Blow torch
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2008-07-01T11:21:02Z
Pne
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/* Images */ "99 cm" -> "1 m" (since I doubt that "3.0 inches" are meant)
{{otheruses|Blowtorch (disambiguation)}}
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The meaning of "'''blowtorch'''" varies between Britain and the USA.
==Name usage==
[[Image:Blowtorch.jpg|thumb|right|An old-fashioned kerosene blowtorch / blowlamp]]
===USA usage===
In USA word usage "'''blowtorch'''" is a common name for types of liquid or gaseous fuel burner used for heating:
*A form invented in Sweden by [[C.R. Nyberg]] in [[1882]]: that form is a simple [[heat]]ing [[torch]], which burns liquid [[fuel]] (such as [[kerosene]] (USA) / [[paraffin oil]] (*UK), or more recently [[biodiesel]]), with ambient [[atmosphere|atmospheric]] [[oxidizer|air]] after vaporizing it using a coiled tube passing through the flame. They take time to start, needing pre-heating with burning [[methylated spirit]]. If there is any doubt as to the integrity of the [[pressurize]]d fuel tank or any of the seals in the torch, it should be treated strictly as an antique — if the tank bursts there is a very real risk of [[explosion]] or [[fire]].
*A form that burns [[liquid petroleum gas]] (e.g. [[propane]] or [[butane]]) with ambient atmospheric air.
** In both sorts the fuel tank often is small and serves also as the handle, and usually is refuelled by changing the fuel tank with the liquified gas in it.
*A form fed from a [[liquid petroleum gas]] cylinder via a hose, which burns the gas with ambient atmospheric air: [http://www.mower-magic.co.uk/acatalog/parasene_pro_563.jpg example at this link].
In technical or trade usage, modern torches are never called "blowtorches"; they are instead referred to by the type of fuel they consume. For example, a "[[propane torch]]", "[[acetylene]]-air torch", or "[[Oxy-fuel welding and cutting|oxyacetylene torch]]". Some torches are also named for their intended use: "cutting torch" and "plumber's torch" for example. Informed USA users of torches would only say "blowtorch" for the sort that burns a liquid fuel using a vaporizer.
===British usage===
In British word usage, the types with the built-in fuel tank are usually called a '''blowlamp''', and "'''blowtorch'''" can mean an [[oxy-gas torch]], usually the cutting type.
==Description==
They produce a much larger softer [[flame]] than an [[oxyacetylene]] torch and are used for low temperature applications - [[soldering]], [[brazing]], melting roof [[tar]], or pre-heating large [[casting]]s before [[welding]], such as for repairing [[cast-iron]] cylinder heads, and for other direct rapid applications of heat such as in [[cooking]]. They cannot be used for welding, but find many other uses, not least because in their simplest form of a disposable canister feeding a hand-held torch they are very cheap and highly portable, and because the LPG fuel is very cheap in comparison to [[acetylene]] and [[oxygen]].
==Flame gun==
A '''flame gun''' is a large type of [[blowlamp]], with built-in fuel tank, used for various purposes: weed control by [[controlled burn]] methods, melting snow and ice off walk and driveways in the winter, starting a fire, etc. It is commonly confused in word usage with a [[flamethrower]].
==Images==
<gallery>
Image:Small butane torch.jpg|A small [[butane torch]]
Image:Aa Workman with flprmk2 01.jpg|Workman with propane flamegun
Image:Aa butaneblowlamp.jpg|Handheld butane blowlamp (UK) / blowtorch (USA)
Image:Aa paraffin flamegun.jpg|Modern paraffin [[flamegun]], 3 feet 3 inches = 1 m long
</gallery>
== External links ==
* [http://www.blotorches.com Website with information about gasoline blowtorches]
== See also ==
{{wiktionary|flame gun}}
* [[Propane torch]]
* [[Butane torch]]
* [[Oxy-fuel welding and cutting]]
* [[Gas burner]]
* [[Flamethrower]]
[[Category:Gardening tools]]
[[Category:Fireplaces]]
[[Category:Tools]]
[[de:Lötlampe]]
[[es:Soplete]]
[[ru:Паяльная лампа]]
[[fi:Puhalluslamppu]]
[[sv:Blåslampa]]