Newbie Hot Head Technical Question

GlassyLynn · #1 2006-05-11, 1:17pm

I've just received my new hot head yesterday and used it for the first time this morning with excellent results - 2 perfectly shaped lentils - yeah me!

Anyway, I turned it off and left for about an hour to dip & dry more mandrels and when I returned, it wouldn't light. I use #1 MAPP and plain old matches to light and they blow out before it lights, could something be blocked already? Is it possible that the canister is too cold, it's cold today in my garage? Could something have frozen? When I went back I had condensation on the canister...weird? Any ideas?

MikeAurelius · #2 2006-05-11, 1:20pm

You've got the valve open too far - open it only slightly if you are lighting with matches.

As far as the condensation, that's normal. As the gas leaves the tank, it cools and hence the condensation...as the tank volume decreases, the you can actually get ice on the outside of the tank!

GlassyLynn · #3 2006-05-11, 1:32pm

Oh I wish that was the answer, but I have the valve open only the very slightest and nothing lights- either with it open slightly or even open more. It's like there's air coming out, but nothing flammable to light. I only used it for about 45 minutes, could the canister be empty already? Thanks.

magpiedreams · #4 2006-05-11, 2:28pm

Hi,

I'm fairly new as well, using a Hot Head. I am getting a larger tank of propane and a longer hose as well as necessary connectors. While I have not timed my use of the MAPP cylinders I will say they do not last long. At $7.00 plus per cylinder I can see why people switch over to propane (barbaque cylinder) or a torch using oxygen/gas.

I would put on a new cylinder and try to light; if that lights ok then my guess is your first cylinder is pretty well empty.

Ken

Flamechick · #5 2006-05-11, 3:05pm

Could be the gas coming out of the HH is blowing out your lighter flame. I use long kitchen matches and gently poke the match slightly into the end of the HH.

GlassyLynn · #6 2006-05-11, 3:21pm

Thanks for the suggestions you guys, I'll be trying them all.

I put my cylinder on my old torch and it lights up fine. Then I put the new head on a new cylinder and it won't light again, I'll try a striker....

I sent an email to Delphiglass where I got it from, hopefully they'll be able to direct me. Can these hot heads be cleaned or taken apart?

Thanks again,

GlassyLynn · #7 2006-05-11, 4:09pm

Amber, I think you did it, I'm back in business! I was doing, gas on, light match and light torch - worked until now. But I this time I tried, light match, turn on gas and light torch and Yeah! It worked!...two more great lentils!

I've been soaking up so much valuable information from this site and from all of you, I can't wait until I know enough to start helping answer others' questions someday.

Thanks!

lunamoonshadow · #8 2006-05-12, 6:02am

I sneak my lighter up from UNDERNEATH the torch--seems to be the best way to not get "blown out" by the force of the gas pressure. Oh & I have to open my torch pretty much all the way to get it to light--& I'm on a BBQ tank of propane (otherwise there doesn't seem to be enough gas to actually "catch"--probably because I'm outdoors & it blows away as fast as it comes out of the torch?)
(yes, I know--it's not a striker, yes, I know I'm dangerous...I use an "Aim-n-Flame" BBQ lighter--I torch outdoors--I light the torch, throw the lighter back in the house--it's not getting sparked at, hot glassed-on, melted, otherwise caught on fire

. I wouldn't leave a box of matches sitting out by the torch either....

)

Flamechick · #9 2006-05-12, 8:15am

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlassyLynn

Amber, I think you did it, I'm back in business! I was doing, gas on, light match and light torch - worked until now. But I this time I tried, light match, turn on gas and light torch and Yeah! It worked!...two more great lentils!

I've been soaking up so much valuable information from this site and from all of you, I can't wait until I know enough to start helping answer others' questions someday.

Thanks!

Yeah! Glad it worked! Have fun making those lentils!

silkys · #10 2006-05-12, 10:18am

Ok another Duhhh Question ... I use the little cans of Mapp ... i want to use larger tank (gas grill size) but I thought you had to use Mapp gass .. you mean we can use Plain o propane with our Hot Heads ?? see i need an answer quickly .. hubbies in the mood to get on this and get me set up ... need to get him while hes feeling generous . We cant seem to fine anywhere to buy bulk mapp gass here in our lil town .
what are my options ?

Thanks

Flamechick · #11 2006-05-12, 10:48am

Some people do use bulk propane with great success, other's have found the propane in their area to be dirty and they have probs with scummy looking beads. All you can do is try and see what happens. One thing is for sure: It's a heck of a lot more economical than those little #1 Mapp cannisters.

silkys · #12 2006-05-12, 11:10am

Thanks Amber ! after I posted this I found all the other Q & info in other threads .

Dale M. · #13 2006-05-13, 8:45am

Information for those of you considering bulk fuel for Hothead.

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7

Also avoid the 4-5 foot long hoses sold in most glass places... Get hose long enough (12-20 feet) so bulk tank can be outside and torch can be inside...

Dale

lunamoonshadow · #14 2006-05-13, 9:09am

My DREAM is to get my torch inside....
(I'm so sick of chasing the flame around in the wind

)