Thanks guys, Mike, Scott, Don, Kermit, Scott, John, et al,

1. Most folks thought the big torch was OK but over kill.  I have a 
couple old propane torches from back in the copper pipe days but I never 
liked them.  Larry Williams liked the big torch.  I haven't purchased 
one yet but they are not expensive and look like they would be easy to 
adapt to a made-up holding fixture.  More horse power, right?

2. Several people said use a magnet.  I wasn't thinking about one of 
those handled pick-up tools.  I'll get one.

3. I have plenty of used motor oil, so I guess I'll give that a try. 
The new pot was pretty expensive, but LOML likes it!

4. At least one knowledgeable galoot suggested torch tempering.  I 
think I'll go with oven tempering at 350 - 400 degrees for 45 minutes to 
an hour.

Sounds like one of these deals where you just need to get in and do it. 
Did I miss anything?

I started down the path of trying to make a set of H&Rs.  Lots of new 
territory for me.  I tried cutting the mortise as Mr. Williams 
recommended but that was a disaster.  So now I'm trying to make a set of 
special purpose mortise chisels.  Nine chisels in all, one for each of 
the size wedges Mr. Williams suggests.  I'm working on the first five, 
made from 1/2" round stock.  The remaining 4 chisels will be made from 
3/4" stock.  These are pretty heavy. The biggest will be for a 1/2" 
wedge.  Another reason for the bigger torch?  Here are a couple pics of 
the so-far effort.  There's not a lot of difference in the smallest 
sizes; just for completeness:
http://billwebber.galootcentral.com/1906-023.JPG
http://billwebber.galootcentral.com/1906-024.JPG

The start of the story is here:
http://billwebber.galootcentral.com/projects_in_progress.html

Thanks for all your input.

Bill W.
Nottingham, PA
Woodworkers visit me at http://billwebber.galootcentral.com/