Making a Gas Torch
To make a gas torch, start by cutting long strips of cotton cloth. Wrap the cloth around a stick at least 2 feet long. Tuck the end under the wrapped fabric to secure it. Then, dunk the cloth-wrapped end into a flammable liquid like Kerosene. Light the torch with a lighter, match or campfire. Be very careful when lighting torches. Exercise all safety precautions for working with fire. The type of torch depends on available materials. For fuel, use neutral (tree pitch, bark) or manmade (Kerosene, gas, lighter fluid) materials. If using a manmade accelerant, soak the cloth for a few minutes before lighting.
Fuel Types and Safety
Propane is often the fuel of choice due to low price and availability. MAPP gas and Map-pro burn hotter and are found in a yellow canister.
Most appliances can be converted from natural gas to propane. Natural gas is kept at a lower pressure. Some appliances cannot handle the higher pressure of propane. Attempting to use a propane appliance with natural gas will result in a small flame or no flame. It is not possible to convert appliances from electricity to propane.
A propane torch reaches a maximum temperature of 3,623 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest point is the tip of the darker inner flame. The lighter outer flame is slightly cooler. Propane is usable in freezing conditions unlike butane. Propane torches work best for small jobs due to portability.
You can use a Mapp head on propane, but cannot use a propane head on Mapp. MAPP gas burns at 3,720 degrees Fahrenheit. Combined with oxygen, MAPP gas can melt steel or iron. Propane torches can solder copper pipes, weld, and braze metals. Inverted torches extinguish the flame as liquid propane works through. Without pressure-regulation, flame size varies with cylinder pressure. In cold weather, less gas pressure means a smaller flame. Yes, propane can replace MAPP gas. Propane is better than MAPP gas for cooking as it has a neutral flavor.
Questions
Can a propane torch be used with natural gas?
How hot does a natural gas torch get?