Remaining Propane In Hand-held Bernzomatic Torch ?

[hrho...@sbcglobal.net]

I have a standard hand-held Benzomatic propane torch, probably 35+ years old. Fortunately I have never run out of gas in the middle of an important project, and I do have 3 hardware stores within a five minute drive. But I sometimes do projects late at nite after the stores would be closed, and it would be nice to know when my propane cylinder (~2.75" diameter, 11" long)is about to run out.
I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next year, I don't have a clue how much my present cylinder has been used. Ideas ???

[Mike]

On 12/5/2013 3:22 PM, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> I have a standard hand-held Benzomatic propane torch, probably 35+ years old. Fortunately I have never run out of gas in the middle of an important project, and I do have 3 hardware stores within a five minute drive. But I sometimes do projects late at nite after the stores would be closed, and it would be nice to know when my propane cylinder (~2.75" diameter, 11" long)is about to run out.
> I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next year, I don't have a clue how much my present cylinder has been used. Ideas ???
>

How much is it worth to you not to run out in the middle of a project?
I keep a spare tank. Shelf life must be indefinite because after years
of sitting I've never had one go bad.

[Caulki...@work.com]

JUST KEEP AN EXTRA TANK ON HAND. THEY COST LESS THAN $5. THEY DONT GO
BAD. YOUR QUESTION IS POINTLESS.....

[Don Phillipson]

<hrho...@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:dadce834-280c-42e7...@googlegroups.com...

.
> I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next
> year

Next time you buy a full cylinder, do you think the store
would allow you to weigh a returned empty as well?

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

[Frank]

On 12/5/2013 3:22 PM, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:

> I have a standard hand-held Benzomatic propane torch, probably 35+ years old. Fortunately I have never run out of gas in the middle of an important project, and I do have 3 hardware stores within a five minute drive. But I sometimes do projects late at nite after the stores would be closed, and it would be nice to know when my propane cylinder (~2.75" diameter, 11" long)is about to run out.
> I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next year, I don't have a clue how much my present cylinder has been used. Ideas ???
>

My Master Mechanic torch must be that old too and I either got new tank
or it is still near full.

I notice all they give is a tare weight and you would have had to weight
it when new to see when near empty.

I also note that the squatter tanks used for my camp stove will fit the
torch. They are fairly cheap and I have extra so I need not worry about
the torch running out.

Also think if you shake the tank and do not feel liquid squishing around
it may be near empty.

[hrho...@sbcglobal.net]

I guess I should have asked for POLITE IDEAS. Anyway, I am trying to clean up my workbench and workshop and would rather not have an extra cylinder around unless I will be needing it in the short term.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/5/2013 3:22 PM, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:

I'd go buy another tank, now. The three bucks you
spend, you'll save that much on gasoline, and time.
Not having to make a rush run for more. As to the
16 ouncers, empty tank about 12 ounces.

--
.
Christopher A. Young
Learn about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/5/2013 3:46 PM, Don Phillipson wrote:
> <hrho...@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:dadce834-280c-42e7...@googlegroups.com...
> .
>> I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next
>> year
>
> Next time you buy a full cylinder, do you think the store
> would allow you to weigh a returned empty as well?
>

The 14.1 ouncers are sent out with the trash,
not returned.

[VinnyB]

On Thu, 5 Dec 2013 12:58:16 -0800 (PST), "hrho...@sbcglobal.net"
<hrho...@sbcglobal.net> wrote in
<5919e0b1-3f3e-4338...@googlegroups.com> Re Re:
Remaining Propane In Hand-held Bernzomatic Torch ?:

>I guess I should have asked for POLITE IDEAS. Anyway, I am trying to clean up my workbench and workshop and would rather not have an extra cylinder around unless I will be needing it in the short term.

Yeah, people here get irate when someone posts a dumb and poorly
formatted question; which is typical for a GG poster. But still it
would be nice to see polite replies.

