Would this work as a hand torch?

[garishglobes]

Ok, numpty question here - but would it? It'd be hot enough...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MICRO-BUTANE-FUEL-Power-Hand-Torch-Welding-Soldering-Electrical-Repair-/140644271607?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item20bf0d45f7

[Helen G]

Do you mean for silver work? If so is would but probably only practical on tiny items as with silver soldering you need to get the surrounding metal hot for the solder to flow 

[garishglobes]

I meant for borosilicate work 

[Helen G]

Oh  sorry 

[Lakelady]

I was thinking it may do for tiny joints - it reaches 1300 and softening is around 820...I would be interested to know if it does! 

[garishglobes]

Helen, you are right about the tiny bit   

I was really thinking of joints - I imagine the flame would be quite reducing but for clear joints (or those coated in clear...) that wouldn't be an issue.

[fionaess]

Well, I have a Bernzomatic butane torch, just tried it on a bit of clear boro and it doesnt even touch it 

[Lakelady]

I have a little hand-held similar to the one in the listing - I just wonder, if you are working on an already hot piece - Fionaess, were you working on an already hot piece? ...and the joint is really small - say like making insects or something, whether there might just be enough fire power to get it to flow enough.  I might have to dig it out and have a go. 

[fionaess]

Nope, working cold, and my micro butane torch didn't touch it.. I would have thought though, as Emma said, if you were were working on joints you would be working from cold anyway.    My feeling is that a national 8 would be the way to go, but with a tiny tip.
Fi

[Marcel]

the head is to big to reach tight spots a national 3A with a shelbo whisper tip on it
or a smith little torch 

[garishglobes]

The Smith little torch looks nice indeed 

[Moira HFG]

How about this? I noticed it on ebay after reading your post.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nordsea-hand-held-glass-blowing-burner-torch-/121078582457?pt=UK_Crafts_Glass_Art_Supplies_CV&hash=item1c30d88cb9

[garishglobes]

That's the one that got me thinking - I couldn't find it earlier!

I think it is probably right to say that the description might be optimistic, though - and that there are better solutions!

[Hamilton Taylor]

Emma, the Little Torch (or similar) is fine for very small joints, but anything bigger, go for a proper premix handheld - maybe like this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TYPE-O-WELDING-TORCH-/290877302048?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43b9a36520

I use a National (couldn't find one on ebay), and one by Seimens, for a lot of small connection work - you've seen them, no?

With a small tip, they'll work fine on your oxycon (10lpm?), and you'll be liberated from the bench!

Sean

[garishglobes]

Sean, I have seen your hand torch - I've also seen you swear at it!! (I think, the National...)

I really am looking at quite small joints..