MAPP or Propane?

[Luckrider]

So what do you guys use when you do any sort of soldering? Do you use MAPP or propane? If you use MAPP, do you use the popper click-start (whatever you call the trigger starter) nozzels, or do you use the same basic turn know and lighter ones for the propane tanks?

I personally prefer the MAPP. It heats the copper much quicker, and makes soldering much easier. I also just use the regular turn knob nozzle. We have found that there isn't really a good reason that justifies spending the extra $40 for a little trigger when a lighter is just as good.

 

[havasu]

I prefer Mapp. Regarding the trigger igniter, I guess that would depend on how often you use it. If one of my hands are needed to hold a copper pipe, and only one hand left to hold and light the Mapp, then it would be invaluable. That's my 2 cents.

 

[Nailer341]

Mapp with the self igniter.
I would never go back to the old nozzles after using one of these.

 

[SilverBack4Jack]

I use acetylene. I have an "M" tank that I carry into small jobs and a "B" tank for backup or the bigger jobs.

 

[majakdragon]

I use the Prestolite tank (sometimes called a B tank). Has 25 foot of hose. No trigger ignition. When you get into a tight spot, having the tank connected to the nozzle can be a pain. I have used the propane for 3/4" and smaller joints.

 

[Mr_David]

acetylene "B" tank for 1- 1/4 & up
Mapp w/ Bernzomatic TS4000 for 1 -1/4 & below.
it'll do 1 -1/2" but it takes a little longer

I have it in it's own box with soldering supplies and tools.
TS8000 is nice because you can adjust the flame but I just use my trigger finger to throttle the flame. Sometimes the flame is to hot for work inside a wall or confined places.

 

[Luckrider]

Yeah... sounds like some of you guys are doing a lot of copper work. The worst situation I have been in (lack of space) was easily remedied with a 1/4" chunk of wood to protect the tub we were installing. We haven't really dealt with those projects that require anything but a can of heat, and mapp is the faster heat.

 

[speedbump]

Mapp, quarter turn on/off button. Turn to unlock, push to light. I use it more for starting burn piles than anything else. I burn all our cardboard, dead limbs from all the oak trees etc. Since I quit smoking twenty some odd years ago, I don't carry a lighter.

When I was doing installs years ago, all inside plumbing was copper (those of us who cared anyway, poly was ugly) and I used Mapp then too. Propane was too cold and I was always in a hurry.

 

[Plbgbear]

I also like mapp the best. Gets hotter quicker. I also like using the small mapp bottles with the turn nob and a 4ft hose. Like to use it best under bldgs and on high ladders when I don't want to lug a B bottle all under the bldg.