I hear a lot of talk about alcohol torches for leveling epoxy and getting rid thread that's sticking up. I'm fairly new to this hobby so I'm not quite sure about a lot of things. Will butane or something of that nature work or is it strictly alcohol. Also, if only alcohol can be used, why? All input is appreciated.
Ken

Butane will work but you have to be careful. Butane does not burn clean and can soot up your threads. Alcohol burns clean.

I am a newbie too but I have learned that if you use the side of the lighter flame and not the tip you don't get the soot as bad. Don't forget, don't leave the flame in one place too long or you'll burn through your thread and boil the finish.

Bill in WV

A Bic lighter will only leave soot if you place it under the finish. If you move it slowly back and forth along the side of a wrap, it won't give you any trouble. It's all that I've ever used for 24 years. Having a burning jar of invisible flame on the bench is dangerous and to use alcohol torches in the house is a responsibility no one should take lightly. Many builders have knocked these things over and posted their woes on this board. If used, be VERY careful with them. Keep your bench area clean of any other fuels if you use them.

The danger of sooting a wrap because I don't use a Bic the proper way is much better than the dangers of not using an alcohol torch properly in my humble opinion.

Putter
Williston, ND

Putter don't forget to warn them about flint flying into your finish.

Yeah, I guess that soot if you place the lighter under the wrap is not the only thing to "not do" with a Bic. Once, I 'flicked my Bic' too close to the wet finish and put some lighter flint pieces into the finish. That stuff is HARD to remove! Just flick it away from the wet finish, then move it up to the side and slowly pass it along the side.

Thanks, Myles, nearly forgot about that fiasco!!

Putter
Williston, ND

I use to strugle with getting my epoxy to level too. I was always afraid my alcohol burner provided too much heat in a concentrated area. Since I have switched over to a heat gun, and the finish on my wraps and logo area are 10 times better than they used to be - maybe it's just me. I only use my alcohol burner for gluing tip tops now.

I'VE .BEEN USING AN ELECTRIC MICRO TORCH THAT SNAP ON TOOLS SELLS (#ETB1400). NO OPEN FLAME AND THIS UNIT THROWS ..ENOUGH OF HEAT TO GLUE TIPS ON

I'm a Snap-On junkie............... I have the butane tourch from them that has a blue flame and is adjustable to very small flames , works wonders when I need a little heat ..... JD

Got Fish ?

I use an alcohol torch. Right along with the controllability issue is heat. Butane burns hotter than alcohol.

Patrick