I've used a Hothead for 9 years with propane. I started with the squat 1# camping canisters and then moved to a 15# bulk tank because of the inability to recycle the canisters. The cost savings is huge and I can't tell the difference in heat between Mapp and propane.
Annealing bubbles are a good alternative to a fiber blanket.
I have all my old beads and all my "shorts". I still haven't found a use for them.
