A Holy Grail tool

[bonneyman]

Phil, I wasn't looking that hard. Had several other more important items to procure, so could have passed over some and just not seen them. But I can't recall ever seeing one in the wild. About 2 months ago I came across one at a thrift sale, but it was all black - like it had caught on fire.     Priced at $10, but I didn't think it would clean up well.

And I'm with you - I wouldn't risk lighting mine. I've heard too many stories about bad things happening. But then again tradesmen used these things all over for decades, so, IDK.

One guy on utube uses Coleman camp fuel in his torch. Did a demo, and it seemed to work well. Read that white gas is the same thing as camp fuel, though I've also read the Coleman stuff is naphtha. Gasoline before they added lead was also called white gas. So I really don't know what to think. 

[slip knot]

I fired mine up once. Really not too bad. If I was doing some big solder jobs I wouldn't hesitate to use it. Not any worse than starting and old Coleman stove.

[bonneyman]

I do know camp fuel makes a great (though expensive) clean-up solvent. As does Zippo lighter fluid. Maybe they're the same thing?

[hickory n Steel]

I do know camp fuel makes a great (though expensive) clean-up solvent. As does Zippo lighter fluid. Maybe they're the same thing?

Crown is generally less expensive than Coleman and ronsonol cheaper than zippo ( now owned by them zippo ), but definitely it's not cheap either way.

[bonneyman]

Finally been able to get out to the shop and do some resto work on the torch. Coming along nicely - only one broken screw!
Underneath all the soot and discoloration I found C&L symbols on several parts. Nice to see a piece where the manufacturer made the parts themselves rather than just assemble parts they outsourced.

Here's how it is so far.

[hickory n Steel]

It's coming along great, I'm sure it'll be a real looker when you're done.

[bonneyman]

Thanks, Hickory!

I'm not done trying to shine up the canister more. Have a couple ideas left to try. I'd like to get it nice and polished just to pop. We'll see.

[goodfellow]

That's some quality work right there George. Excellent --

[bonneyman]

Thanks, Ray.

I wasn't too sure about how to disassemble the head assembly to clean it off, but got it broke down enough where the dremel tool and small wire wheels could do a decent job. Should look good on display.

[Uncle Buck]

Beautiful work George,  I look forward to seeing it finished!

[bonneyman]

OK, here she is in all of her glory! Finally finished painting and reassembly, think it looks good as a display.

[hickory n Steel]

That's sure to draw attention now.