[Emma Genius]

On 12/05/2013 03:22 PM, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> I have a standard hand-held Benzomatic propane torch, probably 35+ years old. Fortunately I have never run out of gas in the middle of an important project, and I do have 3 hardware stores within a five minute drive. But I sometimes do projects late at nite after the stores would be closed, and it would be nice to know when my propane cylinder (~2.75" diameter, 11" long)is about to run out.
> I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next year, I don't have a clue how much my present cylinder has been used. Ideas ???
>

Put the propane tank in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Pull it out and start scanning the tank from top to bottom with an infrared thermometer.
As the tank warms up, you'll notice the temp changes drastically at the liquid level.

If you don't have an infrared thermometer, now you have a reason to go buy one.
And for the love of God, get a spare tank of propane while you're at the store. ;=)

[DerbyDad03]

I have a cylinder in my garage at this very moment that I can hear/feel
liquid moving around when I shake it, yet when I hook it up to my portable
grill, the burner will not ignite.

Swap in a different, apparently fuller one (heavier and louder) and the
grill works fine.

[hrho...@sbcglobal.net]

Emma Genius has a great idea. I do have a Harbor Freight infrared scanner and will try her suggestion overnight tonight. Thanks.

[k...@attt.bizz]

On Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:51:33 -0500, Emma Genius
<emma....@optonline.not> wrote:

>On 12/05/2013 03:22 PM, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> I have a standard hand-held Benzomatic propane torch, probably 35+ years old. Fortunately I have never run out of gas in the middle of an important project, and I do have 3 hardware stores within a five minute drive. But I sometimes do projects late at nite after the stores would be closed, and it would be nice to know when my propane cylinder (~2.75" diameter, 11" long)is about to run out.
>> I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next year, I don't have a clue how much my present cylinder has been used. Ideas ???
>>
>
>Put the propane tank in the freezer for 30 minutes.

+1

>Pull it out and start scanning the tank from top to bottom with an infrared thermometer.
>As the tank warms up, you'll notice the temp changes drastically at the liquid level.

Breathe on it. The condensation line will show the level of the
liquid inside.

>If you don't have an infrared thermometer, now you have a reason to go buy one.
>And for the love of God, get a spare tank of propane while you're at the store. ;=)

;-)

[Frank]

That makes no sense but I gave up on trying to figure out when I needed
more gas for my grill and now just keep around an extra filled tank.

Reminds me that I had been grousing about Blue Rhino only selling 4 gal
of propane in their 5 gallon tanks. Then, I talked to a guy that had a
tank overfilled resulting in a fireball type explosion that nearly
killed him. Better safe than sorry.

[Dean Hoffman]

There are tank level indicators.
Examples here: http://tinyurl.com/mlufazw

[DerbyDad03]

I always have multiple cylinders around because I have a portable grill,
camp stove, a couple of lanterns, torches, etc.

For long camping trips I take a 20 lb tank. I have hoses and a T fitting so
I can run my grill and stove off of one tank and never worry about running
out.

>
> Reminds me that I had been grousing about Blue Rhino only selling 4 gal
> of propane in their 5 gallon tanks.

BJ's fills the 20 lb tanks all the way for a lot cheaper than any trade-in
place. However, they charge full price regardless of how much is left in
the tank. U-Haul charges only for what they put in the tank, but it usually
takes longer to get them filled than at BJ's. They are cheaper than BJ's
even for a full tank but there are times when I want to get in and out.
BJ's is always much faster.

> Then, I talked to a guy that had a tank overfilled resulting in a
> fireball type explosion that nearly killed him.
> Better safe than sorry.

Uh...yeah...we hear about that sort of thing happening all the time, don't
we?

[DerbyDad03]

Got any for the 14.1 or 16 oz tanks like the OP is talking about?

He's talking about this...

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/1000/91/91432ddd-b27c-4303-a874-0d1e05f3f13a_1000.jpg

[Frank]

Principle is the same and they should work on any tank. They just show
temperature at different levels. But, one of the things I tried and did
not work well. The IR thermometer mentioned sounds like a good idea but
one would cost probably more than 10 full propane bottles.

