Hi Kirk,
Thanks for your comments. So far I'm still pursuing the weed burner
path. Over the years I've learned that Mapp is hotter than propane, and
a small propane torch is generally inadequate for heat treating. (yes
you can build a purpose specific oven.) I think everyone wold agree on
this point? Anyway I'm going with the high volume propane torch for the
following reasons, in no particular order.
1. It's less expensive. Inexpensive wand with a hose to connect to my
several barbecue tanks.
2. While MAPP is hotter, it is more point specific. Larry Williams
makes the point that you want the heat to flow to the tip, with heat
flowing evenly through the whole iron as opposed to heating just the
tip. If you focus on just heating the tip you risk quickly over heating it.
3. I think MAPP would require much more attention, where the propane
weed killer can be left to cook with less panic involved. I'm looking
for guaranteed success in all cases.
4. I'm not concerned about the environment. I'll stack a few fire
bricks on a concrete block out doors in my fire pit.
5. I've sent out a lot of blades to be heat treated. The last ones I
sent out were ruined by a well known maker because he did not vet a new
vendor. I want to avoid ever doing that again.
6. Couple weeks to go before I'm ready, but wish me luck...
Regards,
Bill W.
Nottingham, PA
Woodworkers visit me at http://billwebber.galootcentral.com/
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