Frit-Happens !

Lampwork => Common Problems => Topic started by: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 03:12:33 PM

Title: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 03:12:33 PM
Trying to light a Hothead with a match, got it first time, turned it off to go check something else on Sal's DVD and now I can't get it to light again.

EVery time I try it, the gas extinguishes the match.  Haven't a lighter, using matches, don't want to go shopping for a lighter is it's my birthday and I am staying put!

Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: ♥♥Tan♥♥ on October 26, 2010, 03:14:31 PM
Try turning the hot head on at its lowest setting and introducing the match slowly from the side
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: MadelineBunyan on October 26, 2010, 03:14:38 PM
naughty torch! behave!

sorry, I'm no help, but happy birthday!
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: paintboxcrafts on October 26, 2010, 03:22:24 PM
I think you have to cover the holes while you light it, and keep them covered for a few seconds once lit.
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Kalorlo on October 26, 2010, 03:25:06 PM
Yup, it's a lot easier if you make it a foil collar that you can put up over the holes when you're lighting it or want lots of reduction. Just add kitchen foil!  ;D
Give it a tail so you can move it about without burning yourself.

If you have no foil at the moment, I believe an oven glove will work as a temporary solution.
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Billie on October 26, 2010, 03:29:47 PM
Quote from: paintboxcrafts on October 26, 2010, 03:22:24 PM
I think you have to cover the holes while you light it, and keep them covered for a few seconds once lit.

Casting my mind back to when I used one, I think this is the best method  :)
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 03:31:31 PM
Thanks guys, will try a foil collar.

It's first time ever lighting the torch, apart from at Flame Off when i used one of those clicker things.  Me and Ashley are like the blind leading the blind here, first time at the flame (well, not as the case may be) without an experienced maker by our side....

Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: SilverGems89 on October 26, 2010, 03:37:37 PM
you trying to light it on MAPP Dawn? in which case try disconnecting then reconnecting the bottle and have the knob on the torch back from being fully open, then turn it up once its on  ;)
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: mizgeorge on October 26, 2010, 03:48:10 PM
Get that collar on Dawn - I'm so excited!

And what a great day to do it :)
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Lush! on October 26, 2010, 03:50:50 PM
Is this to light the candles on your birthday cake, Dawn?  ;D ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Billie on October 26, 2010, 03:52:48 PM
Quote from: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 03:31:31 PM
Thanks guys, will try a foil collar.

It's first time ever lighting the torch, apart from at Flame Off when i used one of those clicker things.  Me and Ashley are like the blind leading the blind here, first time at the flame (well, not as the case may be) without an experienced maker by our side....




I feel really nervous for you  ;D  I remember lighting up on my own the first time... After I'd made James do it for me at least 3 times prior to that  :D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 03:54:41 PM
Gemma, yes, Mapp.  And I even changed the can.

Tried the collar several times, and every time I even touched the collar it blew the flame out.  Knob no where near fully open.

Eventually, with hand in oven glove clasping the foil collar and getting a yellow flame, got it to light, and stay alight (third time of that method, I have got through 40 matches so far)

It stayed on, warmed mandrel, started warming glass and it just blew out  :'( :'( :'(

I don't know what to do?
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Billie on October 26, 2010, 03:57:13 PM
Hmmmm.... Might be the pressure of the gas then.  Sounds like its too low  ???  I've never used MAPP so I don't know for sure.  This is a dumb question, so I apologise, but the canister is definitely full?
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Steampunkglass on October 26, 2010, 03:57:49 PM
I had the same problem when I first tried, also went though a pack of matches!  :-\ I turned the knob for exactly half a turn and it lighted perfectly when I brought the match up to the base of the torch, I seemed to have been too timid and not turned it on enough which oddly seemed to blow itself out  ???

And happy birthday!  ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 03:59:01 PM
To be honest Billie, not sure if they're full or not, they're the ones that were kindly given at Flame Off.

Poor Ashley, he's been looking forward to this for months... and now we can't get it going!
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: SilverGems89 on October 26, 2010, 04:00:53 PM
theres only one thing for it, you'll have to come and play on mine  :P
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Lush! on October 26, 2010, 04:02:12 PM
Try what Glenn said, turn it up!
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Shirley on October 26, 2010, 04:18:37 PM
Yep, turn it as far as it will go.

Light the match first and hold it just to the side of the torch, then turn on the tap full, holding the match until the flame catches. Leave it up as you work. It's not going to be very adjustable anyway.

Have fun!
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Hazer on October 26, 2010, 04:35:38 PM
MAPP gas is quite sensitive to...everything, so make sure it's wrapped up so you don't get the pressure dropping due to cold, make sure there's no draft etc. Then what I tend to do is sneak up on the torch with the match; turn the knob nearly all the way, bring the light the match and bring it up under the back of the torch head until it catches, then quickly turn the knob the rest of the way.

(I hope this isn't completely wrong  -  I'm working from a newbie's memory)
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 04:40:01 PM
Glenn you're a superstar!

I think the first time I lit it, it was probably quite up, then I got a bit cautious...

So I gave it a good half turn, got a HUGE pretty yellow flame (collar on), and the flame stayed lit when I removed the collar.

Me and Ashley have just made two beads each and are now deaf  ;D ;D

I predict his dimples will be better than mine!   :D :D  I know at least one of mine is kinda pointed....
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Billie on October 26, 2010, 04:41:20 PM
Hurrah!  ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: helenfc on October 26, 2010, 04:50:26 PM
yay dawn! what a fab way to spend your birthday! xx
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: hollergrafik on October 26, 2010, 04:52:40 PM
Yayyy glad you got it going Dawn x
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Kalorlo on October 26, 2010, 04:53:02 PM
Woohoo!  ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: SilverGems89 on October 26, 2010, 04:57:07 PM
YAY! dont forget the pictures  ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Kaz on October 26, 2010, 04:57:44 PM
At long last ;D ;D ;D
Need photos!
Kazx
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Hules on October 26, 2010, 04:59:31 PM
Yay!  I was too late to help, but I'll let you know what I do.