[Dean Hoffman]

That's what I envisioned. Some of the level indicators in the
pictures in the link are just like a piece of tape. They change color
at the propane level. I suspect the circumference of the tank doesn't
matter.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

The empty 14.1 oz torch tank weighs about 15 oz (430 grams, actually)
so a full tank weighs 830 grams - 400 gramms of it Propane.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

Tare weight IS the empty weight. They weigh 430 grams empty (tare) and
830 grams full

[mike]

On 12/5/2013 3:21 PM, Frank wrote:

> Reminds me that I had been grousing about Blue Rhino only selling 4 gal
> of propane in their 5 gallon tanks. Then, I talked to a guy that had a
> tank overfilled resulting in a fireball type explosion that nearly
> killed him. Better safe than sorry.

I don't have any problem with anybody putting 4 gallons in a 5 gallon tank.
I DO have a problem when they charge you what 8 gallons would cost
for that 4 gallons in a 5 gallon tank.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/5/2013 5:28 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
>

> I have a cylinder in my garage at this very moment that I can hear/feel
> liquid moving around when I shake it, yet when I hook it up to my portable
> grill, the burner will not ignite.
>
> Swap in a different, apparently fuller one (heavier and louder) and the
> grill works fine.
>

Not necessarily liquid propane, right? Might be
water, or ....

[DerbyDad03]

Stormin Mormon <cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> On 12/5/2013 5:28 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
>>
>> I have a cylinder in my garage at this very moment that I can hear/feel
>> liquid moving around when I shake it, yet when I hook it up to my portable
>> grill, the burner will not ignite.
>>
>> Swap in a different, apparently fuller one (heavier and louder) and the
>> grill works fine.
>>
> Not necessarily liquid propane, right? Might be
> water, or ....

How would water get in the cylinder?

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/5/2013 4:51 PM, Emma Genius wrote:
>
> Put the propane tank in the freezer for 30 minutes.
> Pull it out and start scanning the tank from top to bottom with an
> infrared thermometer.
> As the tank warms up, you'll notice the temp changes drastically at the
> liquid level.
>
> If you don't have an infrared thermometer, now you have a reason to go
> buy one.
> And for the love of God, get a spare tank of propane while you're at the
> store. ;=)

I wish to nominate this post for the common sense of
the week award. And the OP should go ahead and buy
a propane cylinder, and get it over with.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/5/2013 7:05 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
>> Then, I talked to a guy that had a tank overfilled resulting in a
>> fireball type explosion that nearly killed him.
>> Better safe than sorry.
>
> Uh...yeah...we hear about that sort of thing happening all the time, don't
> we?
>

Not me. My halogen bulbs already burned down
the house. Which killed the alligators coming
out of the toilet, and dried up the retaining
wall, where I'd put the garden hose to chase
off the pocket gophers and green garden snakes
(which everyone knows are harmless). Fortunately,
on rec puzzles and rec crafts metalworking,
they had a "what is it" picture of a fire
hydrant wrench, so the responding FD was able
to open the hydrant and get water to the fire.
They used a 90% efficiency fire truck which was
power vented through a crawl space, to pump the
water which was fluoridated for cavities. My
burglar alarm failed to report the fire, due to
the bad power transformer, and the bad board.
Sadly, I am homeless because Obama Care cancelled
my insurance. Yes, I do have to always criticize
Obama.

And they lived sadly ever after. "Hold my beer and
watch this, woman!" The end.

[Ed Pawlowski]

On 12/5/2013 7:39 PM, cl...@snyder.on.ca wrote:

>>
> Tare weight IS the empty weight. They weigh 430 grams empty (tare) and
> 830 grams full
>

But that is for a tank in them foreign countries. We don't have those
gram things here in the US of A. Our gas would weigh in at 14 AMERICAN
ounces.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/5/2013 7:39 PM, cl...@snyder.on.ca wrote:

> On Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:55:02 -0500, Frank
> <frankdo...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> On 12/5/2013 3:22 PM, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>>
>> I notice all they give is a tare weight and you would have had to weight
>> it when new to see when near empty.
>>
>>

> Tare weight IS the empty weight. They weigh 430 grams empty (tare) and
> 830 grams full

I've found most products give the net weight.
Can't say as I've ever seen a product give the
tare weight.

