Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

whiteshadow · Joined: 24 Jan 2011 Posts: 78

My mapp gas blow torch decided to prematurely die...I tried to fix it but it didn't work......I seem to get through blowtorches!
Should go for a plumber style torch tube & bottle affair or even a Oxy system for a more robust way to anneal small steel items?

I do have a bent steering link, which I need to straighten. It's about 20mm dia, and I plan to anneal it (cherry red) prior to straightening on a press - being almost 80 years old I'm frightened it will snap otherwise.

.....the thing is, what can I use to heat it?!

Roger-hatchy · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 2135 Location: Tiptree, Essex

I've used a billy before now, ala tea making in the forces.
But HSE might have a heart attack if I posted how on here.

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

I use oxy-propane these days. If the Fire Brigade saw me with an acetylene cylinder in the workshop they would evacuate Manchester.
It gets well hot enough for unseizing, re-shaping, brazing, and cutting. Not tried actual welding with it. TIG or MIG these days.

Handyman · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:27 pm Post subject:

I'd be very wary about heating up the steering arm if it is cast iron, as there will be a good chance the structure will crystallize at your proposed temperature.

You could try heat soaking to anneal it in a box of sand, to let it cool really slowly. It might age harden subsequently. If its made from bar, can you not remake one in new steel?

Handyman

Julian · Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Posts: 278 Location: Warrington

whiteshadow · Joined: 24 Jan 2011 Posts: 78

That's pretty much the conclusion I had come to!

....I looked into getting a small bottle of propane (3.8kg), but wasn't yet convinced enough to stomp up ~£45 for bottle + Gas.
I did try to exchange an old 13kg butane bottle as the bottle deposit, but they were not interested.

Bitumen Boy · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:33 pm Post subject:

Keep an eye open round your local fly tipping sites for a propane bottle - they turn up fairly often. They charge you for a bottle and call it a deposit, but if at some point you no longer need the bottle, getting that "deposit" back is like trying to persuade a lump of granite to become a blood donor. Scrappies don't want them either, so people have to dump them just to get rid of the damn things, I've had 2 this way - the size I wanted, no bother - and could have a yardful by now if I wanted them... Very Happy