I always need to have the holes covered when I light my HH.  I turn on the gas at the bottle (yours is mapp so already on), I then light my lighter wand and put it under the flame hole, I then cover the holes and turn on the knob on the torch.  The torch then catches with a lovely bushy yellow flame and I wait a few seconds then open up the holes leaving the blue flame. I never adjust the flame as it tends to puff out if I do.

Happy birthday and happy playing!

Julia
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: DragonflyLynne on October 26, 2010, 05:19:30 PM
What a lovely way to spend your birthday! (Hello Ashley!)  ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: ScarletLeonard on October 26, 2010, 05:26:16 PM
Glad you got it sorted and Happy Birthday.

I remember trying to light mine never could do it with matches.
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: julieHB on October 26, 2010, 05:31:27 PM
Oooooh, how exciting! Happy birthday, Dawn, and have a fab play the two of you!!!  ;D :-*
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Karen on October 26, 2010, 05:40:23 PM
glad you got it started hope the pair of you have lots of fun
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Blue Box Studio on October 26, 2010, 06:22:37 PM
I will confess to using a candle lighter.  I've done it for 10 years (when I used  a torch to solder) and not blown myself up yet.  I did invest in  a spark lighter, couldn't light anything with it, a Brabantia piezo cooker lighter, didn't light anything even the cooker, and have now just bought 2 of the spark gun things and they produce sparks but don't light the HH so in order to stop gassing myself out in the shedio I've gone back to my reliable gas flame candle lighter that lights it first time.  Haven't tried blocking the holes, will try that when next torching.  I've a HH on bulk and have turned it up and down so many times trying to get this to work but nope, I'm meant to dice with death I think.

When you have it lit you'll have lots of fun, I'm sure.
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Steampunkglass on October 26, 2010, 07:59:42 PM
Yay! Glad you got it going in the end!  ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 08:31:41 PM
In order of making:

My attempts (clickable)
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/th_Dawn1.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/Dawn1.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/th_Dawn1and2.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/Dawn1and2.jpg)
Quite pleased with the "roundness" of my first one, must be round cos it rolls all over the place!  ;D

Ashley's beads (well I helped shape the green one, but it cracked off the mandrel!) (clickable)
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/th_Ashley2.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/Ashley2.jpg)  (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/th_Ashley3.jpg)  (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/Ashley3.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/th_Ashley4.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/Ashley4.jpg)  (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/th_Ashley5.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/Ashley5.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/th_Ashley6.jpg)  (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/Ashley6.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/th_Ashley7.jpg) (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee4/zeldazog/Beads/Ashley7.jpg)
Look at those dimples... :(  ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 08:32:30 PM
Quote from: Lush! on October 26, 2010, 03:50:50 PM
Is this to light the candles on your birthday cake, Dawn?  ;D ;D

Ha ha - what ya trying to say Missus??
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: Margram on October 26, 2010, 10:02:54 PM
Yay! That was a cliff-hanger with a happy ending! ;D Lovely round first beads :).
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: SilverGems89 on October 26, 2010, 10:05:36 PM
clearly a natural your Ashley! those are some good dimples he's got going on!
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: garishglobes on October 26, 2010, 10:17:47 PM
Great stuff!  ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: Fruddy on October 26, 2010, 10:25:04 PM
Crikey those are fab!!!  What a lovely way to spend your birthday!

My hubby won't come near my torch.
x
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: Flyingcheesetoastie on October 27, 2010, 12:19:58 AM
Cool, I have a geek tip to add but I weigh all my MAPP gas cylinders as I hate taking them to the recycling with even a dribble of gas in!  An empty/dead/not even enough to pull stringer cylinder is about 400-450g so depending on how much gas should be in a full one, I think mine are about 350g, should give you an idea of how much you use per session & how much is left in it & what you can do with it.

I also admit to getting a long metal lighter preety early on after getting frustrated with matches and lighting it one time with a flaming rolled up newspaper! he he, love rental accomodation!
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch!
Post by: Pat from Canvey on October 27, 2010, 08:45:03 AM
Quote from: Zeldazog on October 26, 2010, 04:40:01 PM
  I know at least one of mine is kinda pointed....

TRy heating just the side that has a pointy bit next time. It should encourage the glass to flow towards the point thus eliminating it. Glass flows towards the heat. Also try this if the bead is a little lopsided.
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: julieHB on October 27, 2010, 09:57:14 AM
Great beadies, D&A!!  ;D
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: helenfc on October 27, 2010, 11:50:58 AM
 ;D brilliant beads guys, looks like you are both naturals! xx
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: Zeldazog on October 31, 2010, 11:41:32 AM
Just wanted to say a big thank you to every body for your help the other day - I was getting SO frustrated!

We were only supposed to be torching on Tuesday, I think Ashley has been at it pretty much every day so far!  At this rate, I will soon have enough to anneal a batch in the Hot Start....
Title: Re: HEEEEELLP! I can't light the torch! PICS ADDED
Post by: Despo Debs on October 31, 2010, 04:48:44 PM
Been away,
just read your post, great stuff and those beads..... wow.
Happy B'day for 26th, i think thats when it was.
I use a hot head on propane.
good luck with all your endeavors
;)