I've found about 12 ounces empty (tare) weight.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/6/2013 7:05 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
>>> I have a cylinder in my garage at this very moment that I can hear/feel
>>> liquid moving around when I shake it, yet when I hook it up to my portable
>>> grill, the burner will not ignite.
>>>
>>>

>> Not necessarily liquid propane, right? Might be
>> water, or ....
>
>
> How would water get in the cylinder?

1) cheaper than propane, so someone came up
with the idea to put some in, and fake out
the scales
2) hose left open during the rain storm, and
then hooked to the tank; water goes ahead of
the LPG
3) evil gremlins theory

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/6/2013 7:05 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
>>> I have a cylinder in my garage at this very moment that I can hear/feel
>>> liquid moving around when I shake it, yet when I hook it up to my portable
>>> grill, the burner will not ignite.
>>>

>> Not necessarily liquid propane, right? Might be
>> water, or ....
>
>
> How would water get in the cylinder?
>

Just for giggles, you may want to tip the
cylinder upside down, and open the tank
valve. See if a bunch of rusty water comes
out. Might not work with OPD that needs a
device attached. Put your 16 ounce refil
adaptor on, to fake out the thread valve.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

As would the empty tank - making the full tank something awfull close
to 28 oz - or 1 3/4 lbs.

[DerbyDad03]

At the risk of repeating myself....

Cylinder, not tank. This whole thread is about the small propane cylinders,
not the 20 lb tanks.

[DerbyDad03]

Cylinder, not tank. This whole thread is about the small propane cylinders,
not the 20 lb tanks.

Only #3 could possibly apply.

[Caulki...@work.com]

On Thu, 5 Dec 2013 15:46:59 -0500, "Don Phillipson"
<e9...@SPAMBLOCK.ncf.ca> wrote:

><hrho...@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
>news:dadce834-280c-42e7...@googlegroups.com...

> .
>> I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next
>> year
>

>Next time you buy a full cylinder, do you think the store
>would allow you to weigh a returned empty as well?

In the US, they are not returned. They are disposible. (Which I always
felt was wrong).

[k...@attt.bizz]

The valves aren't useful after the first use. You're not supposed to
even take the torch off the tank until it's empty. They *will* leak.
Some refill them from 20# tanks but it's a *really* bad idea.

[Stormin Mormon]

So, you shook a 14.1 and hooked it up to
your grill, which didn't ignite? Really?

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/6/2013 8:05 PM, k...@attt.bizz wrote:
>>> Next time you buy a full cylinder, do you think the store
>>> would allow you to weigh a returned empty as well?
>>
>> In the US, they are not returned. They are disposible. (Which I always
>> felt was wrong).
>
> The valves aren't useful after the first use. You're not supposed to
> even take the torch off the tank until it's empty. They *will* leak.
> Some refill them from 20# tanks but it's a *really* bad idea.

I've heard that Coleman brand are less likely
to leak than Ozark Trail. Just like Dietz oil
lamps less likely to leak than Ozark Trail.

[DerbyDad03]

Really.

Actually, it was a 16.4 oz. You'll note that I said portable grill.

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/72/86/49/73/0072864973184_500X500.jpg

[k...@attt.bizz]

"Less likely" is still a bad bet.

[Dean Hoffman]

On 12/6/13 7:05 PM, k...@attt.bizz wrote:

> The valves aren't useful after the first use. You're not supposed to
> even take the torch off the tank until it's empty. They *will* leak.
> Some refill them from 20# tanks but it's a *really* bad idea.
>

That's something else I've never heard before. I routinely take
the torch off the bottle at work. They ride in the service panels of my
work pickup that way.
I've had the valves fail open a few times over the years. It seems
like it's during cold weather. I want to say somewhere in the mid teens
F or colder.
I'll have to look at the destructions on a bottle if they're still
legible.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/6/2013 9:46 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
>>> At the risk of repeating myself....
>>>
>>> Cylinder, not tank. This whole thread is about the small propane cylinders,
>>> not the 20 lb tanks.
>>>
>> So, you shook a 14.1 and hooked it up to
>> your grill, which didn't ignite? Really?
>
> Really.
>
> Actually, it was a 16.4 oz. You'll note that I said portable grill.
>
> http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/72/86/49/73/0072864973184_500X500.jpg
>

That is so incredibly helpful. When people write
gas grill, I think of the pedestal type, with the
twenty pounder. Thanks for correcting the oops,
and clearing that up.

