Vintage Blowtorch Roars to Life (Good and Loud)

Testing a restored 1930s blowtorch. I have read that flame temp can reach aproximately 2400 degrees F. It wasn't marked with a name but another viewer said it looks like a Montgomery Ward model. Cleaned the tank inside and out, replaced the seals and sprayed the tank with clear lacquer. Listen to it roar, it's like the afterburner on a jet fighter!

[UltraMagaFan]

As a person who owns multiple Coleman lanterns and has a large supply of white gas, this is way more convenient than dealing with propane. I'm totally going to have to buy one of these old gas blow torches.

[clake]

We have these exact torches at work at the mobile electric generator. It's a massive 30kw unit on wheels meant to be towed by a tractor. They're there to warm up the oil and the body of the unit before starting in temperatures below negative 10 degrees Celsius. Awesome video!

[battalionR]

My dad worked in a body shop in the '30's, using lead. I guess that's where the term "Lead Sled" came from. We bought a 1930 Seagrave Suburban engine, and was restoring it. I used Bondo on a dent in the gas tank, and had it perfect. But, I went back over and my Bondo was gone. In it's place was a perfectly smooth lead fill. He used some wooden paddles to push the lead around, and smooth it out. I had no idea you could get lead to stick to steel. I still have his blowtorch. Maybe time to spruce it up.

[johncriswell]

I like the fact that you saw it working when you were younger and you can see the white in the flame I was once told (white was right) on these old torches,

[tedboots]

Good to see this one working. A friend gave me a Turner that looks identical. I guessed it was for burning kerosene. Glad you answered that question. Thanks

[juans]

Beautiful video. I also have my beloved late father's torch very similar to yours and remember him using it. I am now in my mid 70's and also plan on restoring it. Thank you.

[jrgmty]

I love old tech. So simple and low maintenance.

[pnwoods]

Yes, sir! Inspiration to finally test two (a Turner & a Clayton) that had been languishing in the back closet for 30 years, over integrity concerns. ... Both work. Gratifying results. Due diligence to anyone intent on testing these torches. Research websites focused on these tools.

[patrickscahill]

I've got one that belonged to my grandfather, this video has inspired me to restore it.

[garkmr]

Always wondered how those worked. Thank you for the demo.

[HellHoundOne]

Back in the days when they would lead up cars. Dead art.

Thank you for sharing! ❤

[majorpayne]

👍23+ yrs commercial refrigeration & HVAC mechanic. Retired in 07. Glad never had to use one of these type torches. Oxy/acetylene & B-tank would sweat everything needed. Nowadays techs are using the can of map gas small jobs.
Good video.

[totallyfrozen]

Outstanding! I’d thought about getting one myself.

[ronjenkins]

A summer job for me was stripping and repainting my grandparents' garage using one of these for the paint stripping. Early 1970s.

[johnhanes]

Before Coleman fuel, every gas station sold white gas, (unleaded) as well as kerosene and other solvents. I'm 76 and I remember my dad using his blowtorch for heating floor tiles to soften them and the adhesive for removal, as well as soldering.

[jasoncooper]

50%lead 50%tin you can still find solder irons from a Hinkle Supply or Grainger has them. There are a few different copper heads (by weight) If you purchase one makes sure you get a tinning block (Sal amoniac) then heat your irons almost till cherry red, rub iron on tinning bar while you touch the iron with a solder bar (1/4 pound)$$$ now you have tinned your iron and ready to old school solder. You'll notice that you'll have to dip the iron in a solution of acid/water to keep it clean and from burning up. 🔥 have fun...

[rawbacon]

That flame is huge!
I'm painting a steel one right now, I have a soldering iron too that an old man I used to work with gave me.

[arthurserino]

You should NEVER pump a gasoline torch while it's lit. Any failure in the check valve and you could get sprayed with gasoline.

[Mru]

Plumbers used it too. Lead pipes and lead sealer for cast iron drains. Pop said they are dangerous. They can overheat and blow up.

[notthatdigusted]

Its basically a miniature flame thrower. :)