I did something similar in my propane-fired PMR research boiler. (OSHA
probably wouldn't approve) I took a propane soldering torch (control) and
cut it off where the burner (torch) connects. To that I connected a hose,
the other end of which connects to the control assembly from a propane camp
stove. ($19 at Wally Mart) Normally, the control assy. screws into the
burner of the camp stove. I made another burner from a 1 inch round brass
tube about 4 inches long - drilled 4 rows of 1/16th inch holes - close
together on one side. The brass burner is threaded to screw on the camp
stove control assy. in place of its normal burner. The camp stove regulator
is left wide open and regulation is by careful manipulation of the soldering
torch control. The solder torch control screws on to the camp stove propane
bottle. ($2.25 apiece at Wally Mart)

I had to experiment to find the right amount of air to admit to the
cylindrical brass burner. This was done via drilling additional air holes
in the camp stove throat tube and plugging the extra ones to obtain the best
flame. Metal tape partially covering the holes, assisted in determining
the correct amount of "hole" to use.

One bottle of "camp stove" propane will power the PMR boiler for several
hours, while running a 2 inch steam engine at a respectable demo speed, with
boiler pressure just below the 50# safety release pressure. Feed water must
be periodically pumped into the boiler via a check valve. At demo speed, it
will take about a pint of water per hour. Distilled water is recommended.

Caution: This is a potential carbon monoxide hazard but it doesn't appear
any worse in that respect than using the recommended Esbit fuel tablets.
Never leave the hose assy. screwed into a propane bottle when not in use.

Bob Swinney


wrote in message
ups.com...
I do alot of braze/solder work with copper and steel. Mostly
ornamental. I've always used a fairly cheap torch that attaches
directly to the small bottles of propane or mapp gas. I would like to
start using one of the 20 lbs. bottles of propane instead, so I don't
have to hold the bottle as well as the torch. Does anyone have any
recomendations for a good torch of this type? I don't want to use
oxygen also, just the propane. Thanks.