Those table top grills sure can be wonderful. Take
them on picnics. And thy can be used to cook when
the electric is off, and the electric range is cold.
Not recommended to use indoors for heat, but when
things are desperate. I do remember a friend who had
a winter power cut, and used that and several other
propane devices to fight the cold.

How water would get into one of them tanks? Only
if done at the factory. The other thing, is that when
the tank is cold (such as being outdoors these days)
the temperature and pressure in the tank fall. If
you warm the tank a bit, the pressure may come back
to normal. I've had that happen when I was trying to
warm a camp building in the winter, while doing some
rewiring.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/6/2013 10:40 PM, Dean Hoffman > wrote:
>
> That's something else I've never heard before. I routinely take
> the torch off the bottle at work. They ride in the service panels of my
> work pickup that way.
> I've had the valves fail open a few times over the years. It seems
> like it's during cold weather. I want to say somewhere in the mid teens
> F or colder.
> I'll have to look at the destructions on a bottle if they're still
> legible.
>

One friend of mine left the torch head on the
tank, in back of his Ford truck. He says he's
not sure how, but the propane explosion put
him in the hospital for a while with burns. I
suspect he leaned in, and lit a cigarette. I
suspect the valve on the torch got opened, and
he didn't notice the propane odor.

He's lost two Ford trucks. The other one was
when welding, and a spark landed on the carpet
in the back, and took off from there.

[DerbyDad03]

Cite?

The instructions here say otherwise. Read the section on Storage.

http://www.bernzomatic.com/docs/1500_2301_AL30.pdf

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Fri, 06 Dec 2013 21:14:19 -0500, Stormin Mormon
<cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote:

"Ozark Trail" is cheap-assed Chinese Wal-Mart crap - of course it
will leak

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

I've never had a "berznomatic" or "worthington" cyl leak, but it's
to the point I won't remove a coleman cyl anymore unless it is to move
it to a different "appliance". Better than half of them leak -
regardless of temperature.

Refilling is not a good idea - as transporting a refilled 1 pounder
(single use) tank is illegal.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Fri, 06 Dec 2013 21:12:36 -0500, Stormin Mormon

He DID say a portable grill. I've had a couple of those useless 1.5 sq
ft (at best) portable grills, and unless it's a high end brand like a
Weber they are all useless. Can't keep them lit with the lid closed on
most of them.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Sat, 07 Dec 2013 07:40:13 -0500, Stormin Mormon
<cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote:

>On 12/6/2013 9:46 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
>>>> At the risk of repeating myself....
>>>>
>>>> Cylinder, not tank. This whole thread is about the small propane cylinders,
>>>> not the 20 lb tanks.
>>>>
>>> So, you shook a 14.1 and hooked it up to
>>> your grill, which didn't ignite? Really?
>>
>> Really.
>>
>> Actually, it was a 16.4 oz. You'll note that I said portable grill.
>>
>> http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/72/86/49/73/0072864973184_500X500.jpg
>>
>That is so incredibly helpful. When people write
>gas grill, I think of the pedestal type, with the
>twenty pounder. Thanks for correcting the oops,
>and clearing that up.
>
>Those table top grills sure can be wonderful. Take
>them on picnics. And thy can be used to cook when
>the electric is off, and the electric range is cold.
>Not recommended to use indoors for heat, but when
>things are desperate. I do remember a friend who had
>a winter power cut, and used that and several other
>propane devices to fight the cold.

Set most of them on a picnic table and they light the table on fire.
The vast majority are cheap Chinese crap with no certification - and
are useless at best, and dangerous in many cases.

>
>How water would get into one of them tanks? Only
>if done at the factory. The other thing, is that when
>the tank is cold (such as being outdoors these days)
>the temperature and pressure in the tank fall. If
>you warm the tank a bit, the pressure may come back
>to normal. I've had that happen when I was trying to
>warm a camp building in the winter, while doing some
>rewiring.

Perhaps water could get in if someone was refilling them with REALLY
crappy adapters that were left out in the rain.

