MAPP or propane

gnappi

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Joined
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Florida
My ancient Bernz-O-Matic propane torch finally gave up the ghost and I need a replacement.

So, do I get MAPP which runs a bit hotter or stick with propane?

Bernz-O-matic has several TS models but why? They all "look" the same to me.
 
I switched to mapp gas several years ago when I was running a lot of copper, repipes, and remodeling work in our last house in socal.

I keep an old propane outfit around for backup and odd jobs like brush burning that doesn't require premium gas.

mapp as everyone knows is hotter burning. most noticeable advantage it heats your work up faster and subsequently more localized, reducing heat migration to nearby joints, fixtures, valves, clamps, etc.

slower propane heat takes longer to heat to working temp and susequently spreads further from your work.

higher heat is also handy for heavier material, low temp work, and of course faster if working a lot of joints on bigger jobs.

the mapp is gas is slightly more expensive than propane but the gains in the amount of work you get I think puts you ahead.

I've had that TS4000 igniter for years and it works great. it's fixed flame output for copper work which is all I really do with it. I use oxy-acetylene for steel work.

you might find the variable flame TS8000 more versatile if you have other uses for it requiring the highest heat output.

either way, the push button igniters are handy! especially contorted upside down under a sink juggling tube fittings, paste, tin, etc. without setting your house or your britches on fire.

good luck!

IMG_20260306_32950.jpg
 
Killer Bee, thanks that's all good to know. I've done a lot of copper pipe work over the years and it would have been easier if I knew this MAPP stuff was better.... Got a little to do on our renovation in a month or so but my contractor will probably be handling that. 20+ years ago I did the plumbing in the new master (actually mistress's) bathroom and it was 54 joints I had to solder
 
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TS8000 plus propane here. I've soldered 1" copper on the roof in a steady 15+ mph wind with this combo. I keep some MAPP around but the torch is rated plenty hot with propane. Turns out mixing is important, I use mine for heat treating small steel parts as well as typical plumbing tasks.

MAPP is stupid expensive for what it is, especially considering what a large acetylene tank costs.
 
Depends on what you need to heat up. For what I do, propane works just fine. MAPP is just not worth the cost.
 
switched to PEX pipe
Lifespan on PEX is still out. If you want to use plastic use CPVC schedule 80. UV, and chemically resistant (chlorinating agents in domestic water attack PVC causing brittleness) and schedule 80 is just plain stronger and less prone to deformation.

It costs more. But the old saying "you get what you pay for" holds true.

But back to the OP. MAPP makes it much easier to take joints apart. This, while hopefully done rarely, is just as important as putting them together.
 
It will take the average person years to use up a bottle.

The only disadvantage to MAP is cost. It will make life easier.
 
Well my Bernz o matic (BOM) MAPP torch arrived today and I recovered a whole crucible of hard alloy from my rusted out deceased 40+ year old RCBS furnace. I had tried it unsuccessfully with the old propane torch and the new BOM worked swimmingly.

I used about 4 ounces of gas with the TS8000 head and since I got three MAPP bottles in the deal and already had two propane tanks I'm good to go for a long time.

I tend to overdo things and just may pickup a TS4000 head also.

Thanks all for the input!
 
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