Torching mesh Butane vs Propane

[rem700]

Waiting for my SS mesh to be shipped.
I have a propane torch do I need to purchase one of the butane torches? advantages disadvantages.

Thanks

 

[spraintz]

I used a propane torch when I first started out with rba's. Ended up with a lil butane torch just for convenience. No difference between the 2 for me.

Just remember, when learning ss mesh wicks you need to oxidize just enough........not to little and not too much.

 

[rem700]

Did'nt know if one or the other is cleaner or hotter burning and if it might gave any effect on oxidizing of the wick

 

[spraintz]

A wick can be oxidized with a regular ole lighter......just takes a lot longer. The torches are quicker. A flame is a flame......I have never notice any difference in taste or ability to oxidize between propane and butane.

After some practice you will find that the mesh doesn't need much torching to be properly oxidized.

 

[hippieben]

Butane is a ....... gas.

 

[Ghostrider]

I use a regular lighter, works just fine.

 

[rem700]

A flame is a flame mostly in this case.
Ever notice the black sooty smoke coming from acetylene before introducing oxygen?

I was curious if propane might leave any type of residue on the wick and that was why everyone seems to use the butane torch, I thought everyone owned a propane torch and I have found the propane cylinders for around $1 on sale

 

[dwcraig1]

I initially was using a typical BernzOmatic and had it cranked up pretty good, talk about oxidation, that all that was left when I was done, I now use one of those torch cigarette lighters.

 

[Marthag]

Could we not oxidize using high voltage?

 

[Scottinboca]

I suggest using either of those, just don't use methane!

 

[vsummer1]

I have used my stove, I like that the best, gets it done quickly.

 

[xplumberx]

Hell I am a plumber and I just use MAP gas... oxidized in no time at all... just got to be carefull not to melt it

 

[Thrasher]

heck i twist the raw wick around a .6millimeter paper clip, pull the clip about 90% of the way and torch it for a sec using a bic lighter, let it cool, drip some juice on it and light it till it burns off (usually glowing red a bit). put the wick inside the coil with the clip still in it and adjust the coils for hot spots, then slowly pull the clip out and check again, few drops of juice to carbonize everything and done.

dont even oxy the whole wick anymore...

 

[Rule62]

I very lightly grab my rolled mesh wick in my cordless drill, turn it on at medium low speed, and move my butane torch back and forth along the wick; heating the whole thing evenly to cherry red. The rotating drill keeps the oxidation consistent.