[DerbyDad03]

I've had a few portable grills in the past few decades. I have never had a
problem keeping them lit with the lid closed. In fact, the opposite is
true. I've had trouble keeping them cool enough with the lid closed. Low is
not usually low enough and I sometimes prop the lid open an inch or two to
help control the heat.

My current grill is a Sunbeam and I think it's the best I've had.

Useless? When I think back over the countless family picnics, sporting
event tailgating sessions, camping trips and lunches in the park with
SWMBO, "useless" is not a word I would assign to a portable grill.

My kids come by to borrow mine quite often these days, so as my use of it
for them trails off, their direct use of it increases.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

The Sunbeam and Weber are the only ones I've used that HAVE worked -
and the Sunbeam did burn a hole in the picnic table.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/7/2013 11:08 AM, cl...@snyder.on.ca wrote:
>>> http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/72/86/49/73/0072864973184_500X500.jpg
>>>
>> That is so incredibly helpful. When people write
>> gas grill, I think of the pedestal type, with the
>> twenty pounder. Thanks for correcting the oops,
>> and clearing that up.
>>
>> Those table top grills sure can be wonderful. Take
>> them on picnics. And thy can be used to cook when
>> the electric is off, and the electric range is cold.
>> Not recommended to use indoors for heat, but when
>> things are desperate. I do remember a friend who had
>> a winter power cut, and used that and several other
>> propane devices to fight the cold.
>
> Set most of them on a picnic table and they light the table on fire.
> The vast majority are cheap Chinese crap with no certification - and
> are useless at best, and dangerous in many cases.

Can't say as I remember ever hearing the FD called
to a picnic table fire. Do you have an online link?

Sounds like fun.

[DerbyDad03]

I'm not doubting you, but what kind of picnic table?

In all the years I've been using portable grills I've even never scorched a
table, let alone burned a hole in one. When I camp I have a couple of
wooden cabinets that I made to transport and hold our kitchen stuff. They
get put up on stands and then a 2' x 4’ piece of plywood goes across the
gap and the grill and stove go on top. The grill has never even scorched
the plywood.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

Who needs an online link. I've had it happen. Didn't need the fire
department - just a pail of river water. - didn't actually flame, but
charred about 1/4 inch deep. In Algonquin Park.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Sun, 8 Dec 2013 00:14:00 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03

It was 2X8 pine or spruce - Parks Canada issue - Algonquin Park - Pog
Lake Campground if I remember correctly.

[gregz]

I got a grill I bough at rite aid for $20 I use frequently. It's even got
Thermometer.
Been using It at camp, but it's been around. If I saw it again, I would buy
it, especially at $20. Sometimes you find amazing deals.

I also have a Coleman grill plate, not as useful. Another cheap propane two
burner stove I keep as spare. Also a Coleman liquid gas two burner stove, I
used mostly when we camped in tents.


Greg

[gregz]

I usually shake the tank. Works for me.

That grill I bought 4-5 years ago for $20 at rite aid looks similar to
this...

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Bond-Portable-Gas-Grill/6783840/product.html

Greg

[Caulki...@work.com]

On Thu, 5 Dec 2013 12:58:16 -0800 (PST), "hrho...@sbcglobal.net"
<hrho...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

>I guess I should have asked for POLITE IDEAS. Anyway, I am trying
to clean up my workbench and workshop and would rather not have an extra
cylinder around unless I will be needing it in the short term.

I suppose you only keep one can of soup in your house, unless you plan
to eat one in the short term?

And heaven forbid you keep an extra set of flashlight batteries on hand,
or a light bulb....... or spare pair of underwear in case you poop your
pants!

[Caulki...@work.com]

On Fri, 06 Dec 2013 21:40:15 -0600, Dean Hoffman
<""dh0496\"@win*&dstr$%eam.net"> wrote:

I *ALWAYS* take the torch head off the cylinder when I complete a job.
Some torches leak, they can get bumped and turned on a little. Then you
wasted a full tank of gas.

