I use the propane torch on a low setting and hold it about 6 inches from the epoxy and keep the rod turning. If you get it too hot you the epoxy will almost foam(past experience and not pleasant). But it really gets the bubbles out and a nice smoot finish.

The pencil torch I use is made by BernzoMatic, the same company that makes the ordinary blow torch. It runs on butane, though, like you'd fill a non-disposable lighter with. My unit came with a couple of attachments for cutting nylon rope and stuff. Like I said, it's really handy. It was $20 or so, plus fuel.

I blow some heat on my guide finish after I mix and pour the finish onto some tin foil, and it takes most of the small bubbles out before I apply it to my wraps. Then, I quickly brush it over my wraps. It is soot-free, and the heat is controllable by distance and quick "brush strokes" over the wraps.

Man. That's way too much about my pencil torch. Sorry.

-Rob

I don't like open flames in my wrapping area where I have to many things that can accidently elimate my house (I'm a real Klutz). I use a heat gun. Quicker, easier and, IMO, safer. Small heat guns can be got from Craft stores if you don't want a standard one

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

i use my plumbing torch..turbo torch either with propane or map gas..i usually have both..i also the buffalo torch.the alcohol torch plastic squeeze bottle with the pin point flame blower thingy..

I can't believe with all the responses to this thread that no one seems to mention a dental torch. I use one from Buffalo Dental. They burn denatured alcohol, cost about $12, and allow you to direct a pointed flame at the wrap, or at a thread fuzzie, with a gentle squeeze of the plastic bottle. I have to believe that I'm not the only guy using one of these. I also use it to flame the finish in the small tray I pour it into after mixing, so there are almost no bubbles to begin with.

Doc - the Propane Torch I use can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowe's, or probably any Hardware shop. Propane comes in a Blue can, and it will require a kit to light & control teh flame. Teh kit with 1 can of Propane is like $15, refil cans are $5-7. One can lasts a long, long time.

Fran,
I think that the Bubble Buster is actually the same thing as a dental torch.

Sounds just like the" bubble buster" already mentioned. Nearly all the suppliers carry them. Squeeze it for a pinpoint flame, or hold it close to pop little bubbles. You do have to watch which alcohol you use, some don't like to stay lit.

The problem with a cig lighter or even mnatches is the are not a clean flame. I agree the best method is no bubbles to begin with but if you must use a flame use a alcohol lamp or torch. I have a small torch which doesnt create soot or the black on my finish. For me though the best bet is to follow the procedures of gently mixing and pouring out onto alluminum pie plate so i dont have bubbles to begin with. I find if im careful following these steps the torch stays in the box it came in.

Torch Torch Torch - I am in my glory when I fire up the rose bud on my welding set up - noise, flame, roar, heat are wonderful surging out of the end of the thing. I could cut !/2 inch plate at six inches per minute cleanly with the setting I use to flame my butt - either on the rod or the attached one. People who visit my shop are really impressed when they see the volcanos in my finish completely dissapear in seconds. I am in total control of either beauty or total destruction and love the power in my hands!

I learned my technique while watching Jesse burn his eyebrows, shop wall and any rod that happened to come near.
Distance and speed are the keys!

Gon Fishn

I am in the process of completing my 40th rod and have yet to use a torch or heat gun when applying epoxy. I must be missing all of the fun. I suppose that is the down side of being self taught.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

I use a heat gun if I get bubbles in the finish. I cup one hand behind the wraps to judge the heat level and move the gun across the finish. No flames, just heat. As said above, if your hand can't take the heat level, neither can the wraps and finish. Works for me.

Joe

Joe Douglas

Geez Guys has this thread created some interest.Better let you know what I do. Propane torch works for me. I have a Primus .34kg refillable bottle with fittings elbow etc. This works great for me. Wisp it over the wraps no soot etc. This is what works for me.

Cheers,

Ross.

Well, no flames here. With both LS Supreme and ThreadMaster, I pour it onto aluminum foil, let it sit for 30 seconds, then just breath over it and I have ZERO bubbles.

Bill Stevens wrote: "... I am in my glory when I fire up the rose bud on my welding set up - noise, flame, roar, heat are wonderful surging out of the end of the thing. ... I am in total control of either beauty or total destruction, and love the power in my hands!"
... Sounds like Russian Roulette to me ! ... Good luck, ...

Having once set a small puddle of alcohol on my bench top on fire, by laying down a still-hot metal tool ~ 15 years ago, "FLAME" is not among my primary tools. ...

Does anyone bother keeping a FIRE EXTINGUISHER within reach anymore? ... -Cliff Hall+++

I haven't seen any mention yet of a butane torch. I use a Blazer mini torch. (Blazer is the brand name). It's about 3-4 inches tall and about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. It sports an easy to use knob type valve and piezo push button ignitor. You re-fill it with a pressurized butane canister available at department stores and hardware stores for just a few dollars. I bought mine many years ago from a Snap-On tool distributor, but I have seen them in department stores and hobby shops. It produces a clean blue flame just like propane but is small enough to be quite manageable.


Mark Boggs

Springfield, OR