Using the EZ Torch

About the EZ Torch

This torch kit comes with a valve for disposable propane tanks. It is a great general purpose torch. It can be used for sintering metal clay, soldering, balling wire, and even melting a small amount of metal for casting. It has three sizes of tips. It is a propane air torch. It takes in the ambient air mixes it with the gas to give a nice clean flame. The gas tank can be purchased at any sporting goods store for less then $10.. The torch is well priced for under $140.00! You can buy one at www.ottofrei.com or at the PMC Connection. It stores away in a small box when not using. The gas lasts for several weeks to months depending on how often you use it.

The only down side to this torch is that the tanks are not refillable, so they end up in  the dump. Additionally, find a way to stabilize the tank so that it doesn't move while using it. I tie it down with a bungee cord to my bench leg.

The EZ torch is a precision instrument intended for use as a general purpose soldering and annealing torch.  It is designed to be used by professionals in an appropriately controlledenvironment. Misuse of this torch could cause injury.

Safety Measures

The EZ torch uses direct tank pressure to operate.  It does not use a pressure regulator to reduce the fuel tank pressure to a lower pressure used in most other torches. The torch assembly and handle may have up to 160 pounds per square inch of gas pressure.

•  After first assembling the torch, before lighting it, turn off the torch valve and then turn on the tank valve. Check for leaks by spraying a solution of soapy water on each connection.  If the soap bubbles at any connection, turn off the tank valve, and re-tighten the connection.
• After connecting the tank valve to the propane cylinder, always test for leaks by spraying a soapy solution on all connections.
• Always, before using the torch check the hose for damage.  Any cracks, abrasions, and cuts in the hose can render the torch unsafe. Replace before using.
• Never aim the torch flame towards the hose. This could cause the flame to melt the hose and the cylinder to explode. 
• Never aim the torch flame towards the gas cylinder. Place the gas cylinder in an area away from the work area.
• All gas cylinders should be secured to a support so that the cylinder cannot move or tip over while in use.
• The torch tip becomes hot, be careful while adjusting the torch flame.
• Remove torch assembly from gas cylinder when not in use.
• Check to make sure the rubber gasket is placed into the tank valve. It can come dislodged and cause a leak at the valve and cylinder.
• Disposable propane cylinders come with a protective cap. 
• When the torch assembly is disconnected from the cylinder, replace the protective cap on the cylinder. The cap protects the cylinder’s *threads and keeps trash from falling into the tank’s valve.

*Never use oil on the tank threads or torch parts.

Installation Instructions

Tools Needed

•   2ea.  ½” wrenches or  2-ea. adjustable wrenches
• Spray bottle with soapy water

Assembly Steps

1.       Connect the swivel end of the hose to the torch handle and tighten with a wrench
to avoid leaks. Do not over tighten!

2.       Connect the hose to the tank valve and tighten with a wrench to avoid leaks. Do
not over tighten!

3.       Close torch valve and the tank valve.

4.       Make sure the tank valve gasket is in place and attach the valve to the propane
cylinder by hand tightening only.

5.       With the torch valve closed, turn on the tank valve and check for leaks with
soapy water.

Operating Instructions

Lighting the torch

1.       Attach a tip to the torch handle. Only hand-tighten torch tips!

2.       Close air control ring valve on torch tip.

3.       Make sure the torch valve is closed (tighten to the right)

4.       Connect tank valve to a disposable propane cylinder.

5.       Turn on tank valve.

6.       Turn on torch valve (½ turn).

7.       Light torch with appropriate torch lighter.

8.       Adjust flame by slowly opening the air control ring on torch tip.

Turning off the torch

1.       Turn off torch valve.

2.       Turn off tank valve.

3.       **Bleed gas line by re-opening the torch valve.

4.       If finished using the torch for the day, disconnect the tank valve from the
propane cylinder.

5.       Replace cylinder cap.

**
If shutting off flame for an extended time, close tank valve and bleed
the pressure off the torch assembly.

Well how time does fly!

I have been busy these last few months!

I drove up to TN to teach at Arrowmont for the PMC Connection's International Retreat.I met a lot of new friends and famous people. This is a photo of my students learning to solder.

This is me and Holly Gage! I got to help her out at the retreat!

And then I became a Sr. Instructor for the PMCC. http://www.pmcconnection.com/senior/jalexander/jalexander.html

 
I am now signed up to teach at several other retreats and bead shows which I have listed on my website: www.janetalexander.net


WooHoo!

Now its time to get back to writing this blog! I am changing the content to include some of my tutorials and tips I have written. So here is the first of many!  This is a video on how to use the tumbler and maintain it. I know there are a lot of stuff out there about tumblers, but I think I covered some stuff that hasn't been discussed. Let me know what you think!