I always keep them indoors in cold weather. When they get cold, they
dont work right. And that is when they are usually needed the most,
when a pipe freezes or something like that. Even those bic cigarette
lighters dont work if they sit in a cold car. You have to warm them in
your hands before they will light.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/8/2013 5:35 AM, Caulki...@work.com wrote:
>
> I *ALWAYS* take the torch head off the cylinder when I complete a job.
> Some torches leak, they can get bumped and turned on a little. Then you
> wasted a full tank of gas.
>
> I always keep them indoors in cold weather. When they get cold, they
> dont work right. And that is when they are usually needed the most,
> when a pipe freezes or something like that. Even those bic cigarette
> lighters dont work if they sit in a cold car. You have to warm them in
> your hands before they will light.
>

I agree with this. Oh, Mapp gas is worse than propane,
for cold tank performance. I'm not sure about Mapp Pro,
but it's got to be much the same. On Ice Road Truckers,
the guys use propane torch, but never see Mapp
cylinders. I'd guess this is why.

Butane performance in cold is worse than propane.

[Daring Dufas : Hypocrite TeaBillie on welfare]

Home depot closes at 10pm .. Go buy another one moron. They are under $10.

[The Daring Dufas]

On 12/8/2013 6:19 AM, Daring Dufas : A Sock Of Killer Loon wrote:
> Home depot closes at 10pm .. Go buy another one moron. They are
> under $10.
>

Killer Loon, living proof that human women should never have sex with
farm animals. ^_^

TDD

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

MAPP is so much more expensive than propane (up here anyway) and the
extra heat output is not that important for thawing air lines etc.
Even for thawing water pipes, propane is adequate.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/8/2013 9:21 AM, cl...@snyder.on.ca wrote:
>> I agree with this. Oh, Mapp gas is worse than propane,
>> for cold tank performance. I'm not sure about Mapp Pro,
>> but it's got to be much the same. On Ice Road Truckers,
>> the guys use propane torch, but never see Mapp
>> cylinders. I'd guess this is why.
>>

> MAPP is so much more expensive than propane (up here anyway) and the
> extra heat output is not that important for thawing air lines etc.
> Even for thawing water pipes, propane is adequate.
>

You know, that's plenty sensible. I use Mapp for
silver soldering refrigeration lines. Sometimes it's
hot enough for stick brazing. For small lines.

Propane for thawing lines, I guess. Sounds right.

[k...@attt.bizz]

I'm sure you need them frequently, HomoGay.

[Caulki...@work.com]

On Sun, 08 Dec 2013 09:21:37 -0500, cl...@snyder.on.ca wrote:

>>
>>Butane performance in cold is worse than propane.

I guess so. Those cig lighters are butane and they just dont work in
cold.

> MAPP is so much more expensive than propane (up here anyway) and the
>extra heat output is not that important for thawing air lines etc.
>Even for thawing water pipes, propane is adequate.

Mapp is only for welding / brazing. No sense paying the extra just for
normal use like thawing pipes.

[hrho...@sbcglobal.net]

Thank you Emma Genius.

I chilled the propane cylinder overnight in the frig, and then brought it out into the kitchen. Waited about 8 minutes and then scanned it with my temperature IR scanner. Very distinct change in case temperature over a height difference of one inch. Tank is about half full.

[Stormin Mormon]

I'd be tempted to buy a full one, and repeat the
test. If a tank is filled to half the length of the
tank, it may actually be 7/8 full. You aren't
sure, yet....

[Dean Hoffman]

On 12/9/13 5:36 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
> On 12/9/2013 6:04 PM, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> Thank you Emma Genius.
>>
>> I chilled the propane cylinder overnight in
> the frig, and then brought it out into the kitchen. Waited about 8
> minutes and then scanned it with my temperature IR scanner. Very
> distinct change in case temperature over a height difference of one
> inch. Tank is about half full.

>>
> I'd be tempted to buy a full one, and repeat the test. If a tank is
> filled to half the length of the tank, it may actually be 7/8 full.
> You aren't sure, yet....
>

Now that you mention it, 85% is the fill limit on the 500 and 1000
gallon tanks for agricultural and home heating use.

[willshak]

hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> I have a standard hand-held Benzomatic propane torch, probably 35+ years old. Fortunately I have never run out of gas in the middle of an important project, and I do have 3 hardware stores within a five minute drive. But I sometimes do projects late at nite after the stores would be closed, and it would be nice to know when my propane cylinder (~2.75" diameter, 11" long)is about to run out.
> I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next year, I don't have a clue how much my present cylinder has been used. Ideas ???

