesh wicks as well if it works.

I use a Colibri jet lighter that someone from ebay sent me by mistake. Would cost more than it's worth to return it. Works like a charm. I don't really torch my mesh tho, I only soak it and set it on fire. Should be fine for torching too, I guess.

 

[rbeckys8]

no mesh for me...just wire and a lighter!!

 

[Dana A]

Looks like exactly what I am looking for. Thanks for the link

Yeah. I'm just using a cheap $9 torch from harbor freight. I was using their $4 pen torch, but it clogged up, and I threw it away.
http://www.harborfreight.com/micro-torch-60645.html