Morning all, I'm still gradually putting together a collection of tools for this hobby, which I've only been doing for two or three years. I'm thinking of buying some kind of heat gun. Something which would be okay for annealing a rocker oil feed pipe, also hot enough to melt the T joint solder in order to turn it, but sensitive/ focused enough to be able to run a little bit of soft solder round the joint if needed. Any recommendations please? Thanks in advance. Phil
I don't think there is a one size fits all answer.
I've got a electric heat gun ( the hairdryer type) which is useful for certain jobs but not soldering.
I have a gas blowtorch which is good for annealing and soldering larger items ( and small items if careful) but is not really that good for very fine work. I have a pencil gas torch which is fine for very fine work.
So......you may need to buy several tools to cover all eventuality
A paint stripping type heat gun is very useful. It will get cases hot enough to drop bearings in but should never damage the cases.
Dave.
Hi Phil,
I use a MAPP gas torch which is great if you are starting out, can get hot enough for most jobs. You can progress to oxy/propane if you feel confident. I often use MAPP with silver solder for the majority of jobs on the bike, cheap and easy to use. Here's an example, but you will get loads of MAPP alternatives posted:
https://www.toolstation.com/vortex-map-torch-pack/p71324?store=DE&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&gclid=CjwKCAjwh472BRAGEiwAvHVfGu_zZlt_DaASu1GCyLHCzZVMRU74aaV0j4yonvV9ymX7uVeNuqb1GRoCP9QQAvD_BwE
Best wishes...
Yes Dave I've got a paint stripper type hot air gun.
I saw something on line: Dremel F013200JA Versaflame gas blowtorch (sorry, don't know how to do a link.) Any thoughts? Phil
Btw, Bess, I haven't ignored your suggestion, but was hoping for something a bit cheaper. Maybe I'm not being realistic. Phil
Hi Phil,
For annealing and soldering, plus many other things once you become adept, a good blow torch is just the job, especially for annealing and soldering.
I used a blowtorch on my oil feed to the rocker just the other day. The solder had cracked at the banjo on the return pipe next to the oil tank and it didn't take long to remove, clean up, and re-solder the banjo. If you get a blowtorch, buy a cheap disposable lighter for it; much easier than using matches and probably safer in a workshop.
Hi Phil,
Yes the price is on the high side, you can get a torch and canisters separately much cheaper from a web search. The torch has integral ignition, and is one handed use an absolute joy to use. I originally bought it for installing domestic water and gas pipework and its been a godsend on general engineering use. If using lead soldering techniques with silver solder you can fabricate a number of strong solutions when building projects. However I get a lot of use from mine, like others have said a few one off jobs a cheap blow torch will suit the bill:
https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/blow-torch-butane-flamethrower?deal_option=094828ec-e643-404a-9c95-9ef49d0c4dd3&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=uk_dt_sea_ggl_txt_tim_pads_cbp_chp_nbr_target*_productpartitionid*794605881998_campaignid*687507774_adgroupid*81973947772_productid*96233615_adposition*_prodtarget*794605881998_adtype*pla&mr:trackingCode=F379ED1C-0D1F-EA11-8106-0050569428E8&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=373043631285&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:tid=pla-794605881998&mr:ploc=9045657&mr:iloc=&mr:store=&mr:filter=794605881998&gclid=CjwKCAjwh472BRAGEiwAvHVfGqGzV3FBOtbxcWtQ4Hn6ta00T4s2oRHYf6UHbLR1Lx2kbLagdqSFKhoCX4EQAvD_BwE
Best wishes...
Hi Bess, I was just considering biting the bullet and getting the torch you suggested. Then I saw that due to Covid the outlet isn't delivering products which need age verification. But, as you say, there are others I guess. Phil
Hi Phil,
Sorry to hear that, just as you decided as well >:( :(
Bizarrely I can have booze delivered without an issue, and I'm only 17 ;). If you have set your mind on the torch try screwfix or tool station, they might be more accommodating.
Best wishes...