I have a spotlight that I have had for years. I want to know how much
light I have used, and how much light is left in the spotlight.

--
Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeros after @

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/9/2013 9:07 PM, willshak wrote:
>
> I have a spotlight that I have had for years. I want to know how much
> light I have used, and how much light is left in the spotlight.
>

Well, silly. Put it in the freezer over night,
and then warm it for a few minutes. Check it
with IR thermometer to find out.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Mon, 09 Dec 2013 21:37:44 -0500, Stormin Mormon
<cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote:

>On 12/9/2013 9:07 PM, willshak wrote:
>>
>> I have a spotlight that I have had for years. I want to know how much
>> light I have used, and how much light is left in the spotlight.
>>
>
>Well, silly. Put it in the freezer over night,
>and then warm it for a few minutes. Check it
>with IR thermometer to find out.

Make sure the light in the freezed goes out when you close the
freezer.

[gregz]

Stormin Mormon <cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> On 12/9/2013 9:07 PM, willshak wrote:
>>
>> I have a spotlight that I have had for years. I want to know how much
>> light I have used, and how much light is left in the spotlight.
>>
>
> Well, silly. Put it in the freezer over night,
> and then warm it for a few minutes. Check it
> with IR thermometer to find out.

All you have to do is pour a cup of warm water over the side. I did it with
a large tank at camp. Work well. Surprised it was almost fill.

Greg

[DerbyDad03]

willshak <will...@00hvc.rr.com> wrote:
> hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> I have a standard hand-held Benzomatic propane torch, probably 35+ years
>> old. Fortunately I have never run out of gas in the middle of an
>> important project, and I do have 3 hardware stores within a five minute
>> drive. But I sometimes do projects late at nite after the stores would
>> be closed, and it would be nice to know when my propane cylinder (~2.75"
>> diameter, 11" long)is about to run out.
>> I could weigh an empty cylinder, but that could be tomorrow or late next
>> year, I don't have a clue how much my present cylinder has been used. Ideas ???
>
> I have a spotlight that I have had for years. I want to know how much
> light I have used, and how much light is left in the spotlight.

How much spot could a spotlight light if a spotlight could light spot?

[hrho...@sbcglobal.net]

I move to CLOSE THIS THREAD!!!!

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/9/2013 9:37 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
> On 12/9/2013 9:07 PM, willshak wrote:
>>
>> I have a spotlight that I have had for years. I want to know how much
>> light I have used, and how much light is left in the spotlight.
>>
>
> Well, silly. Put it in the freezer over night,
> and then warm it for a few minutes. Check it
> with IR thermometer to find out.
>

Years ago, my Dad worked in the training department
of Eastman Kodak. One of his bits of wisdom
"Yesterday's solutions will be applied to today's
problems, when they are not appropriate."

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/9/2013 10:13 PM, cl...@snyder.on.ca wrote:
>> Well, silly. Put it in the freezer over night,
>> and then warm it for a few minutes. Check it
>> with IR thermometer to find out.
> Make sure the light in the freezed goes out when you close the
> freezer.
>

Check with IR thermom?

[Stormin Mormon]

On 12/10/2013 12:08 AM, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> I move to CLOSE THIS THREAD!!!!
>

Second!

[The Daring Dufas]

On 12/10/2013 7:20 AM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
> On 12/10/2013 12:08 AM, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> I move to CLOSE THIS THREAD!!!!
>>
>
> Second!
>

Dang! I haven't made any profane, nasty remarks or questioned anyone's
parentage yet. o_O

TDD

[Stormin Mormon]

Let me tell you why Islam is the world's fastest
growing religion. got a couple hours? It all
started when the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was
visited one day by God, and told that all the
other groups were wrong. There was no one greater
than Allah (PBUH), and Muhammed (PBUH)was to
teach God's last and final message.

[harryagain]

<hrho...@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:61fb4859-0dcf-4ac2...@googlegroups.com...

Is the full and empty weights not stamped on the cylinder?