Newbie HH questions

[phoenix_mj]

If these questions have been asked and answered already, my apologies and please point me to the threads...

I just started using a HH at home with MAPP containers(Yellow). The HH is directly connected to the MAPP container. Now, if I want to move to either bulk Propane or bulk MAPP, I will need a hose to run from the bulk container to the HH as well as a way to secure the HH to the table/area I am working in, correct?
Will I need a regulator?
I am reading that MAPP is being phased out, what do people recommend using instead?
Must the bulk containers (MAPP or Propane or ???) be outside?
I am working in the basement next to a rectangular window. I have good ventilation in that area. However, am I fooling myself that it is safe to use even the small yellow MAPP containers with the HH and the container in the house?

Thanks in advance for any/all information!

[jaci]

If these questions have been asked and answered already, my apologies and please point me to the threads...

I just started using a HH at home with MAPP containers(Yellow). The HH is directly connected to the MAPP container. Now, if I want to move to either bulk Propane or bulk MAPP, I will need a hose to run from the bulk container to the HH as well as a way to secure the HH to the table/area I am working in, correct? YES
Will I need a regulator? NO
I am reading that MAPP is being phased out, what do people recommend using instead? Proplyene
Must the bulk containers (MAPP or Propane or ???) be outside? YESbut you can get a nice long hose
I am working in the basement next to a rectangular window. I have good ventilation in that area. However, am I fooling myself that it is safe to use even the small yellow MAPP containers with the HH and the container in the house? Umm what do you use to ventilate? if you are sitting near the window this is not enough... especially in a basement. gasses sink to the lowest levels. The small bottles should not be stored inside, but are OK to use inside with proper safety precautions.



hope this helps!
jaci
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[agw]

MJ, Yes, you still need to set up a ventilation system of some kind.

I am in the basement of my house too. I have a HotHead with bulk MAPP and thought I had set up a pretty good hood system before I turned my torch on. ....Well, it wasn't good enough.

Even after a half an hour or so, I started to cough and could taste something in the back of my throat. The hood was okay, the fan was just too small. I ended up reworking my entire ventilation system with a much more powerful (Cold Canadian winter home furnace fan) fan and a funnel set up. I found I was not really claustrophobic, but didn't like the limited work space a hood gave me. Now I can work for hours at a stretch with no problem. The only glitch I foresee is setting up a system to bring in my fresh air when it's -40f. outside. ... I do have a plan though and once it is in place will take photos and post incase it might help others. Right now it's an open window behind me and believe me, that just won't work in winter. :biggrin:

You can use the hoses made for adapting propane camp stoves to bulk tanks. 12 - 20 bucks almost anywhere. I do not use a regulator.

I use bulk MAPP at present, got it while they still had stock on hand, but it will be refilled with bulk MapPro when it's empty. I have two 1lb canisters of MAPP and one of MapPro to use for classes as my bulk tank is too big to move easily. - That's if I can find a class I can travel too.... I'm in the middle of nowhere.

It is easy to clamp your bulk hose/torch to the work table. Just use a much smaller version of what you use for your 1 lb tank and put the ring around the end of hose next to the torch. I have a Creation Station (http://www.austinbluemoon.com/catalog.php?item=2&catid=8&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D8) I will be picking up next weekend that easily attaches your bulk system to your work table.

Yes the bulk tanks should be outside. I presently store mine outside and bring it in when torching. Not ideal but what I have. Hopefully by fall I will be able to store it ouside and just pipe in into my basement. Now I'm just glad I'm fit enough to carry it around.

I am a real newbie so please take what I've said as only my personal experiences. I am happy with my HotHead torch though and have lots of ideas I want to try out.