Not in context of saxophone repair: acetylene torch.

 

I have an air/acetylene torch deep in the catacombs of my storage shed. I'll be setting that up eventually in my permanent workshop (under construction). Is there a propane or map pro torch that I could get from say HD or Lowes etc. that would do the job temporarily.
would something like this do the job?

They are on clearance at HD for around $44.

Or this:

 

The Little torch, Oxy/Acetylene https://www.riogrande.com/product/b.../basic-smith-little-torch-all-fuels-system-with-five-tips/500057GP/?code=500057

Also excellent for soft soldering.

 

I use a Smiths- style acetylene, too, for heavier things.
It's nice to have high heat output concentrated in a small spot.
It does require some care to avoid going straight to the 'gas welding'
stage of things, though.

t

 

Use forced ventilation and ventilation exhaust filtering.

 

Why? Are there CO dangers?

 

Zinc fumes: boiling point is at 907°C.

Exhaust filtering will not help much with CO, unless there is a catalytic converter to oxidize CO into CO2.

 

Would the Bernzomatic do the job until I can set up my air/acetylene torch? I already have torches for pad work and soft soldering. I don't want to duplicate right now

 

It could, depending on what material you use.

BZ8360T - FirePoint® Creator Tool

This compact, single-handed tool is uniquely designed to provide full control over detailed work. It features a precision flame and is compatible with Bernzomatic@ MAP-Pro@ fuel for higher heat or Bernzomatic Propane fuels. Ideal for detailed metalworking, jewelry, art, and home décor projects.

www.bernzomatic.com

"★★★★★5 out of 5 stars.
Marcus
· 5 months ago
So far, so good! Good for small jobs.
I bought this to braze 1.3mm pins to 26 gauge sheet metal. I used propane and 45% silver filler. My first attempt with 1/8" bronze brazing rod (1500 - 1600F working temp), was no good. I could not produce enough heat to melt the rod.
The 1/16" silver filler wire melts closer to 1200F and was perfect for my application. It heated up quickly and flowed right into the joint. I subsequently used it to fix a wire cart. Again, it worked perfectly. The small, precise flame heated up just the area I needed and nothing more.
I've only used it with propane so far, and it has worked just fine. I have a MAP Pro canister as well, but don't think it would have made any difference—it seems to be only about 100 - 200F hotter than propane. To use 1/8" bronze brazing rod, I'd have to get a bigger torch and/or possibly switch to propane+oxygen or MAP+oxygen.
One feature I really like about this torch is the trigger start. I'm hoping it continues to work. I've used mine 3-4 times so far over the course of a week or so and it is reliable and convenient. I've seen other folks mention that some trigger start torches stop working after a while. Hoping that this one holds up.
I bought mine on sale at Lowes for $50. At this price, I think it's a good value…as long as it holds up."

 

Smiths little torch, expensive but worth it

 

Mostly the Smith Little Torch and sometimes a larger gas torch. For very small joints (usually not on instruments) a small hand held gas torch.
Compared with its use and other tools I wouldn't really consider the Smith torch particularly expensive.

 

Bought the Bernzomatic. I think it will do for most key-work repair or mods. Here's my first foray on some scrap:

After a little cleanup:

Here's one that I cut at a 45 degree to imitate a broken key:

After some filing and steel wool:

 

Bought the Bernzomatic. I think it will do for most key-work repair or mods. Here's my first foray on some scrap:
View attachment 216532

View attachment 216533
After a little cleanup:
View attachment 216534
Here's one that I cut at a 45 degree to imitate a broken key:
View attachment 216535
After some filing and steel wool:
View attachment 216536

Solid job! After clean-up, no joining lines are visible!

 

Little late, but I like the Meco midget; it has different tip sizes and you can make the heat zone as big and fluffy or as tight as you want. It runs oxy-propane. That said, I've hard soldered with a butane torch (the kind you see chefs use when making creme brulee), normal plumber's torch, etc. Any torch that can get the material hot enough fast enough will do fine. Hope you like the bernzomatic! The soldering looks good!

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have one of these in storage that I will set up once my build out on my workshop is complete.

Doing the buildout in my spare time.

I just wanted something short term for now. May add a gentec or smith little torch in the future.